Skiing Fernie Alpine Resort in British Columbia, Canada

Greetings,

I’m writing this from the town of Fernie, British Columbia having just finished skiing Fernie Alpine Resort on a picture perfect day. I’m quite exhausted from this busy week of skiing but wouldn’t trade it for the world. This morning, I had the distinct pleasure of joining the illustrious Breakfast Club and enjoying first tracks at Fernie. Besides that, it was just a sunny day for skiing and even ventured up to Polar Peak. It’s a new addition which gives Fernie the most vertical and runs in the Rockies.

The alarm bell went off loud and proud at 6am and a half hour later I was in the truck fully setup and ready to meet Powder Matt and the rest of the Breakfast Club. The Fernie Breakfast Club is a group of distinguished gents who like waking up early, eating great food, getting first tracks and skiing really fast. I quickly got in the mix and consumed excessive amounts of caffeine before we hit the lifts. The skiing was great but so was seeing the sunrise from the slopes on what could only be described as a surreal Saturday skiing in the Rocky Mountains.

The runs were well groomed and we also dropped this incredibly steep chute with some great snow. Afterwards I made the pilgrimage to Polar Peak with Powder Matt and his wife. This addition opens 22 new runs for Fernie giving it a total of 142 runs. You need to take three lifts to get to Polar Peak and to say it is intimidating and humbling would be an understatement.

There are signs on the final lift saying “Experts Only” and before you drop in to some serious moguls there are more reminders that if you’re not an expert, you have no business being there. I can’t describe just how steep and serious this place is but do know that you better be ready. Luckily for me, they are both amazing skiers and I followed them down the most challenging terrain I’ve ever been involved with. Regardless of how steep it is, the views are incredible and when you make it down successfully it’s a feeling of accomplishment.

Skiing Polar Peak was a friendly reminder to do things that push you, they’re worth it. I wasn’t sure about it because this was my first real ski trip in the last 7 years. That said, you never forget how to ride a bike and the same goes for skiing. Once the rust is off you’re basically just the same person you once were so if it’s been a while, time to change that… The steeps were good fun today and can only imagine them on a true powder day as Fernie is notorious for getting great gifts from the snow gods.

Considering it’s a sunny Saturday that had near spring like conditions weather wise, the place filled up quickly. I really enjoyed the skiing in Fernie for a few reasons. For starters, it’s huge and offers some great terrain, it has a cool village of sorts at the base and it’s only a stone’s throw from town. Besides that, I like the fact that the town itself is really fun and you’ll meet people from all over the world who share a passion for the outdoors and in particular, big mountain riding.

This wraps up my ski trip to the Canadian Rockies and wow,what a week it’s been. Tomorrow I’m off to meet an associate in Calgary for lunch and hang out with some old university friends before flying home. I’d like to really thank Tourism Fernie, Tourism British Columbia, Fernie Alpine Resort and of course Resorts of the Canadian Rockies for making this dream ski trip a reality.

Tips hat,

P.S: Photos are a combo from both Thursday and today.