Fernie Alpine Resort Guide: It’s worth the trip
- 17 hours ago
- 6 min read
Updated: 12 hours ago
Fernie Alpine Resort delivers on the wow!
The Lizard Range rises above the resort with big limestone peaks and five alpine bowls — Cedar, Lizard, Currie, Siberia, and Timber.
First impression getting on the chair: it's impressive. The Lizard Range rises dramatically above the resort — big, rugged limestone peaks framing every run. It has a different feel from the mountains we're used to in Washington. Bigger sky, bigger walls. Fernie has a trail map that's genuinely well don
Fernie is part of Canada’s Powder Highway and one of the Resorts of the Canadian Rockies (RCR), alongside Kicking Horse and Kimberley. We made our way to Fernie after a stop in Whitefish, and it quickly stood out as a place we’d come back to.
The Mountain: Stats & first impressions
Fernie Alpine Resort
• Terrain: 2,500+ acres
• Vertical Drop: 3,550 ft
• Named Runs: 142, plus 5 alpine bowls
• Lifts: 10
• Avg Annual Snowfall: ~360 inches (up to 37 feet)
• Summit Elevation: 7,000 ft (Polar Peak)
• Terrain Mix: 17% Beginner | 30% Intermediate | 32% Advanced | 21% Expert
• The Bowls: Cedar, Lizard, Currie, Siberia, Timber
• Polar Peak chair: Here's trail map and a guide to the terrain
Getting onto the Mountain
If you're staying on the mountain, you have an easy day. For those staying in town, the resort is about a 3-mile drive up the hill, and there's a shuttle that runs between town and the resort — the Fernie Stoke Shuttle.
Parking on the mountain is well mapped. A big powder day could change that picture.
Two days on snow:
Day 1: The early risers in the group had a solid head start — two to three hours of runs by the time the rest of us got out. We started on the Elk Quad and made our way over to Lost Boys Cafe near Timber Bowl for a snack and a meetup. The terrain variety even on day one was impressive — long open runs, trees, and the first looks at those bowls.
Day 2: The early riser crew skied all five bowls and found pockets of fresh snow. The views are amazing with big open alpine bowls and the Lizard Range all around you. The White Pass chair in Timber Bowl and Great Bear into Lizard Bowl were standouts. Wrapping up the day on Falling Star — was quiet and beautiful.
The consensus: we could have easily done more days here. Fernie earns its reputation.
The Drive: Whitefish to Fernie
Our route was Seattle to Whitefish and then to Fernie, B.C.
From Seattle to Fernie, head north at Coeur d'Alene. (856 miles, 8.53 hours)
We drove Whitefish to Fernie (102 miles) — about a 2-hour drive north via Hwy 93. It was an easy and beautiful drive.
The crossing at Roosville is typically quick and friendly, not busy for our March our trip.
Fernie, the town
We stopped in the town of Fernie for a visit to Tim Horton's and get a few groceries. We had a quick glimpse of some hotels, shops, and one of the shuttle bus stops.
Planning to drive home to Seattle from Fernie? That's roughly 550 miles and about 9 hours — a solid but doable return trip.
Where We Stayed
Our group of nine stayed in two different spots right on the mountain, which worked out perfectly.
Slopeside Lodge — Where most of the group stayed. Large parking area, basic but very clean accommodations. Each unit has a smart TV with cable, coffee maker, microwave, and mini fridge. The main floor lobby has a common room that was great for our après before heading to dinner. The second floor has a pool table, shuffleboard, seating area, and a nice view of the mountain. Great value and a solid base.
Lizard Lodge — My husband and I stayed here. The staff at Lizard Lodge were really nice. This is the deluxe option on the mountain, with 99 condo-style units ranging from studios to three-bedroom suites, each with a full kitchen, gas fireplace, and private balcony. Underground parking, ski lockers, outdoor pool, hot tub, spa, and bike storage. Walking out the door puts you right at the Elk Quad.
The Cirque Restaurant & Bar is on-site, plus their popular Ice Bar for sub-zero vodka tastings. It was a fun experience even for non-drinkers. They will supply you with a warm jacket. Choose from shots of deluxe vodka, we chose a flight of half shots which was fun. And then we got to smash our frozen shot “glass” when we were done. This Ice Bar is not outdoors; it’s right there near the lobby.
Below pics: the Cirque dining room, bar, really nice pool and a hot tub. The Rec Room — with big screens and windows overlooking the resort. A great spot for our group après.
On-Mountain Dining
Pro tip for breakfast: Mary recommends ordering the Sasquatch breakfast sandwich from the food truck at the base area then take it over to the Cafe for a cup of coffee.
Lost Boys Cafe — On the mountain, looker's left at the top of the Timber Bowl chair. Coffee, menu, beverages, and a deck with great views. Perfect mid-run stop. Bathrooms are here too.
The Griz — At the base. Full menu, beverages, and a deck. Live music started Saturday early afternoon — a great way to end the ski day. Fernie's #1 après spot since 1962.
Legends Mountain Eatery — We had lunch here twice. Good menu, solid beverages. Reliable and well located.
Cirque Restaurant & Bar — Fine dining at the Lizard Lodge, plus the Ice Bar for sub-zero vodka tastings. Fun experience even if you're not a vodka drinker.
Dining & Drinks in Town
Pro tip: Get a reservation. We were there on a Friday night and several places filled up fast. Don't wing it.
SushiWood — We got a table for 8 and had a fantastic meal. Great menu with plenty of non-raw options — the Ramen, Tempura, and Bento Box were all excellent. Creative rolls, good sake, and a great server (thank you, Munkhjin!). We'll be back. 👉 SushiWood
The Brickhouse Bar & Grill — A group favorite. Elevated pub fare, craft beer from Fernie Brewing Co., and a welcoming vibe. Happy Hour: Sunday–Thursday, 2–4pm. Live music events too. 👉 The Brickhouse
More recommendations below from Fernie staff and from Michael Fagin's visits.
Nevados — Latin-inspired tapas. We couldn't get in on a Friday night (no reservations taken), but it's on the list for next time. 👉 Nevados
Yamagoya Sushi — Also couldn't get in, but highly recommended by the SlopeSide Lodge staff. 👉 Yamagoya
Fernie Pizza & Pasta — Next door to SushiWood, also does Indian specialties. Good reviews and worth a look if you're in the neighborhood. 👉 Fernie Pizza
Rooftop Roasters — Top-quality coffee, dine in or to go. 👉 Rooftop Roasters
Big Bang Bagels — A must stop for bagel lovers. 👉 Big Bang Bagels
Himalayan Spice Bistro — Authentic Indian and Nepalese cuisine. 👉 Himalayan Spice Bistro
Chilango Mexican — Locally owned authentic Mexican food. 👉 Chilango Mexican
See more of Michael's favorites in this Powder Poobah guide to Interior B.C.:
Why We Love Fernie
Short drive from Whitefish — 102 miles, ~2 hours.
Five legendary bowls — Cedar, Lizard, Currie, Siberia, and Timber. Days to explore.
3,550 ft of vertical — Long, satisfying runs top to bottom.
The Lizard Range — Dramatic scenery that feels different from anything in the PNW.
Great lodging options on the mountain — SlopeSide for value, Lizard Lodge for a splurge.
Convenient shuttle from town — The Fernie Stoke Shuttle makes it easy.
A nice town — Great restaurants, coffee, bars, and a genuine mountain community feel.
We want to go back. That says everything.
Plan Your Trip
Have you been to Fernie? Email us or drop a comment and tell us your favorite bowl or run. andreah@powderpoobah.com
Poobah verified. By Andrea & the crew. Thanks for reading.
P.S. Fernie is part of the legendary Powder Highway — Kicking Horse is next on the list.