This was British Columbia’s share of the Rocky Mountains. Specifically, I was at Fernie Alpine Resort in the Lizard Range. Known for its powder, it boasts 2,500 acres of skiable terrain and has a vertical drop of over a kilometre. It’s right next to a charming and lively mining town and is the perfect place to go for a ski holiday in Canada.
The first thing you will notice in British Columbia is just how absurdly friendly the people are. You will be walking through the airport when you notice a tourist rushing to a flight, and in doing so, bump into one of the locals.
“Sorry! didn’t see you there,” says the Canadian, as they make sure the tourist is okay and knows where they’re going.
The strangest part is that the whole thing is sincere – there does seem to be something different in the water up north.
After the warm welcome you can head straight to the slopes. However, if you think you’ll feel a bit tired it’s not a bad idea to book your first night in the Fairmont Hotel, which you can find just two minutes away from the luggage carousels.
It’s been voted the #1 Airport Hotel in North America for the third year in a row, and to say the least, it’s a pleasant way to get over any jet-lag.
Cruising the Powder Highway
Once that’s done, it’s time for the Powder Highway – a region dense with some of the best ski resorts in the world.
This is where the real fun starts. Your first stop is the boutique village of Fernie Alpine Resort. Due to its mining history, the town has a life outside of tourism, which makes for a far more authentic and intimate experience than you would get at many other ski-villages.
There are lots of delightful shops to see and cosy places to eat. I highly recommend checking out The Brickhouse for a drink, and The Loaf for some freshly made pasta.
While it would be easy to end up staying in town, you’re here to ski. Fernie Alpine Resort offers a great experience for skiers of all levels, and is especially good for those looking to challenge themselves on some diverse terrain and lengthy runs.
What sets it apart from the rest, however, is that you can get all this without the queues. Even at its absolute busiest, you’re never going to spend more than a few minutes having to wait around to get back on the lift. The other draw is its beauty. Often the main challenge while skiing through the trees is to make sure you don’t get too distracted by the majestic backdrop of the mountain ranges in front of you.
Discover a hidden treasure
Coming back to a comfortable and cosy cabin is one of the best parts about a ski holiday. The Lizzard Creek Lodge is right on the mountain, and offers a great ski-in ski-out experience. Better still, it’s right next to the Cirque Restaurant, where you will find new and improved fine-dining.
Even though it’s so convenient, it really makes you feel like you’re doing something new and exciting outside of the resort. This is particularly the case if you try out their vodka ice bar. It is literally an ice bar where you can test out some delicious vodka, served in a cup which has been carved from ice. Genius.
British Columbia is a province famous for its incredible people, beautiful scenery and action-packed skiing. There are so many places to go and visit that it can be difficult to decide what to do.
Wherever you go, you’ll hear a lot of familiar accents – and you won’t have to think very hard to work out why. Fernie is a hidden treasure.
If you’re a keen skier or boarder looking to have the mountain all to yourself, as well as being right next to a town full of history and personality, then I think it’s time to start planning your next trip abroad.
- Michael Townsend travelled to Canada as a guest of Destination BC. For more information, click here: HelloBC.
