So This One Time In Fernie I……

You know, I go on and on about the skiing in Fernie and as you may have ascertained, I am an avid skier…my first boots were lace ups and my skis were wood with bear trap bindings. No, I’m not THAT old, but with 5 kids in our family…well, you get the idea….my parents were….thrifty. But that didn’t stop us….no sir! My brother Rob went on to race on the Canadian National Ski Team for 13 years, my sister Sue made the Canadian Freestyle Team and my sister Sandra raced on the BC Team. My brother Ian and I went more for the artsy music side but both of us loved to hit the slopes on any given day. Skiing is in our blood and my parents, now in their mid seventies are still skiing up a storm! As kids, we were forced to appreciate the great outdoors ….pretty sure Mum locked the door behind us when we ventured outside in the dead of winter. To that end, we discovered all sorts of other activities to keep us amused in our snowy playground….snowshoeing, cross country skiing, snowmobiling, tobogganing…you name it, we did it!

Why am I telling you this? Because Fernie has so much more to offer than the incredible skiing that I am so passionate about. For instance, have you ever curled? Now although this isn't outdoors, we just had our Après Christmas Staff Party and we rented out the Fernie Curling Club! What a hoot! Their volunteers were phenomenal - extremely patient and by the end of the evening we were all dreaming about competing in the next Brier or even the Olympics (note to self: wear flat shoes for future curling outings…heels and ice…not a good combo)! I will admit that my favourite part was the yelling…you’re allowed to yell, to shout…..HURRYYYYYYYYY!!

Perhaps that’s a bit too much excitement, so let’s pull it back a bit and head out on one of the Snowshoe Trails for some peace, quiet and serenity. Book an interpretative Snowshoe Tour with Fernie Alpine Resort or pack a lunch and go out on your own and experience the wintertime bike trail system taking in the stunning views of the Lizard Range. In keeping with becoming one with nature, why not grab your Nordic gear and head up to Island Lake Lodge from their parking lot. Their Nordic trail will lead you into their pristine mountain wilderness – go for a loop around the lake, enjoy a delicious lunch, then ski back down the valley for your next activity – dogsledding!

Adventure Source Dogsled Tours is who you want to book with! They have tours to fit everyone’s needs….you can learn to work your own team or be a passenger…this experience will leave you wanting to pack your bags and head to Alaska for the next Iditarod! You want even more of a thrill? Alrighty then…how about adding a little horsepower….I’m talking a snowmobile outing with Prestige Tours. They offer 2 hours of adrenalin and up to a full day with optional BBQ and campfire lunch or dinner.

Speaking of adrenalin, Friday and Saturday nights you can bellow out your best Tarzan impersonation as you soar to new heights on the winter zipline at Fernie Alpine Resort.

You see? There is just no end of the fun to be had in Fernie, BC. Come spend a few nights with us in one of our Polar Peak Lodges or one of our Timberline condos (check out our specials), do some skiing and then book as many activities as you can so that you can go home and announce to all that will listen…..this one time in Fernie I….

Let us plan your vacation – it’s what we do!
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Fernie Ski Vacation Needed To Cure Aprés Holiday Blues

So…another holiday season has come and gone…how on earth did that happen? I’m sure it was just recently that I was sharpening my pencil to begin compiling my Christmas list! Oh dear…about that Christmas list….um….okay so I’ve got a good jump on next Christmas haven’t I! Apologies to my family…but at least I called on Christmas Day…didn’t I? Wow….awkward….!! Well, I hope that you all had a wonderful holiday season and if you didn’t get a chance to visit us in Fernie yet….what the heck are you waiting for? The snow is phenomenal right now…I’ve been skiing every weekend since opening day and it just gets better and better! I find it very therapeutic getting out there on the hill in the cool, crisp, fresh air…in fact I have had a few life changing epiphanies riding up the Boomerang Chair! I kid you not! My life is no longer clear as mud but as clear as the view from the top of the Polar Peak Chair today! Onwards and upwards I say….skiing or snowboarding is so good for the mind, body and soul! I’ve been in the ski industry my entire life and I’m probably one of the happiest gals you’ll ever meet!

It’s time to rise from that office chair, gather your friends, your family, even your dog….and head for the hills! There is no better time to book that perfect ski in/ski out cozy cabin with private hot tub for you and your 7 friends…or treat the family to a luxurious spacious condo, again with private hot tub and access to the heated outdoor swimming pool! If you book by January 31^st we’ll give you 50% off your third night or we’ll give you your 6^th night free (blackout dates apply). There are lots of great events coming up including the Kokanee Snow Dreams Festival and Avalanche Awareness Days. Come to Fernie and recharge your batteries! You really don't want to have to use the jumper cables on yourself, do you? The longer you wait the less chance you have of reserving your perfect snowy winter getaway...do it now! 

