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Visitor reviews for Fernie Ski Resort

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• January 17, 2012
  the hater from Canada
  

  Every time I've been to Fernie the snow sucks! If you look to see what the snow conditions are on their website they always add an extra 30cm of lies. if you're looking for untracked pow you will not find it here thanks to there high speed qaud that packs hundreds of people on each run. Well that's enough hating for this hater, I'm out.

• Fernie Ratings

  Based on 6 votes. Vote

  Access: 3.2 (1) At least one overnight stop, (2) requires a whole day, (3) requires more than half a day – you may have time for a few turns (4) arrive by lunchtime and ski all afternoon, (5) there is a main airport within an hour of Fernie.	Public Transport: 3.2 (1) There are no buses or taxis to Fernie, (3) there are slow or infrequent buses / trains available, (5) getting to the resort is easy with frequent bus / train connections.
  Scenery: 4.3 (1) An ugly resort in a bland setting, (3) average mountain views and resort, (5) a spectacular setting and a beautiful / historic resort town.	Accommodation: 4.5 (1) No places to stay in/near Fernie, (3) a few places to stay in the resort, (5) a wide variety of accommodation suitable to suit all budgets.
  Cheap Rooms: 3.7 (1) No budget accommodation available, (3) just one or two hostels so book ahead, (5) several cheap hostels and pensions available.	Luxury Hotels: 5.0 (1) No luxury accommodation available, (3) just one or two luxury hotels so book ahead, (5) several up-market hotels in Fernie.
  Ski in/Ski out: 4.5 (1) The ski area is located far from any accommodation, (3) a free ski bus takes you to the ski area in a short trip, (5) Ski-in ski-out accommodation is available.	Childcare: 3.8 (1) There are no child care facilities at Fernie, (5) the resort has excellent child-care facilities including at least one reasonably priced creche.
  Snowsure: 4.0 (1) Occasionally gets enough snow for skiing, (2) is often closed due to a lack of snow, (3) occasionally suffers from a lack of snow, (4) rarely suffers from a lack of snow, (5) Fernie is snowsure even in the poorest seasons.	Snowmaking: 3.0 (1) Fernie relies entirely on natural snow, (3) there are just a few snow cannons, (5) there are snowmaking facilities on all pistes.
  Snow Grooming: 3.8 (1) There are no snow groomers at Fernie, (3) occasionally some pistes are left ungroomed and in a poor state, (5) all the runs at Fernie are groomed daily.	Shelter: 3.8 (1) there is nowhere to ski when it is windy or visibility is bad and lifts often shut, (3) there are some trees for poor visibility but main lifts sometimes close, (5) Fernie is mostly in forest where you can ski in flat-light and windy days, lifts rarely close.
  Nearby options: 3.2 (1) If snow conditions are poor at Fernie, it will be poor everywhere nearby, (3) there are good alternatives within an hours drive, (5) other locations on the same lift pass provide a rich variety of snowsure ski conditions.	Regional rating: 4.3 (1) Fernie usually has poor snow conditions compared to other resorts in region, (3) has average conditions for the region, (5) usually has the best snow conditions in the region.
  Lift Staff: 4.6 (1) The staff at Fernie are rude or unhelpful, (5) lift staff at Fernie are pleasant, cheerful and eager to help.	Crowds/Queues: 3.7 (1) the resort is always busy and there are usually long lift queues, (3) it is quiet apart from occasional weekends and school holidays, (5) it is uncrowded and lift queues are very rare.
  Ski Schools: 3.8 (1) No ski schools available, (2) one or two ski schools but local language only, (3) a few ski schools but book early for multi-lingual instructors, (4) plenty of ski schools and multi-lingual instructors available, (5) excellent ski schools with friendly multi-lingual ski instructors.	Hire and Repairs: 4.3 (1) Nothing can be sourced, not even ski-wax or ptex. (3) there are some ski shops but rentals need to be booked in advance, (5) good quality ski equipment can be purchased or hired and overnight repairs are possible.
