Imagine a place where winter lasts a little longer, where snow falls heavily, and where impressive mountain peaks stand tall, promising the perfect ski day. Welcome to Fernie, British Columbia!
Right in the Rockies, Fernie Alpine Resort is more than just a ski resort. It’s a real winter paradise that attracts many Quebecers every year looking for adventure and fresh snow. This small town stands out with its friendly atmosphere, unique charm, and a welcoming French-speaking community.
But what makes Fernie in winter so special for Quebecers? Is it the promise of deep powder, the uncrowded slopes, or the friendly après-ski gatherings after a long day?
It’s probably a bit of all that!
In this article, I’ll show you why Fernie is a must-visit for Quebec skiers and snowboarders and why so many return winter after winter.
🙏 A big thank you to all my Quebec friends who visited Fernie and shared their experiences with me!
Disclaimer: Just a heads up, this article was written in collaboration with Resorts of the Canadian Rockies. Also, this free article contains affiliate links. If you purchase after clicking one of these links, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost. Also, as an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Your support helps me continue to provide helpful and free content for you.
5 Reasons Why Fernie in Winter is a Must-Visit for Ski Lovers
What makes Fernie such a special place for us Quebecers?
When I asked my friends why they love skiing at Fernie, I got so many replies:
“I love Fernie!”
“We go mostly for the powder!”
“We Quebecers, we love snow, mountains, and we’re also pretty social! That’s Fernie”
So let me share a few reasons why Fernie has become a must-visit for those who, like me, have fallen in love with the mountains and powder snow.
1. The “Fernie Factor”: Snow and More Snow
Fernie is known for its incredible snowfall, and it’s no joke! It’s like a winter surprise: the forecast might call for 10 centimeters of snow, but there’s 40 or more by morning.
And it’s hard to resist that much snow! You just grab your mittens and hat and head straight to the slopes.
On average, Fernie gets over 37 feet of natural snow each season, while Mont-Sainte-Anne receives about 17 feet (and Stoneham only 14 feet). It’s a skiing experience like no other.
Fernie’s ski resort benefits from unique weather patterns around the Lizard Range, creating heavy snowfalls even when the forecast looks modest.
Alexis, a former ski patroller at Fernie, explains, “The forecast might say there’s just a little snow coming, but you wake up, and there’s 30-40 cm! It’s not rare!” People call this the “Fernie Factor,” making the resort a hot spot for powder lovers.
With snow like this, it’s no surprise that Fernie is considered one of the best places in Canada for powder skiing and a must-visit on a Powder Highway road trip.
2. Uncrowded slopes = More Freedom to Explore
One of the best things about skiing at Fernie is the peace you’ll find on the slopes. Unlike other busy resorts like Whistler-Blackcomb on the Sea-to-Sky Highway or Lake Louise in Banff, Fernie offers a big ski area where you can explore at your own pace, without crowds everywhere.
There’s no need to rush here, and you rarely find long lines at the lifts, even on the busiest days.
Sébastien, who moved to Western Canada in 2003, is a regular at Fernie: “Fernie is quieter, and I find the terrain more interesting than at many other resorts.” He’s not alone in thinking this.
Fernie is designed to spread out skiers across its vast terrain, making for smooth, relaxed runs.
3. A Friendly Atmosphere and Francophone Community
Quebecers love to chat over a cold beer after a good day of skiing! At Fernie, it’s easy to feel at home, and après-ski takes on a new meaning with a laid-back vibe and unforgettable moments.
Whether you’re enjoying a local beer at Fernie Brewing or sipping hot chocolate at Beanpod, the conversations are easy, and the connections are memorable. An après-ski at Fernie is more than just a break – it’s a chance to share stories and enjoy the day even longer.
In addition to powder, mountains, and great après-ski, Fernie also has a community that feels like a little slice of Quebec in Western Canada.
Alexis, who worked as a ski patroller at Fernie for over three years, explains, “There’s a French school in Fernie, a active Francophone community. Most people come for the ski resort and winter, but they stay for the community and the summers (you can easily fall in love with it)!”
Quebecers quickly feel at home, and it’s easy to connect with other expats who came for the winter… and often end up staying.
4. Easy Access and Diverse Terrain
Fernie Alpine Resort has something for everyone, with varied terrain and slopes for all levels. Here’s a breakdown of Fernie’s 145 ski runs:
- 13% Beginner
- 30% Intermediate
- 32% Advanced
- 21% Expert
- 4% Extreme
One of the best features for families with young kids is the surprisingly long bunny hill, perfect for beginners. There’s also a T-bar lift to help them up (my boys had their first experience in Fairmont Hot Springs in the Columbia Valley, BC, and they loved it).
