Why would a nearly-thirty-year-old – who has never skied and has a layering system for mild UK spring conditions – want to relocate 5,000 miles overseas to minus 20 temperatures in Canada?

I moved to Fernie after months of persuasive tactics from my boyfriend who is working as a ski instructor for the season.

My partner – who is irritatingly great at everything he puts his mind to – has skied most years since he was a teenager while I have only ever made a snowman.

So, with the comfort of my expertise in mind, we both left our long term jobs and jumped in right at the deep end.

Myself, facing icy conditions and double ejections while my boyfriend ponders for hours – sometimes days – over which touring bindings he wants to buy next.

All of the above are equally as painful as another to experience as a novice. And, so is putting on your new ski boots for the first time.

With my discounted helmet, skis and goggles in tow, I headed out for my first lesson on opening weekend at Fernie Alpine Resort, slowly tackling the beginners slope, The Mighty Moose, on my bottom.

What a humbling experience, I thought. It’s not often in life, especially at 29 years old, you’re just as good, if not more wobbly, than a one-year-old at something.

It really hit home then how much there is to learn and it can’t all be learned overnight, despite wanting to, which is hard for someone who identifies often as a ‘Know It All’.

Now, six weeks on and bruises aside, the experience of learning to ski at a Resorts of the Canadian Rockies’ hill is more fun than I could have imagined.

Progressing onto blue slopes, slowly but surely, and sharing my highs and lows with the lift ops staff who have watched me move on from a button lift has been so encouraging.

There is a very friendly cheerleader atmosphere on the hill, which I rarely experience elsewhere, with staff, skiers and boarders alike wanting the best for each other.

I overheard one skier say the other day he had the “best time of his life” after the 40cm dump on January 6.

It begs the question: who wouldn’t want to be around people living their best lives?

It’s clear the audacity I had travelling to Canada and thinking it was all going to be easy is rather funny.

My advice to anyone who hasn’t skied would be to put your ego and frustrations aside and keep getting up, despite the conditions.

Though, to some onlookers, putting my frustrations aside might have looked like throwing my poles in the air and laying on the ground. A talent I do exclusively share with one year olds.

If toddlers and people in their later lives can ski, then so can I, and so can you. It’s never too late to try.

Two things are for certain, though; legend – or the ‘lifty’s’ have it – that snow is always on its way, even if it’s not.

And, taking lessons from a loved one – despite being together for a decade – is never, ever advised.

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Information about the Fernie Winter Sports School.

I moved here (basically) sight unseen. Having visited here once before (and when I had pneumonia), I didn’t have much to go off of. Yet, I was drawn to Fernie in a way that is difficult to describe. I’ve lived all over the world, but something about Fernie feels just right. 

I love how the town’s energy and community follow the seasons. The anticipation of winter and spring skiing, the dog days of summer, and the cooling and calming sense of Fall. There’s always an adventure to be had—or not. Unlike other mountain towns, I enjoy that Fernie doesn’t have a pretentious vibe that’s out to shame anyone who’s not pursuing a FKT (fastest-known time). If you want to get after it, there are folks for that. If you don’t, there are folks for that, too! Fernie even has its own “Leisure Athletes” club. Pretty darn special, if you ask me.   

The first time my parents visited, my Dad took a photo of the Lizard Range and shared it on social media. Instantly, his friends worldwide commented, “Wow!” and “Your daughter is so lucky to live there!” 

Claire enjoying the Fernie powder!

They’re not wrong. We are all lucky to live here. But is it luck? What makes Fernie special is that it’s an intentional place you want to spend your time. What Fernie lacks in major shopping or stuffy social events makes this place incredible. You don’t come here for the Aspen glamour or the Whistler glitz. Traveling here isn’t exceptionally easy, and it’s not frustratingly difficult. It’s just right, nestled in the mountains and hidden from all too many.

As the famous Jerry Garcia once said, “We would all like to be able to live an uncluttered life, a simple life, a good life.”

Not only because I’m a huge Dead Head, but I think Jerry was onto something. When I have visitors, the realization that Fernie’s life is what Jerry was thinking of hits my brain like the glint of brilliant snow crystals on a splitting blue powder day. When you go on vacation, the complicated plans most destinations require melt away here. It’s as simple as getting up in the morning, grabbing a bagel from Big Bang, and heading to the ski hill. You’re in line for the chairlift, and it’s smiles. It’s friendly. It’s passionate skiers and snowboarders lined up to have a good ol’ time. There’s a ‘frothing’ that emanates excitement, but it’s an encouraging and happy energy.