  Variety of pistes: 4.7 (1) The ski runs are featureless and unvaried, (3) the ski runs are varied but not extensive enough for a week, (5) Fernie has diverse and interesting pistes including forests and high alpine terrain.	Beginners: 3.8 (1) Beginners can only watch others ski and snowboard, (3) a few gentle slopes but beginners will get bored in less than a week, (3) Vast areas of gentle terrain.
  Intermediates: 4.3 (1) No intermediate terrain at Fernie, (3) intermediate skiers will get bored after a few days, (5) vast areas of cruising runs.	Advanced: 4.7 (1) Nothing for advanced skiers and snowboarders, (3) enough steep terrain for a few days with some good offpiste, (5) Enough steep terrain and offpiste areas to entertain advanced skiers for at least a week.
  Snow Park: 3.4 (1) Not even a kicker at Fernie, (3) average sized park quite well looked after, (5) huge park area and expertly crafted pipes, jumps and boardercross trails.	Off-piste: 3.8 (1) No off-piste worth mentioning, (2) off piste is out-of-bounds, (3) some varied offpiste that stays fresh for one or two days, (5) a vast array of off-piste routes that can stay untracked for several days.
  Cross-country: 4.2 (1) There is nowhere to go for cross-country skiing around Fernie, (3) there are some cross country trails available, (5) the area features many spectacular and well maintained cross-country trails.	Luge/Toboggan: 1.5 (1) No designated luge or toboggan runs, (3) there are toboggan runs that open quite often, (5) Fernie has long and well maintained luge / toboggan facilities suitable for all ages.
  Mountain Dining: 3.8 (1) Nowhere to buy food by the pistes, (3) some places to eat up on the mountain but they are often busy and expensive, (5) there is a variety of excellent mountain eateries right next to the slopes to suit all budgets.	Eating: 3.8 (1) Bring your own food, there isn't even a shop. (5) A wide variety of places to eat and drink in the resort, from fast food to fancy restaurants.
  Apres-Ski: 4.4 (1) Nothing to do, not even a bar, (3) there are a few bars in the resort but nothing special, (5) clubs and bars stay open until very late and have a friendly atmosphere.	Other Sports: 3.7 (1) No sports facilities at all apart from ski lifts, (3) resort has just a small public swimming pool, (5) resort has all kinds of sports facilities, including a full-size swimming pool.
  Entertainment: 3.2 (1) Besides the snow and walking there is nothing to do here, (3) the non-skier will find things to do for few days but may become bored after a week, (5) the resort area is a fascinating place to visit, regardless of winter sports.	Winter Walks: 3.2 (1) Very limited walking and no snowshoe trails, (3) a couple of designated scenic walking/snowshoe trails, (5) extensive and diverse winter walking trails for all abilities.
  Ski Pass Value: 3.3 (1) A 1 week ski pass is overpriced compared to the number of lifts available, (3) the ski pass is averagely priced and covers a reasonable number of lifts, (5) ski passes are excellent value for money and cover a lot of lifts spanning a big area.	Value (National): 3.3 (1) Overall, Fernie is one of the most expensive ski resorts in the country and not worth the money, (3) overall represents average value for money, (5) overall offers the best value resort in the country.
  Value (Global): 3.2 (1) Overall, Fernie is one of the most expensive ski resorts in the world, (3) overall it offers pretty average value for money compared to resorts from other countries, (5) internationally the resort offers excellent value for money.

  Based on 6 votes. Vote

• December 27, 2011
  mr.john from Canada
  

  Okay, there seems to be a few conflicting reviews here, and I would like to attempt to sort them out for people who have not been to Fernie. I have been skiing almost everywhere, and if you are accustomed to skiing the rest of BC, e.g. Whitewater, Red, Revelstoke etc, Fernie will seem to be a bit of a disappointment. However, if you are used to skiing in eastern North America and even Europe and Banff to some extent, the hill will seem to be fricking righteous. However, I will point out, as a local, the rain and avalanche closures, as well as not having a good park to hit in between storm cycles do tend to be a bit of a downside. Still, the snow is amazing when it is here.

