It might feel like the final leg of winter but you can count on Calgary for a few surprises in the weather department. So why not indulge in a few more winter adventures before the white fluff stuff leaves for good? Lucky for us, we have a magical snow-covered wonderland just a 3-hour drive away. Hello, Fernie!
Now, as soon as you hear (or in this case, read) Fernie, you’re probably thinking of skiing. The place is known for the iconic Fernie Alpine Resort after all. But this beautiful mountain town in the Elk Valley, BC, has a lot more to offer.
So, put on your jackets, pull over your mitts and enjoy these 10 amazing things to do before the frost disappears.
#1 Ski & snowboard the Fernie Alpine Resort
2500 acres of terrain, 37 feet of snow, 142 runs and 5 great alpine bowls! Let’s just say the resort is a dream destination for skiers and snowboarders. Whether you are a beginner or a pro, the well-groomed slopes of this vastresort, have an adventure for you. Season ends April 10th.
#2 Don’t miss the Nordic Skiing
Of course, cross country skiing is on the list. The town has four unique areas for Nordic skiing with more than 50 kms of tracks combined, each with its fair share of snowy beauty and breathtaking views. And each with groomed tracks for all levels of skiers, no need to feel intimidated.
#3 Live the ultimate ski adventure with Cat Skiing
We promise this is the last ski-related entry on the list. For the uninitiated, it’s the same as heli-skiing, only more cost-effective. You can save even more with Fernie Wilderness Adventures’ late season special – $100 off all bookings from March 16 to the end of the season in April.
#4 Snowshoe through the snowy wilderness
Snowshoeing through the snow-blanketed trails and forests is one of the best ways to explore the white beauty that is Fernie in winter. Depending on the difficulty you prefer, you can choose one of the many locations here. And whichever one you pick, great views and fun times are guaranteed.
#5 Embark on a gastronomic journey
Great food, delightful drinks and happening pubs and lounges! Fernie is a foodie paradise offering global flavours from spicy Indian to saucy Italian to savoury sushi. And don’t even get us started on the flavourful brews and warm lattes. YUM!
#6 Make it a Spa-cation
Whether you’ve tired yourself skiing or simply need a few hours/ days of pampering, this gorgeous town has you covered. For one, Fernie has a seriously soothing vibe that will help you de-stress the moment you get here. For two, the town is home to five (yes, five!!) wellness spas. From yoga to rejuvenating treatments to relaxing massages, there’s everything you need to feel pampered.
#7 Explore the historic Downtown
You know a town is beautiful when it’s featured in three different movies, one of which happens to be a Disney Christmas movie. Remember the fascinating town from Santa Paws 2? Well, that’s Fernie. Stroll through the downtown area to get your fill of charm with historic buildings, boutique shops and mountain views all around.
#8 Walk the Art Walk
For a town this small, Fernie has a surprisingly vibrant art and culture scene. And the best way to soak in the town’s artistic beauty is by walking the Art Walk. It’s basically a self-guided tour of the many public artworks in town from street murals and sculptures to the remarkable galleries.
#9 Fat bike the snow-packed trails
Fernie has yet another way to give you a healthy dose of thrill- fat biking! Embark on a biking excursion through the white-washed forest covers and gleaming mountain trails designed to navigate snow. Trust us, you don’t want to miss this.
#10 Attend the Griz Days fest
Okay, now this is time-bound but it’s definitely worth planning a trip for. The city hosts a multi-day winter fest, aka Griz Days. From March 4 – 6 you’ll see plenty of fun activities for the whole fam- skiing events, parade, fireworks and many other activations around town.
Now, before you start packing your bags, don’t forget to check out Tourism Fernie’s Travel Guide. Head to their website for additional details.
