Winter Activities

Click here for Summer activities

Outdoor recreation has played an enormous part in Fernie's cultural heritage. Though the ambitious groups who first ski-ski toured Cedar Valley in the 1920's on cedar skis and leather boots have given way to to twin-tips, snowboards and the high speed Timber Bowl Express Chair of Fernie Alpine Resort, Fernie has long been an immense winter playground for a myriad of pursuits. Fernie is all about the snow! With an average annual snowfall of 1000 cms (29 ft.) (Canadian climate normals - 1971 to 2000, Environment Canada), this really is "Snow Valley" during the winter months.

Skiing and Snowboarding

Powder!While traditional winter activities like snow-shoeing, cross-country skiing, ice fishing, curling, pond skating and shinny hockey are still enjoyed by Fernieite locals, more adrenaline driving sports such as downhill skiing, snowboarding and snowmobiling are now attracting visitors from all around the globe. The recently expanded Fernie Alpine Resort is rapidly gaining status as the hidden powder capital of BC. Well known to skiers and boarders from British Columbia and beyond, the ski area is located just 5 km west of the town of Fernie and the massive bowls are tantalisingly visible from Main St. Fifty groomed runs and countless other secret chutes and gullies cover a total of 2,400 vertical feet (730 m) with suitable terrain for novices, intermediates and experts alike. And if your favourite run is "tracked out"? The dense Alpine forest provides unbeatable snow-stashed tree-runs.

Snowmobiling

Feel like firing up one of these high powered snow machine and blasting through untracked snow? Snowmobiling territory is accessible up Coal Creek Road, giving motor sport enthusiasants the super fun thrill of speed and powder and the ability to venture far into the fabled Fernie backcountry.

Hockey

Fernie has a long standing hockey tradition at various levels of participation. From minor hockey leagues for girls and boys alike, to the fast-skating, hard-hitting action of the Fernie Ghostriders Junior "B" Hockey club.

Cross-country trails

Fernie has a quality trail network around the town which provides track set access for walking, cross-country skiing, or snow-shoeing. With connection from all neighborhoods to the Aquatic Center, Arts Station, Historic Victoria Avenue, Curling Rink, Fernie Memorial Arena, or just the backcountry, an invigorating winter walk can be easily enjoyed. The Fernie Nordic Club provides a groomed trail network on the Fernie Golf Course, set for both classic and skate skiing, also an excellent location for snowshoeing.

  • Snowshoeing is quickly catching on! Areas such as the Fairy Creek Trail and Fernie Alpine Resort Silk Trail are ideal for a hike through the Elk Valley's fluffy powder. Snowshoe rentals / tours are available at several sport shops in Fernie and on the mountain at the Mountain Edge shop.
  • Sleighrides are a perfect way to wrap up a winter holiday. Available through Mountain Magic Ventures at Fernie Alpine Resort throughout the winter ski season.
  • Dog Sledding Tours are a perfect way to experience the spectacular scenery and a part of Canadian heritage. Available in the valley throughout the winter ski season
  • Wildlife Viewing excursions are available through Fernie Wilderness Adventures and provide excellent opportunities to view many different animal species.

All activitied out?

Mountain culture in the Kootenays also adopts its own individual character during the summer months. Small town music festivals,, eclectic food fairs, quaint historical museum visits, exhilarating mountain races, quiet time at the Fernie Heritage Library, wandering about Rotary Park at the weekend "Mountain Market", or partaking in lively summer concert after viewing the local displays at the Arts Station: all these venues and activities combine to form Fernie's unique cultural experience. In addition to operating as a visitor information site, the Fernie Historical Museum, located at the corner of 2nd Avenue (Victoria) and 4th Street, also houses displays of local mining history, furniture and household items.