Skiing and snowboarding in Fernie are two of the perks of living in this mountain community. With Fernie Alpine Resort only minutes away - including expanded terrain and the new Great Bear Express quad chair - residents and visitors can enjoy some of the best powder skiing available on a consistent basis.

Looking down the main street in Fernie, you can see the awesome Lizard Bowl spread out between Polar Peak and Grizzly Peak, and the many runs coming off it. Off to the sides are Cedar Bowl to the right, and Timber and Currie Bowls to the the left.

Since Fernie is located in the Elk Valley leading to the Crowsnest Pass, weather funnels in from the west, condensing down and pumping out a bountiful amount of powder. There is a mystique about the powder in Fernie. It is magical, and plentiful.

Don't be surprised when people institute "Powder Rules." Enough powder on the hill, they just grab their gear and go. Work can wait a few hours. In Fernie, this is all part of the lifestyle.

If you can, tear yourself away from the ski hill and try snowshoeing or snowmobiling, or have a go at ‘mushing’ and work with a dogsled team. During the last weekend of February, the whole town gets together to celebrate Griz Days in honour of a legendary figure who shot his giant musket in to the sky to coax the snow to fall. It appears to have worked as our region is blessed with an average snowfall of over 29 feet.