Back on the Greyhound at Invermere after a generous ride provided by
the resort shuttle bus saved us the cost of another taxi ride. Several hours later we
arrived in Fernie where Dan and I managed to get the shuttle up to the resort. Paul had
taken the economy package sharing a B&B room with Gray who was to arrive later the
same day.
| <The Grizz had a much bigger smile than last year |
There
were about 10 of us Aussies congregated in Fernie. Many from last year’s trip
revisiting Fernie under better snow conditions.
We received two reasonable snowfalls during my two week stay. Nothing monumental but anything over 20 cms certainly cheers up your day.
It was very entertaining telling the Canadians that Australia had as many gold medals as they did in the Winter Olympics. Eventually the Canadians did get some more but it was fun while it lasted. As expected the TV coverage of the games was all Canadian but I did have a very good friend video the games as well as Roy & HG for my enjoyment during the long nights in Thredbo later this year.
| <Richard and Michael in Fish Bowl with head gear. |
For my 4th trip to Fernie I chose to stay at Wolf’s Den. True ski-in and a 10metre walk to ski-out. A great location and a great bargain. Didn’t have the condo facilities of a full kitchen or private hot-tub but with breakfast thrown in our accommodation and lift package was really good value.
The
hotel is old - one of the originals I would guess - with twin queen beds in most rooms.
Apart from the plumbing it was quiet and warm. I did say quiet - but that’s not
including Dan’s snoring :-)
| <A classic alpine view from my window |
Not a lot to add about Fernie although I did finally get to see my first ice
hockey game - well worth the effort. The snow was good. Not as great as some previous
visits - possible due to some sub surface frozen layers brought on by rain and other
natural phenomena. At least this year, unlike last, we could ski everywhere and pretty
well did depending upon snow conditions and avalanche closures. Adventures included lower
Fish Bowl, Cling-On, Redtree and some other just-out-of-bounds runs where Richard (almost
a Fernie local ;-) took us.
| Not recommended - on 3 occasions I saw new tracks on the roof of the Grizz Inn > |
One by one my skiing & boarding buddies left Fernie. My final night was spent in luxury in a very nice condo with private hot tub. Owned and operated by 2 Australians and a level 4 Canadian instructor there are two modern & comfortable condos with good rates to be had. http://www.fernieresortside.com. While on the mountain with ski-in access you would be best suited to having a car to get around as it was quite a walk back up to the lifts. Supposedly, this will be overcome shortly by the addition of a chair lift to transport people to the resort proper.