Winter is powder time in the Fernie and the Elk Valley. Huge snowflakes float down from the heavens, blanketing the Elk Valley and creating our winter playground.

With close to 200 trails, five alpine bowls and unlimited tree skiing, Fernie Alpine Resort offers skiing and snowboarding adventures to suit every ability.

A short 5 minute drive from downtown Fernie takes you to Fernie Alpine Resort, admit the backdrop of the spectacular Lizard Range. Renowned for superb natural snow, the resort averages over 29 feet of annual snowfall!

Recent expansions at the resort include two new quad chair-lifts, of which the new high-speed quad provides access to three more bowls, Currie, timber and Siberia. It all totals up to 1500 acres of new and exciting terrain.

Experts are never bored gliding through the glades, dropping off ridges, checking out chutes or making first tracks in the POWDER. Many of the upper mountain runs will entice intermediates to try Off-piste and Glades. The lower mountain is a beginner's delight with wide open slopes and winding trails. Snowboarders can test the all-terrain park, invade the half-pipe or ride the many NATURAL gullies.

Offering a variety of lessons and programs, Fernie Alpine Resort boasts a top rate ski and snowboard school. Programs and lessons include ski-weeks and the popular, all-inclusive learn to ski or snowboard program for first-timers. Newcomers to the mountain can take advantage of the ski host program, offering complimentary daily guided tours of Fernie Alpine Resort.

For more information call (250) 423-4655 or visit www.skifernie.com

Snowcat Skiing

Snowcat skiing is the ultimate powder experience: several thousand acres of untracked powder, small group sizes, professional guides, glorious meals and luxurious accommodations. Operators in the area cater to both intermediate and expert skiing and snowboarding enthusiasts. From day to multi-day packages, the adventure is endless.

Snowmobiling

Offering spectacular scenery, consistently deep snowpacks, and an excellent trail system, Fernie is quickly becoming a top mountain-touring destination. Known as the 'Yellowstone of the North' for snowmobiling, the Elk Valley's season runs from November to April with groomed Trails suitable for all riding abilities. Trails start right at town and run for over 100 km, leading to spectacular alpine vistas and powder filled bowls just waiting for you. Fernie also serves as an ideal base for extended touring into the Crowsnest and Bull River riding areas, both in close proximity. Snowmobile rentals and back-country guides are available to those seeking the experience of a lifetime.

Cross-country Skiing

Explore over 15 km of groomed trails at Fernie Alpine Resort. The trail system promises to lead you to panoramic vistas and through snow draped forests. The Fernie Golf & Country Club offers their 'white' greens to cross-country skiing enthusiasts desiring a relaxing stride close to town. For those who wish to discover the back-country, the Elk Valley's mountain terrain provides a variety of excellent touring opportunities.

So much to do and so little life to live. Stay at the Raging Elk Hostel and live an exciting mountain adventure. Nature is calling.