Snow Riding
Downhill Skiing and Snowboarding
A legend in its own lifetime, the Fernie Alpine Resort offers 2400 vertical feet, with suitable terrain for all abilities, all as steep as you want it to be. There are secret chutes and gullies, cliffs, and terrain that can challenge the best skiers in the world, but did you know that there are also more than 50 groomed runs and over 100 trails that run down five bowls and through beautifully tranquil gladed runs that can keep you busy for a lifetime?
A lifetime? Well no two days are the same at Fernie, and no two bowls are the same either. Locals here have their favourites – some like the wide open alpine feel of the Lizard bowl with its almost treeless runs further up the hill, while others, like myself enjoy Currie Bowl because of the gladed centre, and the fact that, well, it just isn’t as busy as the other bowls! Busy? Well Fernie isn’t busy at all. Cath and I have skied Verbier, and know what it’s like to spend an hour in line waiting to get to the bottom of the first of two gondolas. The longest line-up I’ve ever seen at Fernie was a 20 minute affair just after lunch on Christmas week. Locals here have been known give up and go back down the mountain if there are more than ten people in front of them!
The ski area is just 5km south of Fernie down-town; the 5 enormous bowls are on display for all to see from the High Street and Cinnamon Bear Lodge alike. You can find out more information on the resort and ski and board courses at www.skifernie.com, Non-Stop also provide excellent courses of all descriptions, including those for ski and board instructor qualifications.
Cross Country Trails
Although not famous for it’s cross-country trails, Fernie nevertheless has miles of these on offer. The trail network around the town allows walkers, cross country skiers and snow-shoers alike the chance to enjoy the scenery. The Fernie Nordic Club provides a groomed trail network on the Fernie Golf Course, set for both classic and skate skiing, and there are trails around town that are recreated every year, one of which is easily accessible from the B&B. The trails around town are also a great location for snow-shoeing with friends.
Cinnamon Bear Lodge Facilities
At the B&B here we have plenty of room for storing your skis in our own in-door ski rack, and we have a mudroom accessible from the garage so you can bring your boots in and keep them warm. There’s nothing worse than starting the day in icy cold boots!