Fernie Ski Resort | British Columbia | 2026 Information
About Fernie
About Fernie
Fernie Alpine Resort has more than 2,500 acres of skiable terrain, 145 trails, and 5 alpine bowls. The resort is known for steeps, chutes, and glades, as well as deep, consistent powder throughout the season.
Located in southeast British Columbia, Fernie is one of eight alpine resorts on the “Powder Highway”, a circular route through the Kootenay Rockies all known for having deep powder, backcountry experiences, and an abundance of heli-skiing and cat-skiing operations.
Snowfall and Conditions
Fernie’s ski season typically runs from early December to mid-April. The resort averages 37 feet (440+ inches) of annual snowfall, and winter temperatures often sit around -5 °C (24 °F). Before travelling, check the current weather conditions at Fernie for up-to-date weather and snow reports.
Winter at Fernie Alpine Resort
More than half of the terrain at Fernie is rated advanced to expert. Currie Bowl is the resort’s highest point and also holds some of the steepest runs and chutes. Lower down in the Bowl you’ll find more open glade runs that funnel back to the base.
Intermediate and beginner skiers will still find the lower mountain has plenty of green runs and is the designated beginner area. For a more detailed breakdown of trails, check out these Fernie mountain stats, or this first-timer's guide to Fernie.
The town of Fernie is only a 10-minute drive from the resort and offers plenty of restaurants, bars, and local shopping experiences. It’s a funky little town with plenty of personality and charm. Beyond
Winter Activities at Fernie Alpine Resort: Skiing, Snowboarding, Private and Group Lessons for Adults and Kids, Cross-Country/Nordic Skiing, Snowmobiling, Ski Touring, Cat Skiing, Heli-Skiing, Fat Biking.
Summer at Fernie Alpine Resort
With 38 trails, Fernie has the largest lift-accessed mountain bike trail network in Western Canada. You will find a good mix of flowy downhill trails, great for beginners, as well as technical single-track trails with berms and wall rides for intermediate and above riders.
Don’t feel like pedalling? Head out on a hike or join a complimentary 1.5-hour guided hike, offered daily from the Interpretive Centre. For the more experienced hikers, specialty guided hikes can be pre-booked (for a fee) for half or full day exploration of Megasaurus/Bike Thief Loop, Old Growth Forest, or Griz Face.
Summer Activities at Fernie Alpine Resort: Mountain Biking, Recreational Cycling, Lessons and Clinics, Hiking, Guided Hiking Tours, Scenic Gondola Rides, Kids Camps, Nature Bob’s Interpretive Centre, Forest Playground, Tennis Courts, White Water Rafting.
Getting Around Fernie Alpine Resort
Located about 5km (3 miles) from the town of Fernie, the compact resort is easy to navigate, features essential skier services, some dining and lodging options. Log and wood buildings add to the alpine village charm.
The FernieStoke Shuttle helps people get between downtown Fernie, various accommodation areas, and the resort, which has one central skier dropoff zone. From here, you can easily walk to any of the base lifts to get on the mountain.
You will need to download the shuttle app to purchase and redeem tickets, as well as ride the shuttle. Some accommodations offer a free shuttle for their guests. There are also taxis and ride-share companies operating within Fernie.
What’s New at Fernie Alpine Resort
Ahead of the 2024 to 25 season, Griz Bar received a new roof and additional seating. Mountain operations added two grooming machines and three new lance guns to expand snowmaking capacity.
Getting to Fernie
Driving from the Calgary area, take Highway 1 west, then merge onto Highway 22 south. Continue on Highway 3 west until you reach Fernie. The drive time is approximately 3.5 hours.
From Vancouver, take Highway 1 east, then merge onto Highway 3 east. Continue on Highway 3 until you reach Fernie. The drive time is approximately 11–12 hours.
From the USA (Kalispell, Montana), head north on US-93 N, then cross the border into Canada. Merge onto BC-93/BC-95 N, then continue onto Highway 3 west. Follow Highway 3 until you reach Fernie. The drive time is approximately 2.5 hours.
Drive times can vary based on weather conditions.