Locals Report

Skiing is an obsession that has taken me to where I am today, Fernie. Early season I ski every day however at this point in the season my desire wanes and I find myself thinking about surfing, cycling, caving and snowmobiling…what?

I must clarify than when it snows my obsession returns, spring powder is the best! Last Tuesdays cycle of 22cms of dense pow everything one could hope for. Everything was open and ripped from bowl to bowl.
Powder days and adventure do exist outside the world of resort skiing. On a sunny day last week I ventured to Fernie’s towering four-season playground, the Three Sisters, for the fun of it.

Following is Al’s photo essay of one deep cave and a fun day.

A perfect season always has a couple of weeks of sunshine. It guarantees good driving conditions for school break and great views for the picture takers.

It has been stellar and the snow pack is above average for the first time in years: Snow Pillow Data. Locals however are calling this sunny period a drought, the first drought of the season.

The long-range weather forecast does look promising with snow forecast for a two week period. Winters not over yet–wax your powder skis for the coming cycle!

The lifts have been running for six weeks and the season has been wonderful. The snow pack remains slightly less than average however the quality and frequency of the lighter, drier snow has make for great skiing. A great site for following the snowpack is the snow-pillow data from the BC Gov

The snow professionals might have a different perspective on the years snowpack. Several deaths in the BC backcountry and near death incidents in the Elk Valley have everyone sitting on edge. A deep weak layer from early season persists and the potential for big consequences is out there. For more information on the backcountry conditions visit the CAA

At Fernie Alpine Resort operations are in full swing. It looks like the token facelift will be running any day and the saddles were open yesterday. The ski school is busy and the hot dogs are flying.

If your considering coming to Fernie now is the time to book!

During the holiday season in 1996 my wife, Susan, and I decided to end our arduous travel from Calgary and permanently move to Ferne. The reason was simple–SNOW! Close to 200cm’s of white and fluffy fell over a two week period and we were consumed with living the life of playing in this snow.

This holiday season it happened again and I’m certain that the result is that a few of you will be changing your lives forever. Over 200cm’s fell in a three week period beginning the week prior to Christmas and it hasn’t stopped snowing as I write this. Holly powder!! The best day was possibly the 44cm of champaign overnight!

This year Susan I have the extra pleasure of skiing with my 4 year old, Nathan, and my 2 year old daughter, Chloe, seen in the following picture.

When Fernie is on there is no better skiing in the world. To ensure that you’ll catch one of those periods of “in your face and over your head powder” your best option is to spend a season or move here permanently.

I looking forward to many more cycles of great snow this winter. Happy New Year and hope to catch one of these great snow cycles!

I came to Fernie in 92 to ski at Island Lake Lodge and 16 years later not much has changed. Awesome terrain, great views and big powder days are what the lodge is all about!

Sunrise at the Lodge is always breathtaking as the first rays of light hit the towering peaks displaying the days playground for the first glimpse.

Following a safety talk and brief training by the guides we are loaded into a new Pisten Bully complete with new seats and tunes! After all these years they have Serious radio or a hook up for your own i-tunes.

Butterflies abound as we gather for our first run on Mt. Baldy. The smiles say everything about the snow conditions.

Today the ratio of boarders to skiers has boarders toping the count. Boarders appear get the bottom quickly however they have their moments as well. Guide to the rescue “big fella”!

After a big day of fresh and untracked we gather again on Baldy for our final decent, this time on the “Beer Run” and yes the name is as implies - to the lodge for hot soup and a drink.

As Warren always said, “If you don’t do it this year you’ll be one year older when you do!”

The Mogul Smoker party has been a Fernie tradition since 1976. Started by Barry Hulbert and Ian Stokie, they initially created a drink, the Mogul Smoker, and a reason to party. Two ounces of rum and Kahlua toped with coffee and hot chocolate - it proved to provide a great buzz. After a couple of annual Mogul Smoker parties they observed a direct correlation with the occurrence of large snow dumps.

Obviously Fernie’s mountain man legend, the Griz, was pleased with the Mogul Smoker party and was rewarding Snow Valley with abundant snow. For more info on the Griz visit: fernie.com

Barry and Ian soon make the Mogul Smoker an annual late Autumn event and great snow persisted for many years making Fernie a great powder town. Years later the party was canceled for no good reason and everyone noticed a decline in the snowfall. Fernie experienced a three year snow draught–it was awful. Some blamed the lack of snow on new ownership however locals knew the reason.

Fortunately for powder enthusiasts a new generation of skiers and snowboarders reinstated the party and in a new yet 70-ish fashion. Hallucinogenic - with lights, lasers, costumes, video, music, stimulating themes, props and action everywhere.

And the Griz is happy - powder immediately blanketed the mountains making the skiing great!

My thanks goes out to the organizers who created a world-class party! The following pictures are from this years awesome party:

When the skiing is better than anticipated, smiles abound! I reported a few soft turns and yes, they were there. Not everywhere but definitely in White Pass and upper Currie Bowl. Overall the skiing was highly enjoyable and the new staff were peppy and fun.

The high pressure system delivered awesome views of all the avalanche slides from last weeks rain. The snowpack is good - bring on the real powder! Here a few shots from todays adventure:

Two days of rain this Monday and Tuesday have taken the Powder out of the legend’s opening. Saturday’s opening will be less than anticipated by the powder addicted locals and visitors however the snow pack is looking good.

The snow pack is solid and well positioned for the coming snow. The rocks are covered with good coverage and a solid base. There might be a couple of powder turns up high followed by crust and the groomed runs should be outstanding as usual.

Naturually we all want face shots on opening day - that was last weekend when 50cm’s plus fell on Sunday.

It will return and hopefully SOON!

Just when I was forgetting why… it snowed. And it snowed. Nice light -13 snow - in my face and all around fluff. Unfortunately ain is forecast for Monday which leaves opening weekend as an unknown. Until the precip cycle completes itself stay tuned. Here are a couple of quick shots from a weekend adventure.

And the town smiled. Happyness in a ski town is directly related to snow and being able to play. Well everybody played - some more than others.

The skiing at the Resort was nice up high and crappy on the lower half. We do need two more 30cm dumps to make the skiing like it should be and the forecast looks promising.  Opening day is quickly approaching.

My kids are full time players - they loved the first snow of the year in their playground.