I like that living in this town means it’s small enough that you recognize people but big enough that you don’t know everyone. The most contentious argument you might engage with is “Old Side” or “New Side” (the two sides to Fernie Alpine Resort), but regardless of which you prefer, the skiing will be fabulous, and the views are endless. 

One of my favorite memories from skiing Fernie is following a couple of long-time locals down through Red Tree and into some snakey tree run when my friend yelled back, “It’s like Star Wars! You have to make the ‘pew-pew’ noises as you ski through!” Skiing is about having fun, and I loved that that moment was pure, unadulterated fun. 

On the adulterated fun side of things, this town loves to have a great time. For me, Griz Bar is one of those special places where walking in feels like a warm hug. You love to have that feeling of being enveloped in deep winter, and Griz Bar, in peak winter, is one of the best places on earth. Worries melt away, and there are loud cheers, hockey on the TV, and new friends being made between tables exchanging shot-skis. Staring up at the wall of fame photos, you are transported to an effortless time of good vibes and a pure love of sliding on snow. I probably shouldn’t write this, but honestly, it’s one of the best bars in the world. 

The character of this town is dynamic and should be celebrated. Whatever you seek, you shall find in Fernie. 

Claire Smallwood

Polar Peak has always symbolized awe-inspiring heights, towering 7,000 feet above sea level with a hair-raising vertical descent of 3,550 feet. But things have taken a radical turn this year – we’ve said goodbye to the notion of an “easy” way down. Forget about those comforting cat tracks and groomed slopes; they’re old news.

Instead, picture this: a permanent snowcat perched at the Peak, ready to pounce into action at the first sight of fresh powder. This means quicker openings after epic snowfalls, giving you more opportunities to rip down the untouched terrain. Polar Peak has transformed into a snow beast that’s always hungry for more powder, and it’s here to satisfy your cravings for steeps, speed and excitement.

But that’s not the only ace up our sleeve – we have six triple black diamonds and 16 double black diamonds – promising an adrenaline-packed experience.

This is not the place for the faint-hearted. It’s a high-octane adventure for the adrenaline junkie in you. Polar Peak is untamed, unpredictable, and unapologetic in its approach. With no groomed slopes, no cat tracks, and no hand-holding, you have to be ready to tackle steep terrain and conquer ever-changing snow conditions. This is the real deal, where Mother Nature reigns supreme, and you’re just a visitor in her domain.

While some ski areas might make it easier for everyone, we’re ramping up the thrill factor. Buck the trend and embrace the wild side of skiing on Polar Peak. It’s a rollercoaster ride on snow that’s edgier, steeper, wilder, and more unforgettable than ever before. So, grab your gear, summon your courage, and prepare for an adventure like no other – Polar Peak is where skiing and riding get wild!

See more here – The Guide to Polar Peak.

Check out ‘From the Peak’, a video following the remarkable skiing of Dave Keenan as he makes his way from the top of Polar Peak to the base of Fernie Alpine Resort. It was expertly filmed via drone by Dylan Siggers, a native of Fernie who honed his filming and skiing skills in these very mountains.

From the Peak is available now on on Fernie Alpine Resort’s Youtube Channel.  Fernie Alpine Resort will open for the winter season on Saturday, December 2nd.

Youtube • Instagram •  TikTok • Facebook
Fernie Alpine Resort

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For more information, please contact:
Matt Mosteller
Senior VP Marketing & Resort Experience, Resorts of the Canadian Rockies
media@skircr.com
Instagram, Facebook & Twitter – @PowderMatt
Powder Matt’s Blog

• Epic Australia Pass Holders will receive five combined days at the Resorts of the Canadian Rockies – including Fernie Alpine Resort, Kicking Horse Mountain Resort and Kimberley Alpine Resort in British Columbia, Nakiska in Alberta, and Mont-Sainte-Anne and Stoneham in Quebec – starting with the 2023/24 Northern Hemisphere winter season.
• 19 April is the last chance to purchase the 2023 Epic Australia Pass for AU$1,049 before prices increase.

5 April 2023 – Epic Australia Pass Holders will now have more access to world-class resorts in Canada, starting with the 2023/24 Northern Hemisphere winter season. Vail Resorts announced today that the expansion of its long-term alliance with the Resorts of the Canadian Rockies (RCR) will include five combined days of skiing and riding for 2023 Epic Australia Pass Holders. Pass Holders can use the five combined days across any of RCR’s six resorts — Fernie Alpine Resort, Kicking Horse Mountain Resort and Kimberley Alpine Resort in British Columbia, Nakiska in Alberta, and Mont-Sainte-Anne and Stoneham in Quebec.

