March 28, 2003
Lifts/Runs
Lifts Open: 10/10
Runs open: 107/107
Snowfall
24 Hour: 1cm (.5in)
48 Hour: 4cm (2in)
7 Day: 61cm (24in)
Year to date: 673cm (267in)
Snow Pack: 289cm (116in)
Text and photos by Kim Shopland
Mild temperatures and sunny skies lured me from my office to the sun kissed slopes of the resort. I decided to check out the local talent at the 2nd round of competition of the Fernie Freeskiing Competition. The 8 women and 38 men who qualified to ski Polar Cutes this afternoon did so with style. Many spectators gathered in sunny patches to cheer on the competitors. Half the competition field will advance to tomorrow’s finals at a location to be determined.
 My first run down Currie glades was surprisingly good. The heavy choppy snow I encountered was a nice break from the ice I skied a few days ago. Most of the off-piste terrain in the Curry Bowl was soft enough to ski. The firm snow turned to slush and icy patches on Gilmar trail. I needed to watch my speed as we cruised to lower elevations as the heavy slush had a tendency to grab at my skis.
Upper Lizard Bowl contained very similar snow to Curry, heavy choppy snow. I did my best to avoid the hard moguls of Bear and found a line under the Bear Chair with patches of untracked heavy snow. Upper Sunny Side also proved to be an excellent choice with soft moguls to blast and navigate. Lower Sunny Side was a minefield of large ice chunks; I was relieved to reach the soft groomed terrain of Dipsy.
Overall, the spring ski conditions at the resort are good. There is plenty of snow coverage and enough soft snow at upper elevations to keep most spring skiers happy.
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