skidivasbff
Diva in Training
Has anyone been to Fernie Ski Resort, www.skifernie.com? Any experiences skiing or snowboarding there?
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Fernie
- Thread starter skidivasbff
- Start date
cyn
Ski Diva Extraordinaire
We went to Fernie two years ago and are hoping to go back this year.
It is absolutely beautiful and HUGE - five bowls that all run down to the same base area, so it's impossible to get lost. There are groomers, powder, trees - basically anything your little heart desires.
We were there in March during some kind of school holiday, and we never had to wait in a liftline.
The downside to Fernie is that it isn't really that high - about 3600 feet at the base - so if it's a mild, rainy winter, the snow just isn't going to be there. Last year, for instance, they had a pretty lousy season, so we went to Sunshine instead.
Also, if you do decide to go, stay away from the Timberline Lodges condos. :mad: We were badly ripped off by them and will definitely not stay there again.
For honest and realistic reporting on Fernie conditions, go to "Craig's Fernie Report."
https://far.redtree.com/cgmrep.html
It is absolutely beautiful and HUGE - five bowls that all run down to the same base area, so it's impossible to get lost. There are groomers, powder, trees - basically anything your little heart desires.
We were there in March during some kind of school holiday, and we never had to wait in a liftline.
The downside to Fernie is that it isn't really that high - about 3600 feet at the base - so if it's a mild, rainy winter, the snow just isn't going to be there. Last year, for instance, they had a pretty lousy season, so we went to Sunshine instead.
Also, if you do decide to go, stay away from the Timberline Lodges condos. :mad: We were badly ripped off by them and will definitely not stay there again.
For honest and realistic reporting on Fernie conditions, go to "Craig's Fernie Report."
https://far.redtree.com/cgmrep.html
skidivasbff
Diva in Training
Good information on Fernie. Thank you. I hope to get there soon!
Thatsagirl
Ski Diva Extraordinaire
We've been to Fernie twice. We spent our honeymoon there in March 2002 (got married in Sept. 2001 but put off the honeymoon so we could have a "skiing honeymoon" 
). We also had a chance to visit again for one day when we skied Big Mountain 2 seasons ago. It is one of our favorite resorts. We like going to the more remote resorts because they are less crowded. They've gotten about 50 inches of snow so far this season and their opening day is tomorrow, so they're off to a good start. 
I have written an article about it if you'd like to read some in-depth info:
https://letsplantrips.com/articles/fernie_not_for_faint_of_heart.php
Thatsagirl
). We also had a chance to visit again for one day when we skied Big Mountain 2 seasons ago. It is one of our favorite resorts. We like going to the more remote resorts because they are less crowded. They've gotten about 50 inches of snow so far this season and their opening day is tomorrow, so they're off to a good start. I have written an article about it if you'd like to read some in-depth info:
https://letsplantrips.com/articles/fernie_not_for_faint_of_heart.php
Thatsagirl
skidivasbff
Diva in Training
thank you. this is great info!
SkiMave
Ski Diva Extraordinaire
Heh SkiDivaSBFF,
Here's an article on Fernie that appeared in the Toronto Star travel section last weekend. I haven't been there so can't comment on the article. Hope it helps.
https://www.thestar.com/article/280718
Here's an article on Fernie that appeared in the Toronto Star travel section last weekend. I haven't been there so can't comment on the article. Hope it helps.
https://www.thestar.com/article/280718
Thatsagirl
Ski Diva Extraordinaire
You're welcome. If you have any specific questions, let me know and I'll try to answer them.
cyn
Ski Diva Extraordinaire
Unfortunately, Fernie is having a rough early season. As I mentioned in my earlier post, it's a terrific mountain, but you have to check the conditions before you plan anything there. It's all about the altitude.
For instance, right now, they've missed the big snow dumps and conditions are poor.
Here's the report:
https://far.redtree.com/cgmrep.html
For instance, right now, they've missed the big snow dumps and conditions are poor.
Here's the report:
https://far.redtree.com/cgmrep.html
skidivasbff
Diva in Training
hmm. Maybe I'll save a trip to Fernie for another season. Thanks for the heads up!
Calgary ski chick
Certified Ski Diva
It's on my list for the next few months - skiied there a few years ago and it's huge, no lines, and usually sunny! Haven't checked the conditions yet though for 08...
cyn
Ski Diva Extraordinaire
Fernie's slow start is turning out to be a decent season. They're getting lots of snow these days, which is great!
Here's the latest:
https://far.redtree.com/cgmrep.html
Why am I so obsessed with Fernie conditions? We're hoping to get out there in March.
Here's the latest:
https://far.redtree.com/cgmrep.html
Why am I so obsessed with Fernie conditions? We're hoping to get out there in March.
jnmcarroll
Certified Ski Diva
Fernie Lodging Ideas
We are thinking of skiing Fernie for a few days on our way back from Banff later this month. For those of you that have stayed there do you have any lodging recommendations? We are looking for something moderately priced since we won't be in our room much. Ski-in/out would be great, but not mandatory.
Thanks so much!