Let us plan your vacation - it's what we do!
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Photo: Polar Peak Chair
Photo Credit: Klyde DeGroot   

Fernie BC...Where All The Action Is!

Okay I have tried to sit down and write a new post for 3 weeks now….but I've been busy studying for my Masters in...and if you believe that, I have a piece of property in…oh dear…I digress….truth is I just couldn't decide what to write about! Fernie is the coolest town to live in and every time I turn around, there is yet another fun thing to do! From concerts at the Arts Station, Film Festivals at the Community Centre to Ghostrider Hockey Games at the Fernie Memorial Arena there is just never a dull moment!

Opening weekend at Fernie Alpine Resort is fast approaching and let me tell you….that gets me SO excited! I am marking off the days on my calendar…the countdown has begun….December 1 is the big day! Let the bells ring out and the banners fly! Before you know it, you’ll be hootin’ and hollerin’ down Linda’s Run, Currie Powder or Stag Leap on that pristine champagne powder day! Pumped yet? Well you should be….we anticipate another epic snow year and the best news of all is that I have commenced my Snow Dancing as of Nov 1, so let the flakes fly! Speaking of flying, heli skiing isn’t the only non lift assisted skiing and snowboarding to partake in…how ‘bout some catskiing? No matter what the weather, you can all ski/snowboard together and Island Lake is the place to go. 2013 is their 25th Anniversary and in conjunction with that they are releasing an illustrated history book of Island Lake and the Cedar Valley in about 4 weeks time.

So have you booked your Christmas vacation in Fernie yet? We still have some availability in our Polar Peak Lodges, Snow Creek Lodge, Bear Paw Lodge and Timberline Lodge. Things are filling up quickly so don’t delay! If you do come for Christmas, please ask at the time of booking about our add-on Christmas Package consisting of a 6 foot pre-lit Christmas Tree, a tree skirt, ornaments, tree topper and the best thing of all…my ‘world famous’ homemade shortbread cookies!

If you’re coming to Fernie ahead of the hustle bustle of Christmas, we have a few deals for you! Stay and Ski early this winter….3rd night half price for check-ins up to Dec 21 on all properties and no blackout dates or book 3 nights and get the 4th FREE at The Timbers or River Rock Lodge!!

Let us take care of your vacation – it’s what we do!
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Photo Credit: Heather Boyd

First Class Fishing in Fernie’s Famous Elk River

Well that’s a mouthful and a half….wasn’t really sure how to word it but there you have it…..we have a fishing paradise here in Fernie and men, women and children come from all over the world to test our waters. Fish stories are exchanged daily over mugs of steaming lattés and cappuccinos….about the one that got away…it was how big?? Now in all fairness, I am not a seasoned fisherwoman…..in fact I can’t quite recall my last fishing expedition but I’m sure it involved dragging the bottom of a lake, yards of tangled fishing line and expletives not fit to post. I know, I know….I need to at least give it a go now that I live here! My son is heading out this way on the weekend to do some fishing and he invited me to go with him…I told him I’d sit on the shore and read a book….and cheer when he reels in the big one!  Such a good Mum!!

The weather is ideal right now for fishing…the days are still warm and sunny and although the nights are cooler, fall fishing is fantastic! I’ve even noticed some new hatches of little flying creatures stuck in my teeth when I’m out for a run by the river…I’m sure they have some name like Baitis or October Caddis. You can venture out on your own, but to find that perfect deep pool or sweet foam line, you’d be best to take a guided fishing adventure with one of our experienced and professional guiding companies. You can choose from Fernie Fly Fishing, Kootenay Fly Shop and Guiding Co., Elk River Guiding Company or Fernie Wilderness Adventures – they can all provide you with one of your most memorable fishing expeditions ever and help you reel in the big one that didn’t get away!

Now after a day on the river wrestling with “Fishzilla”, you’ll probably want to rest those tired, aching muscles. Why not book a spa treatment at our very own King Fir Spa. Choose a Restorative & Relaxing Classic Massage or a Sports Massage or any one of the wonderful services we offer. Then check in to one of our cozy log cabins or condo suites with your own private hot tub and soak the night away. We still have some great summer accommodation specials – don’t miss out!