• November 28, 2011
  Kim Fuhrman from Canada
  

  I was weary of going skiing Nov 26th (preview weekend) as the snow was sparse at the bottom of the hill. Am I ever glad I ventured out, the snow from mid mountain up was great. Fresh tracks to be made on Blueberry, Dancer, Boomerang and Bear. Promises to be another great season if this keeps up!

• November 18, 2011
  Snowaydude from Canada
  

  Fernie used to have a half pipe and cheaper tickets. They took away the jumps. They jack prices every year. RCR owns the mountain, they need to listen to the people and community, stay open a month longer every year. Instead of closing with a solid base of snow, keep it running for good spring skiing. Bring back the half pipe, jumps and terrain park!
  Fernie gets great snow, needs to get rid of the corporation. Private ownership! $1200 for an early bird deal seasons pass is too much.

• November 14, 2011
  Jose from Canada
  

  Fernie is the bomb. Go there over anywhere else, especially Castle Mountain.

• April 05, 2011
  big d from Canada
  

  Fernie is not dependent on snow conditions. When it's snowing heavily, don't go! They'll close the whole place down. A good 5-6 days after a snowfall is good time, they usually start opening terrain at that point.

  Now if it's on a weekend then definitely go. RCR loves to open areas when there are tourists around and screw over the locals, closing terrain, during weekdays. I was there a few weeks ago. Hadn't snowed in 5 days and they just opened one of the bowls (of course on a Saturday). Man the locals must be p1ssed.

  Oh yea and some other thoughts:
  Dayticket ~ $90
  Lifts are slow
  Rains a lot
  Weekends get very, very busy
  No jumps, only rails

• April 01, 2011
  ryan from Australia
  

  Fernie is one of the best hills I have been on in the last ten years and I keep coming back season after season and loved it every time. The only problem with the hill is RCR.

• March 11, 2011
  Louise from Canada
  

  Would you rather get caught in an avalanche? Deal with it, closures are for your own safety!!

• March 10, 2011
  realistic from Australia
  

  RCR are money grabbers, when it does snow like the last couple of weeks they keep parts of the mountain closed for up to 8days, it is sad because it is a good mountain with nice terrain. RCR say they keep things closed due to avi danger but they are over cautious(what other mountains in the world would shut most of the mt and keep chairlifts closed on after 10cm or more! Plus, while you're waiting for the lift to open, ski schools are being let on and tracking the mountain before you can go up the lift.
  The last thing I have to stick to RCR is the way you open little area's at a time, it gets tracked so fast and it's a fight for fresh line.
  Today I went up for first lifts and waited in the rain until 11 - 2hours late.
  Fernie, when it's not raining, is sweet! Go to Revelstoke!

• February 23, 2011
  Steve from Canada
  

  I am a Fernie regular for the past 7 years. For context, I have skied most of the major resorts in North America, both in the East and the West.
  I regard Fernie as unique.
  First, the snow quality: aside from a few lucky days in Utah, I have never found such high quality and bountiful snow as I have in Fernie. The snow can be so light and deep that you can dig your pole into the snow to the grip, not find the bottom, and stir around without resistance. Hit a mid-week dump, and you can be making fresh tracks up to your last run. When it is snowing, there is genuinely no better place in North America.
  When it has not snowed for a while, there can be wear spots in a few specific areas (noteably on the sun facing side below the Elk Chair). Even so, the tree skiing holds, and the unique scalloped configuration of the mountain ridge means that stashes are out of the sun and well- preserved. It does rain at times in April. I hate that. To look for a positive, the storm patterns seem to also make late season skiing some of the best (e.g. 2-3 days of heavy snow, followed by lower mountain rain).
  The mountain design works for the adventurous. Contiguous bowls mean lots of ridgeline skiing between the bowls.
  Lines: you have got to be kidding. Aside from predictably busy ski days, lines are simply not a factor. Better still, you can always venture out into all sorts of in-bound places and be completely on your own.
  Equipment: yup, updates will be welcome. Good enough, though laps in some areas can be a multi-lift chore. Locals will say that it helps to keep areas from getting tracked out. I see it from both sides.
  Town: I love this place. It is a good idea to stay off the hill. Cost is dramatically less, and the trip in is so short. Much more to do in town post ski than on the hill.
  Closures: well, they do rope areas off when it snows, Usually areas open over the course of the day. Wish they had a better system of announcements.
  If you are a real skier, put Fernie high on your list.

