Hi! We are thinking of skiing Fernie the first week in March. Flying from Hamilton to Calgary on Westjet. What are ski conditions like @ that time of year @ Fernie? What about the risk of avalanches? Any suggestions for a great place to stay ( 2 adults, 2 teens: 15 & 16...excellent skiers!)

Early March is typically glorious at Fernie - warm and sunny during the day, with a chance of new snow each evening. As the weather warms, the danger from avalanches increases, but I wouldn't give it any worry as long as you ski in-bounds. The mountain crew do a great job of identifying cornices or unstable snow slabs, and taking/shooting them out. There a number of great places to stay, we really liked Griz Inn (http://www.grizinn.com/), a ski in-ski-out location.

Yep. Those guys patrol for avalanches well; they are backed up with science and research as well as experience.

Fernie is isolated enough to be an adventure. Have fun.

Hi, we're leaving for Fernie next week. Staying on the hill - one two and one three bedroom condo booked directly with the owners so have saved some $'s over booking through the resort. Can let you know when we return if we would recommend them. Looks good but then again most places on the internet do!

ok, Starfish! Have a great time! How long will you be away? I will check back here for your comments. I will be away from Dec 19 to Jan 4 w/ a few days back here somewhere in there (I think Dec 26 to Dec 30) so if you let me know approximately when you will be posting I will do a "Fernie" search for your post around that time!
Have fun!!!
And, thx to ALF & Dixon too! "Typically glorious" sounds like what we are hoping for!!

Wow, will be back on the 29th from Fernie but leaving again on the 30th returning on the 4th as well. Will try and post in between at some point but for sure by the 4th. Have a great holiday too!

Hi, Starfish! I really do not want to miss your comments! If you post on Dec 29 or 30 I may miss you so I wonder if you cld wait until Jan 4 when we are both back & I can check in here on a regular basis? You mentioned that you rented your Fernie condo on the internet. What site did you use? Where are you staying? Recently I saw a number of timeshares for rent @ www.tug2.net
Have a great time!!

Hi wow, I will post after we are both back then. Have a look at http://www.fernie-alpine-accommodations.com/. Lots of choices here, just depends on what you want. Another site you might try is http://www.ownerdirect.com/ for more choices. We are staying at Snow Creek Condos and will report back to you when we return. Happy holidays!

HI
Don't know if this will help but we went to Fernie last year in March and had 3 'dumps' in one week! The skiers thought the powder was the best...and no queues at all for the lifts. I would say if you stay on the mountain the nightlife will be better, but it is ceratinly more pricey, this is against staying in town which is quieter but great value. I would say when it is sunny the views are glorious. Hope this helps.

Oops forgot to say...it's a real long transfer from Calgary to the resort so be prepared to sleep on the way or take a book!

Hi wow,

Our trip and accommodation were great! I checked my previous email though and realized I meant to say we stayed at Stone Creek Condos (not to be confused with Snow Creek Lodge). We had a three bedroom unit with full kitchen and two baths. Although it was about a 7 minute walk (uphill) to the lifts, you could ski directly to the units which was great. (You have to take your skiis off to cross a small road and can then continue on to Stone Creek - no big deal). If you want real ski in/out access, check out Snow Creek Lodge/ Thunder Ridge/ Lizard Creek/Cornerstone lodge or Griz Inn. Just depends on what you are willing to pay and if you want a condo vs. hotel. I booked privately through www.mountainsideinns.com and another family member booked a two bedroom unit in the same complex through www.go2far.com. Neither unit had a hot tub though if that is important to you. Fernie is a wonderful ski destination although the resort didn't seem to have all the infrastructure in place to deal with the number of people at times - very slow lifts at the lower level/terrible line ups in the cafeteria with no places to sit. We were happy to go back to our unit for lunches! Probably just because it was over Christmas, I don't think it is normally that busy. Anyway, we had a great time. Let me know if you have other questions. We're heading back in February - time to start booking!

How long was the transfer from Calgary? my son and husband want to do a 4 day, ski all day, weekend in February - have done Whistler twice and are looking at Banff now - they want to ski Fri, Sat, Sun and as much of Monday as possible with an evening flight home. Is that possible from Fernie??

Easier if you rent a car (~3.5 hours) because the latest sky shuttle leaves Fernie at 11 a.m arriving in Calgary at 3:30 p.m. Check out http://www.rockymountainskyshuttle.com/ or http://www.mountainperks.ca/ to see if the schedules will suit your flights.

Happy New Year Starfish! I was hoping that you wld check in here! Thanks for your comments. I have made a note of the places you mentioned & will look into them for March. We are still not sure if we are going to be able to go...still in the "thinking stage". Anyway, thanks again and I am happy that you had such a great time! We went to Ellicottville & there was no natural snow. It was incredibly mild...around 50 degrees most days. But we hit the slopes everyday & the fire works display on New Years Eve was better than Disney World!!

Happy New year to you too wow! You are most welcome and I'm sorry there wasn't more snow at home for the holidays. Ellicottville is pretty anytime of year though. Good luck in your travels wherever they may take you!