So as summer continues to grace our valley with all it’s splendor, the leaves are starting to turn and before we know it the snow will fly! Christmas and New Year’s are not that far away. Book today! What are you waiting for? If you visit us for a Fernie Christmas, don’t forget to ask about our Christmas Package including a tree, ornaments, tree topper, tree skirt and the best thing of all….some of my world famous shortbread cookies!

Let us take care of your vacation – it’s what we do!

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Don’t Say “There’s Always Next Summer”…..It’s Still Summer in Fernie BC!

It seems once Labour Day Weekend has come and gone and the kids are back in school, everyone is of the same mind…..summer is over…sigh….but wait!! It is absolutely not over! For starters, the first day of Fall is September 22 and at my tally, that’s 17 days away! So lift that chin up….way up….and have a look at what awaits you! Open your eyes and mind to the endless activities that Fernie has to offer! Whether you want to hike our beautiful trails, mountain bike our well maintained single tracks, swing your clubs at our immaculately manicured golf course or fish in our pristine river…there’s still lots of time! As I mentioned last week, the dog days of summer are still with us. Yes the evenings are cooler but the stars still dance merrily above us and the moon shines down on us in brilliant splendour. Speaking of the moon…were you able to view the Blue Moon over the weekend? Did you sleep under it? No? Well I did!! Yup….Saturday night my friend and I slept out on his deck under the twinkling stars and the brightest moon I’ve ever seen. I almost had to wear my sunglasses to catch a few z’s! When I finally stopped star gazing and drifted off, I had the deepest, most peaceful sleep ever and as the morning sun bathed me in its warmth it put a smile on my face and a song in my heart….oh wow that sounded sappy…you get the idea…it was awesome!

There are also some great events yet to come this month….Fernie Terry Fox Run, Tears and Gears Mountain Duathlon,Fernie Kids Tri and the Emily Brydon Youth Foundation Golf Tournament. There are concerts at the Arts Station and live music at the Brick House. So you see? Still time to enjoy Fernie before donning the down jackets, toques, gloves and winter boots.  We have September Savings or Summer Savings on all our vacation properties.

So yes, I am dwelling on summer, but it’s a fact that winter will be along with a vengeance before we know it! Not quite time to start our snow dancing but have you booked your winter wonderland getaway yet? What? No? Well, check out our Book Early and Save This Winter or our Winter Long Stay Specials and picture yourself curled up in front of a cozy fire in a condo suite, chalet, lodge, log cabin or resort home. Don’t miss out on making this your best winter yet!

Let us make your Fernie dreams come true.
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Dog Days of Summer and a Blue Moon in Fernie BC

Well, we are managing to cling to summer here in Fernie! The forecast for the next 14 days is nothing but sunshine and blue skies! Sure the evenings are cooler, but the weather during the day is so fantastic for hiking, biking and golfing! I’m sure there are trails you’ve yet to try and perhaps you’ve not hit the links yet…..now’s the time! Don’t delay!

Last night as I wandered home from the final Wednesday Night Summer Social I was absolutely blown away by the sunset! It looked like the entire western skyline was on fire! It literally took my breath away and I found myself speechless which, for those of you that know me, is extremely rare. I marvel at the raw beauty of this special place we call home…the mountains, the trees and the eerie yet magical shadows cast by the full moons. Speaking of which, tomorrow night is a Blue Moon! You’re familiar with the old phrase “…once in a Blue Moon…”? This is where it comes from…it will be the second full moon in a month! And the next one won’t happen until 2015 so I think we all need to sleep outside tomorrow night on top of a mountain! Well, that’s what I would love to do….how amazing would that be? I’m sure I could reach out and touch the moon! Okay perhaps that’s a little ambitious, but I hope you all have a chance to experience the extra-special energies and messages Blue Moons are fabled to give us!

Come to Fernie this weekend and let us share our mountain life with you! We have some great last minute lodging specials and there are some fun events going on throughout the valley including the Demolition Derby, the last weekend of summer operations at Fernie Alpine Resort and the final Sunday Mountain Market. Head up to Island Lake Lodge for a hike and lunch on the Bear Lodge deck (lunch not available on Saturday due to a wedding) or hit their Date Night on Monday night and dine on the best food I’ve ever been lucky enough to savour. This night has become so popular it’s best to make a reservation.

So yes, as much as I love these dog days of summer, I can’t help but start to dream of the morning light dancing across my window panes with webs of snow drifting gently across them….oh champagne powder…soon….very soon. Book your winter Fernie, BC getaway now and take advantage of our great early bird specials!