• February 18, 2011
  James from New Zealand
  

  Having skied Fernie, I'm not sure what the last few people were on about. Fernie gets more snow than most resorts in Canada, and half the amount of people that Whistler or Banff would get. Just had an epic day of fresh pow. Lets just say those people were there on a not so good day. Fernie gets bad days too, but a lot less than other resorts around. The less people there the more pow for us who stay! Enjoy.

• February 18, 2011
  cyrus from Canada
  

  I've been to Fernie several times and would definitely agree that it is not a family hill, as a lot of the terrain is quite steep. Last year (2009/2010) was a very icy year but the terrain in the Curry Bowl always seems to have good snow. This year, even after a snowless week or so, there was powder to be had! Very good terrain with snow, although it turns into moguls fairly quickly.
  Bottom line: with some base: awesome! Without, you may be buying yourself some new skis...

• January 21, 2011
  Peter from Canada
  

  Having skied Fernie for the past 20 years, along with every other resort in Western Canada, I agree that Fernie is not one of the better hills. Rain, closures, poor facilities and crowds.
  My suggestion: stay away.

• January 13, 2011
  Frank Jones from Canada
  

  Skied Fernie for a few days and was unable to ski most of the terrain. Locals have said that most of the hill closes due to avalanche potential after 5cm of snow. Even after morning avalanche bombing, bowls remain closed until the weather breaks and a heli can be brought in. Very disappointed.

• January 05, 2011
  Seb from Canada
  

  After 5 years in Fernie my review sounds like this:
  -When you got a dump its champagne
  -Lifts are an incredible access to sick backcountry runs
  -No waiting during the weeks

  -No park
  -headwalls and cliffs are permanent closure area ex:hellsgates
  -Staff and patrol try hard but I think that RCR is the problem.
  (Why try to make a family resort with a terrain like that ?)

• November 22, 2010
  heelside from Canada
  

  Fernie is an awesome ski hill. Unlike so many hills closer to Calgary, Fernie actually holds powder for more than one day. The bowls are epic and it is in your best interest to know where the closures are and when they may open. On a good year Fernie can churn out a foot of snow per day for what seems like the entire season. I am sure that Europe and Colorado mega resorts have better bathrooms and lifts. In Canada,what you do get is lots of room to roam and often whispy fresh tracks.
  I have been down every hill in western Canada and Fernie is surely one of the best.

• February 21, 2010
  Mick from Canada
  

  If you don't like Fernie and think Europe is the bomb well go off back to Europe, because I think you are better off there.

• January 19, 2010
  John Brown from Canada
  

  Fernie:
  Bowls at closed after a few centimeters of snow.
  Lifts old and slow.
  Bathrooms not part of the expensive lift ticket.
  Management of the hill need much improvement.
  Rains alot.

• December 18, 2009
  Kevin Lee from Canada
  

  Fernie is one of the most awesome areas around. With the wide open bowls there is virtually endless terrain to ski. For those that are complaining about short runs, I challenge you to ski Skydive or the Boomerang bowl non-stop top to bottom. If you can do that you belong on the Olympic team. Fernie has many, many areas of steep long challenging slopes. It's the only area where I actually literally needed a snorkel. Powder shots over the shoulders every turn and occasionally over the head, and in the face. Fernie is da bomb. Plan it after a good snow fall and you'll be talking about it for the rest of your life. PS. I don't even remember the resorts I skied in Europe, very non-eventful, poor snow, millions of people.

