winter

The South Rockies field team is one of Avalanche Canada’s six field teams. Our team of three avalanche professionals is passionate about empowering safe backcountry adventures and working together to collect critical information about the snowpack in the backcountry surrounding Crowsnest Pass, Elkford, Sparwood, Fernie, and Elko.

Most animals have three choices to survive winter: migrate, hibernate, or cope with freezing temperatures. Many birds (and some humans) choose to migrate south to warmer places. Bears fatten up and sleep through winter in their dens. But aquatic animals have an extra challenge: freezing water. Few animals can withstand being frozen because the forming ice destroys cell membranes, so aquatic animals have “cool” adaptations.

Event Date(s): 
Thursday, November 9, 2023
Time: 
8:00pm

It's hats off for A Night of Snowboarding on Thursday November 9th at the Legion! Come early to grab your seat. Movies start at 8:00pm.

Event Date(s): 
Saturday, November 11, 2023
Time: 
6:00pm

It's time for the unofficial launch of Fernie's winter season! Skiers and snowboarders gather to celebrate the upcoming winter season and support the Fernie Ski Patrol!

Saturday, November 11 – Fernie Community Centre
6:00pm - Doors Open - Beverages, Fernie beer, food, displays and get your movie zone!
7:00pm - TGR - Legend Has It
8:50pm - MSP – The Land Of Giants
10:30pm - TGR - Flying High Again

Everyone attending will receive a 2 for 1 lift ticket voucher to Fernie Alpine Resort!

Fernie Alpine Resort is a winter wonderland for ski and snowboard enthusiasts. With its abundant powder and incredible terrain, it's no wonder that thousands of visitors flock to this resort every season.

Among the many people who make the Fernie experience unforgettable are the dedicated team of volunteer Snow Hosts - passionate, friendly characters who genuinely love sharing their love of our mountain with others. 


Illustrated by Sarah Pullen

Did you know...

A lot of insects hibernate? This is how many have survived for millions of years. It is how some are able to grow, and for others it is a survival skill.

Flies are capable of surviving the winter cold. The cold air drives them into shelter which is why they are often found in attics, wall cracks and window frames.

This dormant condition of insects during winter is called diapause.

Event Date(s): 
Wednesday, October 25, 2023
Time: 
6:00pm

An evening with backcountry badass and the founder of Pit + Peak Avalanche Training, Kate Ediger. Kate will help you hone in on skills you've learned from AST1 and help answer any major questions that you have whether it's route planning, understanding maps and GPS, or what to do in a first aid situation after an avalanche.

You will dig deeper into weather and how that effects our snow pack, how to find weather models so that you can make proper forecasts, and then dive deeper into avalanche hazards and snow understanding.

The Elk Valley Snow and Avalanche Workshop Society is proud to be hosting our annual event again this year. The full-day workshop returns October 28, 2023, with a theme that speaks to the diversity of the winter backcountry landscape: Carving a Path Together: Strengthening Avalanche Safety Across the Community.

Event Date(s): 
Repeats every day until Sun Apr 02 2023.
Saturday, April 1, 2023
Sunday, April 2, 2023
Time: 
8:00am - 3:30pm

Bust out your retro snow suits, spandex neon leggings and leg warmers, tease up your hair over your headband and get ready for the most legit retro weekend at Fernie Alpine Resort.

Activities include the return of the Retro Ski Ballet and Old School Mogul Bash competitions, the Banded Peak Retro Party featuring DJ Rocswell in the Griz Bar and special retro outfit contests.

Saturday, April 1st

Event Date(s): 
Wednesday, March 29, 2023
Time: 
8:00am - 3:30pm

Join Fernie Alpine Resort for SheJumps Junior Ski Patrol, a day camp on Wednesday, March 29th, organized by SheJumps and Fernie Alpine Resort. Young girls will learn about mountain safety and first aid while working with the strong women on Fernie ski patrol.