And for those who want more of a challenge, Fernie has a wide range of runs, from easy slopes to more technical trails. The resort has more expert terrain than most ski areas in Canada.
Beyond just the great snow, the mountain’s unique layout allows skiers to enjoy the terrain without going deep into the backcountry. Jean-Philippe, a fan of Stoneham Ski Resort in Quebec, says, “I really liked the vertical and the slackcountry. You don’t have to go far from the resort to find good snow.”
The ungroomed areas often hold untouched powder, even days after a snowfall.
Another great thing about Fernie, as Eric, a French Canadian snowboarder, points out, is the resort’s proximity to the village. Everything is close by—Fernie’s just a short drive from the village, which makes it easy to switch between intense skiing and relaxing breaks.
Plus, there are also ski-in ski-out accommodations for added convenience.
5. Ski in Western Canada for Only $299
RCR’s “Ski the West” offer is an excellent opportunity for Quebec skiers dreaming of exploring the Canadian Rockies. Adding just $299 to your season pass at Ski Stoneham or Mont-Sainte-Anne lets you enjoy three days of skiing at each RCR resort in Western Canada: Kicking Horse in Golden, Fernie, Nakiska in Kananaskis Country, and Kimberley.
That’s 12 days of skiing for only $299, which is just $25 per day!
How to Get This Deal?
You can add the “Ski the Rockies” option when you buy your season pass online or at the customer service desk at Stoneham or Mont-Sainte-Anne.
Remember, the deadline to buy this add-on is February 1, and each pass holder is limited to one RCR pass.
Where is Fernie, and How Do You Get There?
Fernie is a charming mountain town in the Canadian Rockies in southeastern British Columbia. It’s about 300 km from Calgary and 1,000 km from Vancouver, making it easy to reach for those coming from Alberta or other parts of Western Canada.
Here are the different ways to get to Fernie:
- By Plane (and Car Rental)
The fastest way from Quebec is to fly to Calgary Airport (YYC), then rent a car and drive to Fernie. It’s about a 3.5-hour drive with simple directions: follow the Trans-Canada Highway (Highway 1) west, take Highway 22 (Cowboy Trail) south, and connect to Highway 3 (Crowsnest Highway) west toward Fernie. It makes for a great winter getaway.
- By Bus
During the winter season, shuttle services like Tunnel49 sometimes offer routes from Calgary or other nearby towns to Fernie, though they can be a bit pricey. You can also find shuttles between Fernie Alpine Resort and downtown Fernie.
- With an Organized Trip
For an all-in-one solution, Voyage Gendron offers packages including Fernie transport (including flights from Montreal), accommodations, and ski passes. This option is perfect for Quebecers who want to skip the planning and focus on the adventure. Voyage Gendron also provides group trips and individual packages for Fernie, which include everything—even a car rental for the entire stay.
Hard to Go Back to Skiing on the East Coast…
Once you’ve experienced the powder of Western Canada, especially in Fernie, it’s hard to return to the trickier conditions in the East! Many Quebec expats say that after skiing in Fernie, the ski resorts back East don’t compare.
So, if you’re a powder lover, Fernie could quickly become your new go-to winter spot.
One of these expats, Sébastien, shares: “Since I got here, I quickly became a powder snob. I can’t see myself skiing in the East unless I’m there by chance in winter…”
For Sébastien and many others, the West offers skiing experiences that simply can’t be matched in the East. The snow is lighter and deeper, the terrain is more expansive, and the scenery is stunning beyond comparison.
I grew up skiing at Le Relais in Lac-Beauport, Quebec, and now teaching my kids to ski in the Canadian Rockies feels more intimidating. 😜
Conclusion
Are you ready to experience why Fernie Alpine Resort attracts so many Quebecers each winter? If you haven’t had the chance to visit Fernie yet, maybe it’s time to plan your next adventure in British Columbia. For those wanting to experience a magical winter in the Canadian Rockies, book your trip with Voyage Gendron, which offers Fernie packages and makes your trip easy to plan.
And don’t forget your Kombi gloves and hats to stay warm on the slopes!
With its impressive snowfall, friendly atmosphere, and breathtaking views, Fernie is much more than a ski resort. You’ll discover one of the winter’s hidden gems of Western Canada.
