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- Destinations
- North America
- Canada
- British Columbia
- Ski Resorts
- Fernie Alpine Resort
Fernie Alpine Resort
Fernie Alpine Resort, in the heart of the Canadian Rockies in
the south east of British Columbia, is one of the largest ski
resorts in the country and very popular with holidaymakers. Spread
along the Lizard Range, Fernie boasts excellent powder, five bowls,
picture perfect scenery and some highly challenging skiing. Its
steep terrain has garnered a serious reputation, as well as a
certain mystique - it is the kind of resort that die-hard snowsport
fans seek out to set their pulses racing. Tucked away as it is,
over three hours from Calgary, perhaps the best part of Fernie is
the lack of crowds; Fernie regulars try to keep its magic to
themselves. Skiers and snowboarders can enjoy people-free open runs
and over 2,500 acres (1,011ha) of skiable terrain. Those taking a
break from the slopes can explore the picturesque town of Fernie,
three miles (5km) from the resort, or indulge in some fire-side
drinks and a post-mortem of the day's runs.
Information & Facts
Activities
Although the majority of holiday visitors to Fernie are there
purely to hit the slopes, there are also a range of other
activities on offer, including dog-sledding, sleigh rides, heritage
walking tours of the old coal mining town of Fernie, snowshoeing,
ice fishing, whale watching and a relaxing day at the local spa.
There are also several children's activities on offer at certain
times of year.
Language
The official languages are English and French
(predominantly in Quebec).
Money
The currency used is the Canadian Dollar (CAD), which is divided
into 100 cents. One-dollar coins are also known as loonies (due to
the picture of a loon, a type of bird, on the coin), and two-dollar
coins as toonies. Banks and bureaux de change will change money and
travellers cheques, as will some hotels, but the rate will not be
as good. Major credit cards are widely accepted and ATMs are
plentiful. US Dollars are largely accepted, though due to fraud,
larger notes might not be and change is usually given in Canadian
dollars.
Negatives
The skiing at Fernie is mostly aimed at advanced and
intermediate levels, and can be a serious challenge for beginners.
Those looking for serious nightlife, shopping and extensive
après-ski activities will be disappointed.
Night Life
Fernie has a laid-back, relatively quiet nightlife, so is not
for holidaymakers looking for a huge off-slope party. The Grizzly
Bar, which has been attracting thirsty skiers since 1962, is
perhaps Fernie's most popular off-the-slopes hangout and it
attracts quite a crowd with live music and dancing on weekends. The
Blue Heron Pub is the town's only major bar, while the Shelter
Restaurant serves funky cocktails. The Tofino Legion and the
Maquinna Pub host a number of concerts throughout the year.
Restaurants
Although relatively small and out of the way, there are plenty
of dining options for holidaymakers to enjoy on and off the
mountain. The Curry Bowl (in Fernie town) offers delicious Asian
cuisine, with a mix of Indian, Thai and Japanese, while Las Tres
Hermanas has excellent Mexican dishes and highly popular
margaritas. On the mountain, Lizard Creek Lodge has a range of
different treats and local wines; Yamagoya has excellent Japanese
fare, and Gabriella's Little Italy Pasta Place is the perfet place
to carbo-load on tasty pastas and focaccia breads.
Shopping
The resort of Fernie is by no means a shopping destination, but
there are plenty of stores where holiday visitors can enjoying
browsing (particularly on 2nd Avenue in downtown), including food,
alpine sport stores, local arts, crafts and glassware, jewellery
and clothing.
Time
Canada covers six time zones, from GMT 8 in the west to GMT
-3.5 in the east.