“Get ready to experience the ultimate snow adventure as we welcome Epic Australia Pass Holders to the majestic Resorts of the Canadian Rockies,” said Rob Lloyd, Director of Sales & Marketing – Australia, Vail Resorts. “With the addition of Kicking Horse and Fernie, your bucket list just got bigger and more exciting. The Epic Australia Pass gives you unlimited access to Perisher, Falls Creek, Hotham, and a chance to carve your way through the breathtaking slopes of Whistler Blackcomb and beyond.” Lloyd continued, “Don’t miss out on this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to make unforgettable memories in some of the world’s most awe-inspiring destinations!”

Discover the Resorts of the Canadian Rockies

The 2023 Epic Australia Pass access begins with the 2023 Australian snow season and concludes following the 2023/24 snow season in the Northern Hemisphere. It provides:

• Kicking Horse and Fernie: Located in the southeast corner of British Columbia on the legendary “Powder Highway”, Kicking Horse and Fernie are consistently ranked among the top 10 Canadian resorts with abundant annual snowfall and big mountain skiing and riding.
• Kimberley Alpine Resort: Boasting the most sunshine of any resort in Canada, Kimberley Alpine is in the Purcell Range of Southeast British Columbia, with two-thirds of its 80 runs and glades rated beginner or intermediate in addition to expert terrain on the back side.
• Nakiska: A family-friendly resort offering a variety of terrain, including perfectly groomed runs and a very popular learning area, Nakiska is positioned in Kananaskis Country in the front range of the breathtaking Canadian Rockies.
• Mont-Sainte-Anne: An ideal year-round destination, Mont-Sainte-Anne is situated near beautiful Quebec City within the Laurentian Mountain chain.
• Stoneham Ski Resort: Offering an incomparable freestyle area, Stoneham has Canada’s largest illuminated ski centre for night skiing.

LEARN MORE

Purchase Now Before Prices Rise

Skiers and riders have until 19 April to get their Epic Australia Pass before prices rise. The Epic Australia Pass offers unlimited days at Perisher, Falls Creek, Hotham and more, and benefits including six Bring-A-Mate tickets, 20% off lessons and rentals, 15% off retail and more.

Currently priced at AU$1,049 for adults, AU$599 for students (five to 17 years) and AU$799 for seniors (65 years and over), 2023 Epic Australia Pass lift access starts with the 2023 Australian snow season and concludes with the 2023/24 snow season in the Northern Hemisphere. Find out more here.

The Epic Australia Pass is non-refundable except through Epic Coverage, which provides refunds for certain qualifying events and is provided at no additional cost. Refunds are subject to eligibility and based on Epic Coverage elections. Pass Holders should review the Epic Coverage Terms and Conditions.

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ABOUT VAIL RESORTS, INC. (NYSE: MTN)

Vail Resorts is a network of the best destination and close-to-home ski resorts in the world including Vail Mountain, Breckenridge, Park City Mountain, Whistler Blackcomb, Stowe, and 32 additional resorts across North America; Andermatt-Sedrun in Switzerland; and Perisher, Hotham, and Falls Creek in Australia. We are passionate about providing an Experience of a Lifetime to our team members and guests, and our EpicPromise is to reach a zero net operating footprint by 2030, support our employees and communities, and broaden engagement in our sport. Our company owns and/or manages a collection of elegant hotels under the RockResorts brand, a portfolio of vacation rentals, condominiums and branded hotels located in close proximity to our mountain destinations, as well as the Grand Teton Lodge Company in Jackson Hole, Wyo. Vail Resorts Retail operates more than 250 retail and rental locations across North America. Learn more about our company at www.VailResorts.com, or discover our resorts and pass options at www.EpicPass.com.

ABOUT RCR

Proudly Canadian, Resorts of the Canadian Rockies Inc. (RCR) is the largest private ski resort owner/operator in North America, owning six ski resorts across Canada including: Nakiska Ski Area in Alberta; Fernie Alpine Resort, Kimberley Alpine Resort and Kicking Horse Mountain Resort in British Columbia and Mont-Sainte Anne and Stoneham in Quebec. In addition to the company’s ski resorts, RCR also owns and operates a number of accommodation properties, golf courses and a central reservation agency. The consumer website is www.skircr.com.

#FernieStoke Local Ski Shuttle

Enjoy lift-accessed mountain biking, hiking & sightseeing all summer long!