• December 14, 2009
  Adrian Slade from United Kingdom
  

  I have noticed that there are a few negative reviews about Fernie for 2009. Well a valid comment here is that 2009 was not at all a typical year for snow at Fernie at all. It in fact had about two thirds of its usual snow fall and the depth at mid only reached about 2.2 metres at the end of the season, However the skiing was still pretty good. I was there in 2009 skiing for 65 out of 75 days, the conditions did vary over this period depending on how long it was between dumps and there was a week when it got a bit icy due to unusually high temps and freezing at night.

  I would point out that having been to Fernie for 7 years it usually gets brilliant conditions and if you are lucky enough to be there when it dumps and dumps then it is hard to beat. This year so far the snowfall is beating all previous records for the past 37 years. So consider the negative comments carefully.

  With respect to it being busy at weekends and holidays then this has to be taken into perspective. The ski area is a reasonable 2500+ acres and is all in bounds with 5 bowls. The mountain peaks at around 7000 people a day in the busy periods and when you compare this to Whistler that average 40,000-50,000 on 6800+acres then the Fernie ratio is much lower. Whistler has similar densities to those in La Trios Vallee in France. So I suspect those commenting have no experience of a really busy resort. In fact in Fernie in the week the average number of people on the ski hill is around 1000-1500 a day and there are always empty runs. I have seen no one at the base or on lifts in January at 9:30am.

  With respect to the lift ticket prices: they are not cheap, but this is mainly due to the exchange rates and if you compare to a major resort in EU then there is not much in it.

  Do not be put of, it is a great ski hill and does get very good powder snow when it snows hard. If you go and the conditions are as they are usually you will not be disappointed and it has a lovely feel and charm.

• April 03, 2009
  Pat Brown from Canada
  

  Stayed for 2 weeks at Fernie. The resort got snow, however, most of the hill was closed. After a few centimetres they closed most of the upper runs. Locals said that each year the management of the hill gets worse then the previous year. When they do open parts of the hill the powder has settled and mostly, is heavy, etc. This year they have added a lot of rope which has created a very dangerous situation when skiing in low visiablility. Ski tickets very expensive. No washrooms on upper hill (a lot of out houses) And the lifts at Fernie need to be upgraded.

• March 10, 2009
  steve M from United Kingdom
  

  My 10th year in Fernie has just passed. Don't believe the hype any more than you would anywhere else but if you like it steep and sometimes deep, you have hit it lucky as Fernie is the happiest place to be. It's not all about the ski hill, it's about the feel of the whole valley. So freindly and laid back but serious about its winter sports. I go for the vibe and for backcountry and it has it all in Fernie. Cat sking or hiking after a dump is amazing, try Ferne Wilderness cat skiing or, if you're able to get in, Powder Cowboy for the day. It's even got what is regarded by many as the worlds premier cat ski operation at Island Lake and it is something to do in your life if you live to ski/board.
  The weather on the whole can be changeable but no different to Europe until it snows, then it really snows. I miss the restaurants on the pistes of France but it is Northern America so things are done by going to the base for food. The food is good and pretty cheap compared to Europe but the lift passes are in the orbit of approximately £48 a day (work that out for 10 days).
  You don't get a big ski hill at Fernie either and there is no park. The Face lift is closed with most of Cedar bowl when it snows most of the time.
  I can't recommend Canadian Powder tours chalet enough. It's the best place to stay in Fernie by far. Check it out but don't go by the 80's website. Suffice to say, after 10 years I'm still not bored with Fernie and will probably never be. It's not just about the ski hill here.

