Fernie offers some of the best backcountry powder adventure in the world. For boarders, skiers and snowmobilers the powder never ends and a selection of backcountry huts await you.

fernie backcountry

Adventure Smart
A national prevention program focused on reaching people who participate in outdoor recreational activities with online and on-site awareness in order to reduce the number and severity of Search and Rescue Incidents in Canada.

Fernie Live Mobile App
The FREE Fernie Live mobile app empowers locals and guests to connect with Everything Fernie. Lift and bowl status, snow conditions, weather forecast, restaurants, activities, gear rentals and more. Download here.

Fernie Trails & Ski Touring Club
Fernie Trails & Ski Touring Club operates three backcountry cabins and builds and manages trails for skiing, biking and hiking.

Gearhub Sports
Gearhub is Fernie’s favourite sports shop offering award wining service and the most diverse selection of high end rentals and new and used products, all at competitive prices. Open daily, Downtown on 4th Street or call (250) 423-5555

Deep untracked snow

Steep dangerous chutes. 3000 foot plus vertical runs! Are you thinking, here comes the best run of my life or am I going to perish in an avalanche? Fernie is the backcountry adventure of a lifetime, but how careful do you have to be?

A high percentage of backcountry skiing, boarding and snowmobiling is done primarily in avalanche terrain. Terrain factors, snow pack conditions, route selection and knowledge about the effects of weather will determine if it’s the best or the last run of your life.

Avalanches are a natural and complex phenomena; even experts do not fully understand all their causes. A wide range of factors must be considered and weighed to determine a forecast for the hazard that sleeps within the snow pack.

By traveling in the backcountry surrounding the ski area, or other locations around Fernie, you are putting yourself at risk. That’s not to say you shouldn’t go, only if you choose to accept the risks involved, you would be wise to get informed about the level of risk involved.

If you’re going to spend time in the backcountry, take an avalanche course. Learning from a professional is the fastest way to gain respect and an understanding for the hazards and risks you may face. The combination of skills, experience and a good working knowledge of your safety equipment will allow you to experience the best the backcountry has to offer.

Time spent in preparation could make the difference between your first backcountry adventure and your last. The choice is yours.

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