Fernie’s pre-season winter stoke events bring skiers, snowboarders and the mountain community together for a lineup of ski films, celebrations and winter traditions ahead of another anticipated powder season.
From the annual FAST Ski Swap and big-screen powder adventures to the legendary Mogul Smoker, avalanche education and holiday festivities, November and early December offer plenty of reasons to celebrate Fernie’s mountain culture and the return of winter.
FAST Ski Swap
The annual FAST Ski Swap offers skiers and snowboarders an opportunity to buy and sell winter equipment while supporting the Fernie Alpine Ski Team and its youth athlete development programs.
Whether selling outgrown equipment, upgrading gear or looking for a deal before winter, the Ski Swap is an opportunity to support Fernie’s skiing community while preparing for the slopes.
A Luxurious Experience – Fernie Premiere
A Luxurious Experience, the latest ski film from Fernie filmmakers Dylan Siggers and Paul Genovese, captures two winters of powder skiing alongside Liam Morgan, Evan Marineau, Dave Keenan and Alex Urqhart.
The film brings Fernie’s mountain culture and a talented group of powder skiers to the big screen, delivering another celebration of deep snow, adventure and independent ski filmmaking.
Fernie Ski & Board Film Fest
The Fernie Ski & Board Film Fest returns with two major ski film productions, exceptional prizes and a fundraiser for the Fernie Volunteer Ski Patrol.
This year’s lineup features Teton Gravity Research’s Actually, It Is Rocket Science and Matchstick Productions’ The Way Out, featuring Fernie’s own Dylan Siggers alongside an accomplished cast of BC skiers.
The Film Fest brings skiers and snowboarders together for big-screen mountain action, Fernie beer, food and outstanding prizes.
Attendees have opportunities to win catskiing trips, skis, outerwear and more, while supporting the volunteer patrollers who contribute more than 400 patrol days in Fernie and Elkford each winter.
Mogul Smoker – Legendary Winter Celebration
The legendary Mogul Smoker returns with underground music, bonfires, camping and dancing to celebrate the approaching winter.
Now under the management of Pure Energy Productions and the Fernie Bush League, two grassroots organizations rooted in the Kootenays, the event enters a new chapter while honouring the traditions that have made it a distinctive part of Fernie’s mountain culture.
Following a smaller Bush Smoker last winter, organizers are bringing back the full bush party experience with two new stages, independent artists and the unmistakable atmosphere that has defined the gathering for generations.
Dating back to 1976, the Mogul Smoker celebrates Fernie’s legendary Griz, with participants hoping to appease the mythical mountain figure and summon another winter of deep powder.
Elk Valley Snow & Avalanche Workshop
The Elk Valley Snow & Avalanche Workshop (EVSAW) brings avalanche professionals, mountain guides, ski patrollers and backcountry enthusiasts together for an evening of learning, discussion and connection.
Featuring expert presentations on snow science, avalanche forecasting and mountain safety, the workshop shares current research, practical insights and real-world experiences to support informed decision-making in avalanche terrain.
Participants can connect with industry professionals, explore the workshop marketplace and reconnect with fellow backcountry enthusiasts ahead of another season in the mountains.
Fernie Alpine Resort Opening Day
Fernie Alpine Resort is scheduled to open for the winter season on Friday, December 4, conditions permitting.
With gear ready, ski films premiered, the Griz celebrated and avalanche knowledge refreshed, Fernie’s mountain community will be primed for another snow season.
Fernie Holiday Kickoff
The Fernie Chamber of Commerce’s annual Holiday Kickoff brings the community together for a festive celebration of the season, featuring carols, fireworks, entertainment and holiday shopping.
Downtown Fernie comes alive as residents and visitors gather to celebrate the holidays, explore independent shops and support the businesses that contribute to Fernie’s distinctive character.
The popular #SpendItInFernie campaign encourages holiday shopping at participating Fernie businesses, with shoppers having the opportunity to win $1,000 to spend at a participating business of their choice.
With festive lights, community spirit and celebrations throughout downtown, the Holiday Kickoff provides a fitting conclusion to Fernie’s early winter festivities.
With winter celebrations underway and opening day approaching, the anticipation of deep powder, first tracks and another great Fernie snow season is building. Bring on the snow, the stoke and the Griz!
Editor
