Fernie’s new Polar Peak Chair Opened today, less than five months after it’s announcement! Andy Cohen, Fernie GM, thanked Fernie’s owner Murray Edward’s and the workers who struggled in adverse winter conditions for months for making the ski-lift come to life.

And there I was standing in line waiting for the historic opening and in front of me was Greg Barrow, owner of Edge of the World. He never misses first chair! Then on schedule at 11am sharp the chairs were spinning and we loaded for the inaugural ride, Greg was ahead of me as always.

The Polar Peak Chair was opened on a day that was less than perfect. The wind was blowing 100km’s, the visibility was poor and the good skiing was closed–however it opened! Having skies off Polar Peak for the past two decades I know the skiing and it’s great. What I discovered today is a great new lift. The seats are the most comfortable of all the chairs in Fernie and the ride is smooth and secure with the lift remaining relatively close to the mountain.

Now all we need is the weather! With a snow storm warning for the coming week in Fernie we are expecting great powder skiing however I question when we’ll get back on the Peak Chair. Andy talked a lot about spring and wine and sitting on the summit, I hope to get back up there next week to ski some steep powder lines.

With five bowls and 2500 acres of terrain I’ll be patient, however knowing that that great lift is live and the excellent terrain awaits, I’ll remain anxious to return.