Let us make your Fernie dreams come true.
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Rollin' on the River in Fernie BC

Well, with all this nice warm weather we’ve been having, I have been somewhat remiss in my postings…my bad….but seriously I would much rather be out hiking, biking, golfing or floating the river in all this glorious sunshine than glued to my computer writing about why you should come to visit!  Speaking of floating the river, I finally managed to do my first river float of the summer on Monday afternoon after work with my sister and brother-in-law. Now, as I have mentioned, doing anything with my sister is always an adventure and this was no exception. She offered me one of their flotation devices to use….little did I know it was the Low Rider when I accepted. Granted it has a beverage holder, but I will tell you it is aptly named as your derriere sits very low in the water! As I looked over to see what Sue and Eric were floating on, there they were…..riding on lovely proper river floating tubes with very high clearance…..of course they were! Now aside from the fact that the river is um…er….extremely refreshing, it has also become quite shallow in places and I found myself on a number of occasions, high centered on some very pointy rocks while the other 2 sailed merrily onwards. So take it from someone who is still thawing out and nursing a few unsightly bruises….don’t float the river in a Low Rider!! Riding on the proper apparatus, the river is a blast with some really fun rapids so enjoy it while summer is still here!

Something else really fun to attend are the Sunday Mountain Markets  Every Sunday through until Labour Day from 10am – 2pm at Rotary Park you can check out farmer's just picked fruit, organic veggies, herbs and flowers; herbalist's hand-crafted soaps and fragrances; baker's tasty pies, bagels, cupcakes and sourdough bread; as well as local artisan's latest creations. The Wednesday Night Socials downtown at Station Square are my favorite with live music, delicious food and a beverage garden but sadly the last one is August 29.

So…have you tried the Aerial Playground and Rippin’ Zipline at Fernie Alpine Resort? No?? Well get on it! This is hugely fun for all ages! Why not make a day of it? Book your time in the Aerial Playground, then hop on the Timber Chair for a scenic ride up the mountain. If it’s a weekend or holiday, you can stop in at Lost Boys Café for lunch for their Ride & Dine Special. There are some great hiking trails once you’re up there as well….Polar Peak is one of my favorite hikes reaching an elevation of 7010 feet and a view of the Elk Valley that is simply breathtaking.

There’s only one more long weekend this summer and we want you to enjoy Fernie so we are offering the deal of a lifetime! The Timbers is available and the special rates are so amazing I can barely contain myself! Gather your friends or family…up to 17 of you can stay in this executive mountain-style log home. Give us a call to book your September Long Weekend getaway! Great last minute specials available NOW!

Speaking of specials, check out our Early Winter Booking deals and Long Stay Specials. Don’t miss out on an opportunity to settle into one of our cozy cabins, condos, chalets or resort homes.

Let us make your Fernie dreams come true.
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Favourite Hikes and Après Hike Patios in Fernie, BC

I love to go a-wandering,
Along the mountain trail,
And as I go, I love to sing,
My Camelback full of ale…

Oh wait! Wrong words….water….it’s full of water! The ale is for après hike, sitting in the sun on one of Fernie’s many patios. So let’s go for a hike first! Fernie is a hiker’s haven…..so many to choose from that sometimes the summer just doesn’t seem long enough. Last summer I was lucky enough to spend a number of days on the trails and I have decided to share with you 5 trails that stand out – some family friendly and some a little more adventurous and challenging.

Castle Mountain: Prepare yourself for a 4 – 6 hour round trip (also used for mountain biking) with spectacular views of our beautiful valley once at the top. There are 2 ways to access the trail, either from River Road or from Cokato Road, so you can actually go up and back down on 2 separate trails.

Old Growth Trail: Very family friendly and only a 1 hour round trip. Rain or shine, the giant ancient cedars canopy you as you make your way to Island Lake Lodge. Stop and grab some lunch on the famous Bear Lodge deck before you wind your way back down or head out on another of Island Lake’s diverse and well maintained trails.

Mt Hosmer: Plan on using up a day to explore the full two part hike to the summit of this spectacular peak - home to our legendary Ghostrider. There are some switchbacks, steep hills and scrambles but worth it once atop this magnificent mountain. Watch for mountain goats!

Mt Fernie: The easiest access is just off the power line above Alpine Trails/Parkland Terrace. This hike is approximately 3 hours and can be a tad scrambly towards the top, but there are benches strategically placed at amazing viewpoints and the view from the top is absolutely awesome! The trail meets up with the notorious Mountain Lakes Trail aka Heiko’s Trail which brings you to Island Lake Road just below the lodge and I will be honest, I’ve not done this one yet but it is definitely on my bucket list!