We are thinking of skiing Fernie for a few days on our way back from Banff later this month. For those of you that have stayed there do you have any lodging recommendations? We are looking for something moderately priced since we won't be in our room much. Ski-in/out would be great, but not mandatory.
Thanks so much!
cyn
Ski Diva Extraordinaire
Check this Fernie community blog: https://www.ourfernie.com/blog
It has an "accomodations" tab at the top that lists lots of places to stay.
Lizard Creek Lodge is right on the mountain by one of the lifts and has fully equipped kitchens. The Griz Inn is also on the hill , likewise for Cornerstone Lodge. The Griz is probably the cheapest, but it looked OK to us from the outside. Snow Creek Lodge is also a good one. Check out the "Resorts of the Canadian Rockies" site for more info.
https://www.skircr.com/vacations/accommSearch.asp?re=FAR
Lizard Creek and Snow Creek are the most expensive, but sure did look mighty nice.....
We had an unfortunate experience with the Timberline Lodges, so beware of this heavily advertised condo complex. They claim they are within an "easy walking distance" to the base. They are NOT. It takes about 1/2 an hour to walk up there - not cool in ski boots. They also say there's a free shuttle to the base. Well, the shuttle only runs one way - so you're on your own to get back. And, the shuttle stops running completely after 10 am. There were other things about it that annoyed us,but I won't get into that here. PM me if you want more details.
It has an "accomodations" tab at the top that lists lots of places to stay.
Lizard Creek Lodge is right on the mountain by one of the lifts and has fully equipped kitchens. The Griz Inn is also on the hill , likewise for Cornerstone Lodge. The Griz is probably the cheapest, but it looked OK to us from the outside. Snow Creek Lodge is also a good one. Check out the "Resorts of the Canadian Rockies" site for more info.
https://www.skircr.com/vacations/accommSearch.asp?re=FAR
Lizard Creek and Snow Creek are the most expensive, but sure did look mighty nice.....
We had an unfortunate experience with the Timberline Lodges, so beware of this heavily advertised condo complex. They claim they are within an "easy walking distance" to the base. They are NOT. It takes about 1/2 an hour to walk up there - not cool in ski boots. They also say there's a free shuttle to the base. Well, the shuttle only runs one way - so you're on your own to get back. And, the shuttle stops running completely after 10 am. There were other things about it that annoyed us,but I won't get into that here. PM me if you want more details.
jnmcarroll
Certified Ski Diva
Thanks Cyn! This is a great start for booking a room!
Calgary ski chick
Certified Ski Diva
Just spent the weekend in Fernie, and wow... They have as much snow today as they usually have by March...
I missed the two dumps - both were midweek (today and last Wednesday) but when I showed up on Saturday it was stupendous!!! Coverage was really good - favorite run was a beautiful blue cruiser through a meadow on the very far side.
Lots of glades and bowls - not a whole of green runs if your group has a beginner though.
Recommend taking a snow tour - free - at 9:30 and 1:00 - volunteer guides show you around to their favorite spot on the hill...
I missed the two dumps - both were midweek (today and last Wednesday) but when I showed up on Saturday it was stupendous!!! Coverage was really good - favorite run was a beautiful blue cruiser through a meadow on the very far side.
Lots of glades and bowls - not a whole of green runs if your group has a beginner though.
Recommend taking a snow tour - free - at 9:30 and 1:00 - volunteer guides show you around to their favorite spot on the hill...
jnmcarroll
Certified Ski Diva
Good to hear you had a great trip Calgary Ski Chick and thanks for the snow report. We will be there in about a week and a half. I can't wait!!!
Calgary ski chick
Certified Ski Diva
Check out www.powderwatch.com for the Banff-Interior BC hillls report. It covers Sunshine, Lake Louise, Fernie, Kicking Horse, Panorama, and Castle.
Have fun! If you're in Calgary drop me a line!
Have fun! If you're in Calgary drop me a line!
jnmcarroll
Certified Ski Diva
That website looks great! We probably will swing through Calgary on our way up to Banff. My dh's company is based in Calgary, so he is up there quite often actually.
Of the resorts around your area (Sunshine, Lake Louise, Fernie, Kicking Horse, Panorama, and Castle) which do you suggest going to if it hasn't snowed in a while? It is looking like we may not have any new snow before we get there.
Of the resorts around your area (Sunshine, Lake Louise, Fernie, Kicking Horse, Panorama, and Castle) which do you suggest going to if it hasn't snowed in a while? It is looking like we may not have any new snow before we get there.
Calgary ski chick
Certified Ski Diva
We just got a dump... but -
Sunshine doesn't make snow - 100% natural and not as icy, and nearly as big as -
Lake Louise - slightly bigger, preferred by boarders
Both near Banff.
Slightly further away - Fernie's has unreal snow, Kicking Horse and Castle are both supposed to be good, haven't been there yet, Kicking Horse is a newish resort that opened about 3(?) seasons ago...
Sunshine doesn't make snow - 100% natural and not as icy, and nearly as big as -
Lake Louise - slightly bigger, preferred by boarders
Both near Banff.
Slightly further away - Fernie's has unreal snow, Kicking Horse and Castle are both supposed to be good, haven't been there yet, Kicking Horse is a newish resort that opened about 3(?) seasons ago...
