Fernie’s Winter Festival Returns: 49th Annual Griz Days takes over town March 6–8, 2026, as the community gathers once again to celebrate one of B.C.’s most enduring mountain traditions.

Presented by the Fernie Chamber of Commerce, Griz Days has been bringing residents and visitors together for nearly five decades. Through fires, floods, economic shifts and even a global pandemic, Fernie has stood strong — and Griz Days has remained a steady heartbeat of winter in the Elk Valley.

The Chamber respectfully acknowledges that its office and all Griz Days events take place on the traditional, ancestral and unceded territory of the Ktunaxa Nation.

2026 Theme: Nordic Ice – The Viking Winter

This year’s theme, Nordic Ice: The Viking Winter, invites the community to lean into Norse legend and Fernie’s own mountain myth of the Griz. Expect fur cloaks, firelight, shields, icy sculptural art and a celebration of courage and camaraderie in the heart of winter.

Whether it’s braided hair and rustic tunics, horned helmets, parade floats or Nordic-inspired storefront décor, 2026 is the year to go all in.

Signature Events – Griz Days 2026 delivers a full weekend of fan favourites and expanded programming across town.

Highlights include:

• Griz Days Parade – Friday at 6 pm, kicking off the weekend in downtown Fernie

• Extreme Griz Competition featuring pancake eating, obstacle course, axe throwing, keg toss and caber, truck pull, final challenge and crowning

• Junior Griz Competitions, Bed Races and Musical Chairs

• Ice and Wood Carvings

• Fireworks at Station Square – Saturday at 9 pm

The Griz will also be making appearances all weekend — skiing at Fernie Alpine Resort, swimming at the Fernie Aquatic Centre, skating at the arena and popping up around town.

Live Entertainment at Station Square will once again serve as the festival hub, with a weekend lineup that includes:

• Dan Gordon live

• Stubbs and The

• DJ SNCKS

• Stage show with Spandy and Demi

Events Across the Community – Griz Days extends well beyond Station Square, with satellite and partner events including:

• Griz Days Treasure Hunt with the Fernie Museum

• Sauna Village at Fernie RV Resort

• Viking Disco Party

• Fernie Craft Fairs

• Curling Fun Spiel

• Snow Rugby

• Griz Golf

• 360 Photo Booth

• Griz Trivia

• The Raging Elk Dummy Downhill at Fernie Alpine Resort on Sunday

From baby crawls to hot wing eating competitions, there is something for every age and energy level.

Griz Days draws more than 3,500 attendees over three days, boosting winter tourism and supporting local businesses at a time of year when community energy matters most. Managed by the Fernie Chamber of Commerce in partnership with local organizations, the festival remains rooted in its grassroots origins.

Special thanks go to Mountain Luxe Lifestyle Management’s Jessica Gamey and MJ Cursons for bringing renewed energy to the event for a second year, along with Title Sponsor Crown Mountain, the Province of British Columbia’s Resort Municipality Initiative, the City of Fernie, Tourism Fernie and the many sponsors and volunteers who make the weekend possible.

Griz Days is powered entirely by volunteers. Anyone looking to meet new people, give back or help keep this long-standing tradition strong can learn more at ferniegrizdays.com.

The Woov app will once again host the full schedule, live updates and programming details. Search “Griz Days” in the app store to stay connected all weekend.

Limited-edition Griz Days sweatshirts are available at the Fernie Visitor Centre and Ski Base. Griz hats in adult and youth sizes are also in stock while supplies last.

Fernie continues to show up, dress up and celebrate what makes this mountain town extraordinary. With the Fernie Factor delivering classic winter conditions, the timing feels just right.

For full event details, registration and updates, visit ferniegrizdays.com.