• March 02, 2009
  Dave T from United Kingdom
  

  After riding in Europe for the last 17 years, why did I chose to come to Fernie for my first season? Legendary Champagne Powder, awesome terrain and no crowds.
  Well after spending 4 months here I can tell you that Fernie thrives on hype. The legendary champagne powder is no better than anywhere else and is frequently replaced by rain that is apparently the norm for Fernie, but is conveniently never mentioned.
  The awesome terrain is there but the runs are very short and are very quickly tracked out when they're not closed; this is more often than not.
  The crowds at the weekends or after a dump of snow are quite impressive to say the least and once the powder is tracked out (very quickly) there is no park (small one with a few rails) as jumps are banned. It is apparently RCR policy that you can hurt yourself on jumps but not on steel structures. Is this due to the fact that they fear being sued for injuries or that it's cheaper not to have a park to maintain? Who knows.
  While here I've been to Castle Mountain, White Water and Red Mountain - all of which are small but enjoyable for a short trip.
  To sum up - It's a small area (8 lifts - including the two drags serving the beginner area).
  It rains quite often.
  The Canadian Powder is no better than powder anywhere else.
  Fernie has good terrain but the runs down are over very quickly - 20 min laps for 10 turns.
  It gets tracked out very quickly.
  Areas remain closed for long periods.
  Fernie suffers from crowds at the weekend and after a dump of snow.
  If you are used to the big European resorts then I'm afraid you're not going to be very impressed - North American resorts just don't compare in any way what so ever.

• January 31, 2009
  Keith Turner from United Kingdom
  

  Just got back from a week boarding in Fernie. Stayed at Stanford Hotel mid-way between the town and the mountain. Conditions were really cold for 5 days (-26 degrees at Bear's Den on Sunday and with -40 windchill - thank goodness for the fire there.) Then 3-4cm of snow-making the last day provided fun between the trees and pylons on the lower part of the mountain. Unmarked run from bottom of Great Bear chair between 43 and 45 was good and could be lapped in <15 mins. Last day was first to last chair solid. The bowls and chutes at Fernie were mostly too icy to do much more than a tour and recce. Would go back, but the legendary powder failed to show :-(

• January 17, 2008
  Andy Griffiths from United Kingdom
  

  Just came back from a great weeks skiing in Fernie. Stayed at the Riverside Chalet where our host Julie made the most delightful cakes and biscuits, if only Chris knew how to turn on a dishwasher??? :-)
  Snow was fantastic, people were great, even took in a hockey fight (oops, I mean game).
  All in all, one of the best skiing experiences I have ever had. Bonza (in joke at chalet).

• January 07, 2008
  Powder Dan from United States
  

  This is an incredible place! Just returned from week of skiing with almost 5 feet of new SNOW!! Not only is the snow and terrain incredible but so are the people. This is a friendly and fun place to visit. I am only writing this because my wife made me do it as she thought it important to share such a special place as not many people know about Fernie. We found the staff at the ski area wonderful! Better than what we have been used to in Colorado or Montana. Enjoyed great ski in and ski out lodging as well.
  Have fun!

• November 28, 2007
  Brom Parsons from United Kingdom
  

  Fernie survival guide.
  Don't obsess about the conditions before you go!!
  They change from one day to the next, todays powder is tommorrows crust and crud.
  Don't worry about the weather!!!!
  If on the unlucky chance it is raining in the village, the chances are that it is dumping mid mountain and above.
  If it's snowing at bedtime get up early for those freshies.
  If you like wet slush go to Whistler!!!!
  Buy some quality clothing!!!
  It can get cold. A balaclava and hand warmers are worth taking, especially if you are there in Jan. Usually temps between -2 and -15. But sometimes drops to -25, -30. Frost bite risk.
  Do explore the whole mountain!!!!
  It's steep at the top. Helmets recommended so don't be a hero. Careful with young children above mid mountain level. Really conditions dictate how difficult the runs are, so judge on a daily basis.
  If groomed cruisers are your thing you may be disappointed!!
  Fernie is one big off-piste experience, with the safety of being in bounds.
  It's the only place I have ever been to that has forced me to shed a tear when it's time to leave. Thats why I'll be there again this season.

