The Mogul Smoker party has been a Fernie tradition since 1976. Started by Barry Hulbert and Ian Stokie, they initially created a drink, the Mogul Smoker, and a reason to party. Two ounces of rum and Kahlua toped with coffee and hot chocolate – it proved to provide a great buzz. After a couple of annual Mogul Smoker parties they observed a direct correlation with the occurrence of large snow dumps.

Obviously Fernie’s mountain man legend, the Griz, was pleased with the Mogul Smoker party and was rewarding Snow Valley with abundant snow. For more info on the Griz visit: fernie.com

Barry and Ian soon make the Mogul Smoker an annual late Autumn event and great snow persisted for many years making Fernie a great powder town. Years later the party was canceled for no good reason and everyone noticed a decline in the snowfall. Fernie experienced a three year snow draught–it was awful. Some blamed the lack of snow on new ownership however locals knew the reason.

Fortunately for powder enthusiasts a new generation of skiers and snowboarders reinstated the party and in a new yet 70-ish fashion. Hallucinogenic – with lights, lasers, costumes, video, music, stimulating themes, props and action everywhere.

And the Griz is happy – powder immediately blanketed the mountains making the skiing great!

My thanks goes out to the organizers who created a world-class party! The following pictures are from this years awesome party: