About Fernie

A town where 20cm rules

All winter, storms stream off the North Pacific. On the eastern edge of the Canadian Rockies, the storms stall, dropping metre after metre of snow before moving onto the plains. Fernie, BC sits in the middle of the infamous “stall zone”.

There’s a 20cm rule in Fernie. When the barometer falls and we receive 20cm (8 inches) of snow or more overnight, the meeting moves to the mountain-maybe Timber Chair or the Boomerang Chair. Locals are more likely to meet their neighbor skiing the face of the Bear than walking down Victoria Avenue.

Even Ski Canada Magazine recognizes this, voting and awarding Fernie as the Best Ski town, with the Best Powder and the Best Deck Party. Accolades from a voice of experience.

Legendary Snow. And More.

Founded over 100 years ago, Fernie is the hub of Southeastern BC. Initially coal mines attracted adventurers from around the globe. The Italians, British, Aussies, and the French found a home in the Elk River valley holding Fernie. Today Fernie remains remarkably diverse. We still draw international travelers, but today Fernie Alpine Resort is as much of the draw as the coal mines. The common factor becomes an appreciation for the mountains, the activities and the strong attraction to the wide variety of local cultural events.

Fernie’s Historic Downtown bustles with shops, galleries, bistros and restaurants. The Arts Station hosts concerts and performances throughout the year. At night, skiers fill the streets hopping from bistro to bar, burning up the last energy of the day.

Fernie truly has something to offer everyone, from adventure to community, come and discover what will keep you coming back to Fernie for more!