• March 24, 2007
  Sarah Burdett from United Kingdom
  

  My partner and I have just come back from Fernie. We stayed at the Wolfs Den Lodge on the Ski Hill for two weeks and it was great. Everyone in Fernie is so friendly, the Ski School I went to (Mike was the Instructor), was brilliant and in no time I was skiing great. Fernie Ski area is unlike anything I have ever experienced, its great. Breakfast was in the Daylodge (a sunriser bagel, very nice) and Kelseys & Gabriellas serve great evening food. The Wood restaurant at the Griz Inn is a lovely place and serves quite posh(ish) food! I loved the ski hill. The green runs are excellent for beginners and are so wide unlike European resorts. The snow was great the first week, then spring set in a bit earlier than usual and the snow started to melt on the lower slopes; still ok though. Apparently the higher runs were still brilliant. Maybe next time we go we will go a bit earlier i.e Mid February. Also, there weren't any lift queues. Even at a ,when it gets "busy", you still get straight on the lift. We will definately be going back, Fernie is a must!! We loved it.

• February 13, 2007
  Cheryl Crook from United Kingdom
  

  Just returned from Fernie (10 February 2007); pleasantly surprised. Tons of snow, and wildlife - saw 3 deer running across the piste. Best for the more experienced skier, not much for the more sedate intermediates. Great town for eateries, and so reasonable. Would recommend the Chinese restaurant at Cedar Lodge, the Curry Bowl and Boston Pizza.

• February 09, 2007
  Adrian Slade from United Kingdom
  

  Well, all I can say about Fernie is that it is fantastic, the skiing/snowboarding is great with the 5 bowls offering very varied runs/terrain with really good off-piste, and tree runs. For the more adventurous the Cat-skiing is a must in back country. We have been there at different times in Jan, Feb and March and only the notorious year 2005/06 when all of North America had bad snow when the conditions like normal EU, even so you could still ski the whole mountain and this was towards the end March. The snow at Fernie is very dry and usually when it dumps fine powder, you can go to bed and it not be snowing and then 1-2 foot of fresh powder greets you in the morning, absolutely wonderful. The mountain is not like anything you experience in EU or other more famous CA ski resorts as it is rarely busy, I have been on a lower lift on a Monday morning at 9:30 in Feb and there was no one else on it, and a ski queue of more than 2 mins is a rarity. Weekends get busier with people coming in from Calgary but nothing to compare to what you are used to.
  We have been to Fernie 5 times and stayed in Park Place Lodge in the town, 10 mins to the ski hill by the ski bus, which is good value and comfortable and central for the town in the evening. We have also stayed at Lizard Creek Lodge, ski in/out on the mountain which is great with luxury and all the usual mod cons. The locals are very friendly and welcome their ski guests viewing them as an asset.
  The cheapest way to get there is www.flyzoom.com, around £260 return from UK to Calgary if you book ahead and then $110CA return shuttle bus with one of the local companies. Cranbrook should be opening soon as an international Airport, which will make it only a 50 min transfer.
  Fernie is definately expanding with a lot of investment over the last 2 years, a major road intersection from the highway up to the ski hill, the Lost Boys cafe up on the mountain at the top of Timberline Express quad, and further development planned on the mountain. I would get there asap and experience Fernie before it gets too well known and popular, it is our favourite, and we have skied at Whistler, Banff (Sunshine, Lake Louise, Norquay), Kicking Horse, 3-Valleys FR, and Flaine FR. Kicking horse is the only one that compares but it is a very challenging ski area.
  To sum up love Fernie so much that we have bought a ski condo on the hill to use and rent out, see www.skifernie.biz , it is great value and fantastic skiing.