It's All Down Hill in Fernie

Where is Fernie?
You will find it nestled in the Canadian Rockies in the southeast corner of British Columbia. It is miles from Calgary Airport and 100 miles south of Banff.

Scenery?
The Rockie Mountains are pretty good eye candy.

What Makes it So Good?
Mild temperatures plus it has a naturally challenging terrain knee-deep in snow and snow filled bowls. Most people rave about the wonderful, powdery snow.

When to go?
From April to September

Spot the celebrity?
Not knowingly.

Best Accommodation?
For the convenience of accommodation in the ski resort the Lizard Creek Lodge www.lizardcreek.com offers luxurious resorts and balconies. You get a heated indoor pool and spa too. Away from the resort you can go self-catering in Alpine chalets and get to use the outside hot tub.

Any non ski activities?
Experience Fernie's legendary backcountry with the certified ACMG guides of Mountain Pursuits.  Winter offers ski/snowboard touring via single- and multi-day access to spectacular terrain.  Avalanche courses are also available. The Fernie Snowmobile Map details popular riding trails in the Fernie area and is available through the Visitor Info-Centre and various businesses Cost is $2 with a portion of the proceeds going towards local trail maintenance. 

Snowshoe Safaris
Snowshoe across powder meadows and track the wilderness animals. You can even go ice fishing. For a break from activity get a ride on a horse drown sleigh.

Eating Out?
Most eateries are in town. The Blue Toque – a hub for local artists - is renowned for its breakfast. The Green Goat is famous for its spinach and feta omelette. The Curry Bowl makes, well good lunch time curry and other Asian goodies. In the evening dine at Wood Bistro and Tapas Bar or at Gabriella’s for a pizza. Fine dining can be enjoyed at Lizard Creek Lodge.

Getting There?
Air Canada www.aircanada.com flies and Zoom www.flyzoom.com both fly to Calgary from Heathrow. Expect to pay around ?450. From the airport, best rent a car as in any case the ski hill is about 5 minutes drive away.

Apres Ski?
If its just a drink you are after try Griz Inn www.grizinn.com and order beer by the pitcher and drink to live music. For exuberant dancing kick off at The Eldorado on 701 2nd Avenue.

More Information
Fernie Tourism
www.fernietourism.com

16 January 2006