The Elk Chair will be open daily from 10:30 am to 4:30 pm (with extended hours from 10:30 am to 7:00 pm on Thursdays).

Our summer operations run from June 25th to September 5th

Lizard Lane is freshly built and ready to go. A favourite addition to our trail network that’s been a staple over the past few summers.

Upper Top Gun had a berm and jump rebuild by hand last fall. There are plans to rebuild the middle section this summer.

My dad, Andrew Brown, worked at Fernie Alpine Resort for over 25 years, so growing up, we skied together a lot, along with my Mom, Christa, and brother, Sam. Now, our days together on skis are few and far between. We try to get one day on the slopes together, and this year that day was when I started seeing the busy days with new eyes.

When my dad and I go skiing, our goal is always to ride each lift, mostly so he can check out all the bull wheels, sheaves and grips, but it is a good way to spend the day skiing. As we rode the Mighty Moose (yes, we even rode the Moose), I payed attention to all the kids surrounding us, having their best day. I also noticed the adults and couples teaching each other how to ski; maybe not having the best day ever, but they were out there utilizing the lifts and growing from their efforts.

Mark Shannon Photo

I started to appreciate the chair lifts being full in front of us. These lifts are spinning whether there are people on them or not, so they might as well be loaded up, taking us all to the goods. The energy in the lift lines is always exciting. You see all sorts of people in the lift lines, don’t you? The jib kids that ski 9-4 every day, it doesn’t matter the weather. Then the old-timers who also ski every day but maybe for just a run or two. The guys from Saskatchewan in their hockey jerseys and gear from the 80s, or the city folk with their shiny new gear that only gets used a few times a year. But we are all here for the same thing; to buy the ticket and take the ride.

We did ski every lift on our family ski day (except the Magic Carpet), and we will do it again next year. I wasn’t even a year old in my first season pass photo. I didn’t ski that year, but my dad got free season passes for the family, so they took the photo and kept them for fun. The story goes that I kept tipping over in my seat, so it took a few tries to get the photo right, but that means I’ve had 30 season passes at Fernie Alpine Resort. I hope to be one of those ‘old timers’ in another 30 years, riding the lifts and skiing, even if it is for just one run a day.

So I raise my glass, cheers. To Fernie!

Fernie Alpine Resort is home to some of the best skiing and snowboarding in Western Canada. With the elite terrain and large snowfall comes huge responsibilities for ski patrollers. Besides getting to ski powder while the rest of us wait with nervous anticipation for the lifts to open or the rope to drop—they are carrying the mental (and physical!) weight of keeping the mountain safe for everyone and often dealing with multiple incidents on top of heavy snowfall and tricky avalanche conditions. It requires an incredible amount of teamwork, compassion, strength, and mental fortitude.

But how do you succeed as a professional ski patroller, and what challenges are there for women in these roles? Data shows that only 23% of pro patrollers are women today.

I sat down with a few Fernie Alpine Resort legends to learn more about how mentorship has factored into the success of past, present, and future female professional ski patrollers.

Sue Boyd is a local Fernie legend. She started her career as a professional ski patroller in Blackcomb back in 1985, where she was one of six women on the roster. When Sue was hired at Fernie Snow Valley in 1990, she was the only female professional ski patroller until 1996. (Sue notes that she was not the first female professional ski patroller—there was another woman there in the early 80s). One of the claims to fame that Sue does have: she was the first female Ski Patrol Leader at Fernie Alpine Resort from 2002 to 2005.

Sue has a long list of achievements that go well beyond her role as a Patrol Leader in Fernie. She was a Canadian Freestyle Ski Team member and competed in moguls, aerials, and ski ballet at the World Cup Level. As a CARDA dog handler, she has trained and certified three avalanche rescue dogs throughout her career. She’s taught Non-stop ski patrol training courses and AST courses. She worked at Island Lake Lodge for eight years as a tail guide and snow safety and explosives trainer. And if that isn’t cool enough, she also has led backcountry horse trips in the mountains around Canada.

Sue credits her success in her career on snow to being a good listener, someone who pays close attention and asks meaningful questions. She also says having something in common with the person you are learning from helps.

When I asked Sue if she’s ever had the chance to mentor someone else, she highlighted that her success and experiences in the mountains mirror many life lessons we tend to learn over time. Meaning? It’s all about just getting along with folks. “I didn’t think of it as ‘I’m the mentor, you’re the mentee,’ it just happened. If someone wanted to learn from me, and I felt accepted as being able to teach them, and we got on well, I would share my knowledge and experience. Personalities are a big part of it. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn’t. There has to be mutual respect at both ends.”

