The facilties at Fernie have grown dramatically over the last few years and the result is a destination resort that takes its place among North America``s finest. Located in the south-east corner of British Columbia, Fernie`s skiable terrain doubled in 1998 with the addition of two new lifts. The powder that has made Fernie a haven for deep snow enthusiasts is produced by storm systems that develop over the Pacific Ocean off the coast of Northern Oregon.
Visitors to Fernie may wonder about the origins of the Griz Festival and why Griz is so important to the locals. According to legend, Griz is the Powder King and provider of the 8.75m/29 feet of snow which falls here annually. As the legend goes, a baby boy was born in a grizzly bear`s cave high in the mountains. The boy managed to avoid being eaten by a grizzly and was somehow able to survive the harsh winters. He has been spotted recently and is now said to have 6ft wide shoulders and carry an 8ft long musket which he shoots at clouds, releasing his special brand of powder snow making Fernie the beneficiary of some of the best packed and powder conditions in Western Canada. With an influx of new interest, the town of Fernie has retained its historic nature and ambiance while also moving forward to meet the growing demand for service that can compete in a global market. Visitors to Historic Downtown Fernie have come to see the town as a destination for shopping, restaurants, bars, nightlife and entertainment.
Apres Ski
Good choice of friendly lively bars • The Pub, The El Dorado, The Grand Central and Grizzly Bar located in Fernie Alpine Resort.
Eating Out
Great selection of restaurants • Billy Miner's Cookhouse in-house restaurant in Riverside Mtn Lodge, Rip ‘n' Richards, The Old Elevator