Lizard Lake: Accessed via Island Lake’s lower parking lot, Lizard Lake although a relatively short hike gains vertical fairly quickly. It leads to a lake found just below the peaks of the Lizard Range. There is a rough game trail above the lake if you want to get to the top - it becomes fairly challenging - but if you like bushwhacking, loose rock, snow and complicated terrain (which all seem to be criteria when hiking with my sister Sue) then all the power to you. The sea of wildflowers and the view of Lake Koocanusa will be your reward…you may even spot a few mountain goats!

Well there you have it…some great trails to choose from. Now for the après hike info….I seem to be good at this part …my top 5 Fernie patio picks:

Bear Lodge Deck at Island Lake Lodge – Sunshine, Sangria & Smoked Cod Pasta
Bridge Bistro – Half Chicken and Rib Dinner, ice cold pints
The Clubhouse at Fernie Golf and Country Club – Clubhouse Sandwich & Daily Drink Special
Kelsey’s at Fernie Alpine Resort – Hit it on a Thursday after the race series and enjoy half price wings
The Curry Bowl – Sit rooftop and enjoy an array of beers from around the world and a tantalizing Mango/Shrimp Curry

Once you’ve hiked til your legs are jelly and you’ve filled your belly come stay with us at Fernie Lodging Company! Check out our Summer Savings on our accommodations which include cabins, condos, chalets and resort homes.

Love Fernie in the Summer!
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Summer Time and the Livin’ is Easy in Fernie, BC!

Well would you look at that big yellow thing in the sky! It’s called the sun and it is here to stay for the summer! There really is nothing more beautiful anywhere in the world than Fernie in my opinion and that’s the main reason I’m here to stay. Oh there are other reasons…a plethora of reasons…in fact too many to name, but the main ones are that my sister and her family live here, the skiing in the winter is phenomenal and I’ve made many friends whom I consider to have quickly become lifelong. The sense of community in Fernie is sometimes mind boggling…certainly unique. The events are always well supported and attended by the locals therefore encouraging our visitors to join us in the fun and frivolity!  Take for instance the Sunday Downtown Socials every Sunday throughout the summer. This Sunday is Feel Good Fernie from 1 – 4pm with sidewalk shopping, trunk treasures, entertainment for all ages, food and beverages, children’s story time, outdoor yoga, free workshops and treatments from our local practitioners and much, much more! How easy is that?! Then there are the Wednesday Night Concerts & Market at Station Square…..between 5 and 9pm you can treat yourself to the mountain market, live entertainment and a refreshment garden (wink!). This is only a taste of Fernie fun and I certainly won’t rattle off everything, but check out our events page to plan your trip to Fernie and don’t miss out on anything!

So here’s what I would do…..check out our Summer Savings accommodation special or our Last Minute Sunshine Special, choose your lodging... condo suite, chalet or log cabin and give us a call. It’s that easy! Let us make your summer vacation dreams come true!

Come to Fernie, BC where it’s….

   Summertime,
And the livin' is easy
Fish are jumpin'
And the mountains are high
Mountain biking
Golfing, floating or hiking
Ropes course, zip line
All here for you.

Love Fernie in the Summer
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P.S. Just so you know, it’s not too soon to think about your winter ski packages…..the early bird get’s the worm….or in this case, the early bird gets the powder and the pick of accommodations!

Well Hello Summer! Thanks For Showing Up!

So I think my ranting in yesterday’s post woke Mother Nature up! Today is the first day of summer and the clouds are giving way to some azure blue and the sun is peeping through! Fernie is looking absolutely spectacular….decorated in lush, varying shades of green and dotted with colourful wildflowers poking their way towards the heavens above. The 14 day forecast is showing lots of little sunshine icons which puts a great big smile on my face! There’s really nothing better than Fernie in the summer! So many things to do….how do you fit them all in? Well for a start, you need to check out our Fernie Family Play and Stay Deal which includes accommodation, an Aerial Playground & Rippin' Zipline family pass and one full day of lift accessed mountain biking…how great is that? Fernie Alpine Resort opens for a preview weekend of their summer operations June 23 and 24 and then they will be in full swing, 7 days a week, as of June 29.

Visit our Events Calendar to stay up to date on all the wild and wonderful activities you simply must not miss…..and then book your Fernie, BC summer getaway in one of our cozy cabin rentals or spacious condo suites and don’t forget to bring your bathing suit and enjoy the heated outdoor pool and hot tubs!

If you are a participant in the Furious3 or the TransRockies Challenge mountain bike races, give us a call - have we got a deal for you on your accommodation! 

Love Fernie in the Summer!
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