Fernie, Canada
Hotel Lizard Creek Lodge
Low season:£145per night
~£1,015 per week

Canada
Legendary deep powder, steep chutes, and five spectacular alpine bowls in the Canadian Rockies.
5 properties available
About the Resort
Nestled in the Lizard Range of the Canadian Rocky Mountains in British Columbia, Fernie Alpine Resort is world-renowned for its legendary snowfall, consistently receiving up to 9 metres of powder each winter. The resort spans over 2,500 acres of uncrowded terrain, distinguished by its five massive alpine bowls that offer some of the most dramatic and accessible off-piste skiing in North America.
The Resort
While powder hounds and advanced skiers flock to the steep chutes, tree glades, and high-alpine thrills of Polar Peak, Fernie also offers perfectly groomed, rolling runs on the lower mountain that cater well to beginners and intermediates. The layout allows mixed-ability groups to ride the same lifts while tackling entirely different terrains, coming together at the base for lively après-ski.
Adding to the resort's massive appeal is the town of Fernie itself. Just a short drive from the resort base, this historic mining town features charming brick architecture from the early 1900s, an authentic local community, and an incredibly vibrant dining and arts scene that sets it apart from typical purpose-built ski villages.
On the Mountain
Fernie is famous for its five distinct alpine bowls that provide an endless playground of natural freeride terrain, steep chutes, and widely spaced glades. The addition of the Polar Peak lift allows expert skiers to access intense above-tree-line descents, while intermediates and beginners can enjoy long, winding, tree-lined groomers on the lower half of the mountain.
Lizard Range, Canadian Rockies
Located in the rugged southeast corner of British Columbia, the region is famous for the 'Fernie Factor'—a microclimate that draws massive Pacific storm systems, dumping huge quantities of dry powder.
Location
Resort Details
Ideal For
Powder Hounds
Annual 9m snowfalls and vast unpatrolled-feeling bowls make it an absolute haven for deep snow enthusiasts.
Advanced Skiers
Incredible steep chutes, ridgelines, and tree skiing offer endless challenges.
Families
A great dedicated beginner area at the base and excellent ski school programs keep kids happy and safe.
Town Lovers
The historic, authentic downtown area of Fernie offers amazing dining and breweries just 10 minutes from the lifts.
Slope Access
Full Collection
Where to Eat
Yamagoya
Downtown Fernie
A legendary, bustling local sushi spot that is a staple for both locals and visitors. Arrive early as it gets packed.
Lost Boys Café
Top of Timber Express Chair
A mountain-top refuge offering spectacular panoramic views of the Elk Valley along with hearty warming food.
The Brickhouse Bar & Grill
Downtown Fernie
Set in a beautifully restored historic bank building, offering a fantastic atmosphere and great post-ski pub food.
Cirque Restaurant and Bar
Lizard Creek Lodge (Resort Base)
Upscale slopeside dining featuring an incredible sub-zero vodka tasting room carved entirely from ice.
From the Journal
Common Questions
The ski season in Fernie typically runs Early December to mid-April. The resort averages 9m per season of snowfall, so conditions are usually reliable throughout. Fernie is part of the Epic Pass network (via partner RCR), allowing limited access for Epic Pass holders.
Fernie offers 142km of pistes with a vertical drop of 1,082m. Fernie is famous for its five distinct alpine bowls that provide an endless playground of natural freeride terrain, steep chutes, and widely spaced glades. The addition of the Polar Peak lift allows expert skiers to access intense above-tree-line descents, while intermediates and beginners can enjoy long, winding, tree-lined groomers on the lower half of the mountain. It forms part of the Lizard Range, Canadian Rockies ski area.
Legendary deep powder, steep chutes, and five spectacular alpine bowls in the Canadian Rockies. Fernie is a off-piste paradise, known for its distinctive character and atmosphere. Key highlights include advanced, experts, off piste, extensive terrain, lively town.
Fernie receives an average of 9m per season of snowfall. With skiing up to 2,139m, higher altitude terrain holds snow well into spring. Recent snowfall: Consistent deep powder dumps and reliable coverage.
Fernie is well-suited for several types of visitors. For powder hounds: Annual 9m snowfalls and vast unpatrolled-feeling bowls make it an absolute haven for deep snow enthusiasts. For advanced skiers: Incredible steep chutes, ridgelines, and tree skiing offer endless challenges. For families: A great dedicated beginner area at the base and excellent ski school programs keep kids happy and safe.
The nearest airport is Calgary International Airport (YYC), about 300km away (approximately 3h 15min by transfer). Scheduled airport shuttles operate from Calgary International Airport directly to the resort and town. Private transfers and rental cars are also highly popular. A scheduled local winter shuttle bus runs continuously between the historic town of Fernie and the ski resort base.
Lift passes in Fernie are available as Adult Day Pass (CAD 139), Adult 6-Day Pass (CAD 750). Passes often cover the wider Lizard Range, Canadian Rockies area, giving access to a much larger ski domain. It is highly recommended to purchase lift tickets and book accommodations months in advance, especially around holidays and powder weekends.
Standout dining in Fernie includes Yamagoya (A legendary, bustling local sushi spot that is a staple for both locals and visitors. Arrive early as it gets packed.), Lost Boys Café (A mountain-top refuge offering spectacular panoramic views of the Elk Valley along with hearty warming food.), The Brickhouse Bar & Grill (Set in a beautifully restored historic bank building, offering a fantastic atmosphere and great post-ski pub food.). With 4 recommended restaurants in total, the resort offers an impressive dining scene for a ski destination.
Explore More

Get our monthly roundup of new listings, resort conditions, and insider recommendations.