I asked Fernie Alpine Resort’s current ski patrol director, Tyler Steen, about Sue: “Sue was definitely a mentor to me. [She] has a level of professionalism that no one can mimic.” I asked for specifics with regard to how he defines professionalism in the ski patrol sense, and Tyler said, “Sue treated everyone the same way: She always looked at the uniform and not the person in the uniform. Even when she wasn’t actively mentoring, it would be visual. Sue always acted with the skill, talent and confidence everyone admired. I took every opportunity to observe and learn as she performed the job efficiently and effectively. She was a true professional ski patroller that we were lucky to have.”

This underscores the fact that there needs to be mutual respect for a mentor-mentee relationship to blossom. Tyler added, “this idea of a formal mentorship program for ski patrollers isn’t as straightforward as you would think. You can’t pair a Level 4 patroller with a Level 1 [patroller] just because it makes sense on paper. The person who’s learning needs to be willing to accept the knowledge being shared.”

Zooming forward from Sue’s reign on FAR patrol, I also had the chance to catch up with Olivia Johnson, a Senior First Aid Officer on professional ski patrol with Fernie.

Olivia, affectionately known as “OJ”, has been on Fernie’s professional patrol squad for six seasons. “When I first started on patrol, there was still a ‘macho culture’ among the women on patrol. I wanted to do everything I could to break down that thinking. I always felt like I had to prove that I was better than the other women I worked with, or that I was a better skier, or better at this, or better at that. Thankfully there has been a big culture shift in the last six years. I work with some fantastic women who don’t need to compete with other women because of their gender. I also work with some fantastic men that fully understand that women are just as capable (if not more capable) than them and let us feel heard. The barriers are breaking down, and it feels great.”

Tyler says this inclusive attitude is something he and the Assistant Patrol Director, Megan Kelly, actively cultivate. “We have created a mentorship culture that encourages people to actively seek out that mentorship from whoever and wherever they can get that from. If we’re doing it right, anyone can participate. Our main job is to give the individual the opportunity to succeed, and it’s up to them to take advantage of it.”

Sue might have been the first female lead patroller at Fernie Alpine Resort, but it’s clear that the team invests in gender diversity through its “hands-off’ mentorship approach that encourages the ‘whole’ person to show up for the job and be willing to work hard on a team with a positive attitude and curiosity for learning. It’s exciting for Fernie to have more women in leadership positions and cultivate an atmosphere that elevates that as a norm and not an exception.

This weekend Fernie Ski Patrol will be hosting a recruitment day for interested future patrollers to learn more about what the job entails and what it’s like to work on mountain safety, first aid, and avalanche safety as a professional ski patroller. Tyler Steen says there are already nine women signed up, and of the 44 current professional ski patrollers at Fernie Alpine Resort, 14 identify as female.

With this in mind, being a good, professional ski patroller is not about being the raddest skier on the mountain. Some of the challenges we face today with regard to inclusion in this career can be solved by limiting our biases and being open and willing to learn, ask questions, and treat each other with respect and as equals.

“As March is usually our snowiest month, we invite you to keep your powder skis ready, your sunblock handy, spring carving skis set to go and most importantly, enjoy our spring weekend events.  Celebrate our ski and ride community, and 60 years of snow loving fun!” says Matt Mosteller, “We are grateful and thankful to all who have shared their passion for skiing with us for 60 years!  A special shout out to all of our team, friends and family who live in Fernie and don’t forget to thank the Griz as well”, added Mosteller.

We’re looking good for spring, keeping the spirit of skiing alive into middle April.  Plan now to book your ski and stay package so you don’t miss spring events – including live music and après parties.

Mountain Pop Up Tour with Shred Kelly – March 26th – more information

Fernival – April 9th & 10th
Live Music from Stage Fright and Live Wire on Saturday and local band “Hark Raving Sirens” will be playing on Sunday, both will be in the Plaza and a free live show for all ages. Tentatively our annual Powder, Pedal, Paddle event will be held on Sunday.

Book your accommodations for Fernival with this package.

Get more information on both events on our Events Calendar.

Fernie Alpine Resort • Vacation Deals • Facebook • Twitter • Instagram

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For more information, please contact:
Matt Mosteller
Senior VP Marketing & Resort Experience, Resorts of the Canadian Rockies
media@skircr.com
Twitter & Instagram – @PowderMatt
Powder Matt’s Blog