November 23, 2003
Fernie Alpine Resort Opening Date November 28th
Lifts/Runs
Lifts Open: 0/10
Runs open: 0/107
Snowfall
24 Hour: 25 cm (10in)
48 Hour: 25cm (10in)
7 Day: 25cm (10in)
Year to date: 98cm (39in)
Snow Pack: 78cm (31in)
Photos and text by D. Savage
November 23rd was another very snowy day in Fernie with over 25cm’s falling. This is enough snow to guarantee FAR’s Nov. 28th planned opening.
 My report takes us into the Fernie backcountry for some fine Kootenay “Gun Smoke” powder. Nuke, Keener and myself headed to an early season local favourite – basically drive your vehicle on a plowed logging road to 6500ft and walk to an 8000ft ridge with skiable bowls on both sides with varying degrees of steepness. The snow depth was over 1.5meters with a solid crust at about 1.2meters and crowned with 45cm of light and dry!
From the ridge we chose to ski Curve Ball, one of the steepest lines, and fortunately we remembered how to manage light powder. It was nice enough to climb for a second run.
With some fine Fernie Beer waiting at the vehicle and promise of FAR opening on Friday we headed back to Fernie. As we crawled home on the snowy road, tales of powder and other bullshit was abounding. Yes, the season has finally begun.
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