own relationships with European tour
operators, creating a melting pot of
international ski enthusiasts who each
brought their own enthusiastic style to
the mountain and the après-ski scene.
By 2000, Fernie’s spot on the
international scene was firmly
established and the Resort became a
must do on the Canadian circuit. The
recession of ’07-08 caused a slowing
of development but in hindsight, may
have been the best thing to happen to
Fernie. Without the mega-construction
of some larger ski resorts, the proximity
of Fernie Alpine Resort to the City
of Fernie provides an accessibility and
small-town charm rarely found within
the ski industry. The town’s unique
charms were recognized by Hollywood
in 2009 when Fernie was selected
as the central location for one of the
biggest ski comedies of the decade
— Hot Tub Time Machine; a Disney
production followed in 2011. The best
of the Fernie Alpine Ski Team (FAST)
have wowed at world cup events and
local hero Emily Brydon represented
Canada twice at the Winter Olympics,
in ’06 and ’10. Seeking new activity
options, local volunteer groups have
worked hard to provide cross country
skiing facilities in recent years. Fernie
now offers no less than 5 distinctly
different Nordic ski areas, some with
warming huts. Most are exclusive to
cross country skiers but some include
options for snowshoeing, fatbiking and
bringing your dogs.
LOOKING BACK, INTO THE
FUTURE
In 2012, Fernie Alpine Resort
celebrated 50 years of lift-accessed
skiing with a week of festivities
including the inaugural Skiing Hall of
Fame banquet, honouring those who
have shaped the face of skiing in Fernie.
The Polar Peak Triple Chair was the
crowning achievement of the season,
opening spectacular new terrain and
bringing the title of “Most runs and
most vertical in the Canadian Rockies”
to Fernie. With the recent addition of
two new day-use huts for ski touring
and the announcement that the
International Snow Science Workshop
will be held in Fernie in 2020, the ski
culture of Fernie continues to forge
ahead into new areas.
Heiko Socher passed away on October
7th, 2016, leaving a legacy that is
celebrated from Historic Downtown
to the highest peaks surrounding
Fernie. In his signature understated
style, Heiko built the cornerstones of
Fernie’s recreational heritage that will
stand for many years to come and his
vision for a new ski resort and village
above Ridgemont — Heaven’s Gate —
holds untold development potential.
As Fernie reflects on 50 years of skiing
heritage and remembers the pioneers
of the past, it is clear that the future of
the industry has never been stronger.
“At this ski show I was at in Calgary, there
was a little movie that was playing at the
Fernie booth. It was... I couldn’t believe it
when I was watching it. I thought it was
incredible! It was sunny and there was so
much snow! Living in eastern Canada I
had never really even seen snow like that.
I thought, Where is this place? I can’t
believe it. How can there even be this
much snow!”
- Barry Hulburd, 1973
Be sure to watch Fernie’s new ski
film Ascent To Powder – Tale of a
Ski Town online!
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