Renting skis would not be a bad idea . The wider skiis will be a lot more fun and easier on the legs if you are not used to powder and chopped up powder. It might not be a bad idea to bring your own too just in case there are several days without a dump of new snow and the groomers become prevalent. Boots, There are many types out there, I would suggest buying them out here. Rossignol make many styles of boots so its tough to just say ?Ç‚Äú yes, this brand is for you”. All of the ski shops in town have great boot fitting staff and can find you the right boot for your aspirations.
Lift tickets? I have never seen discounted tickets purchased off the resort itself like the situation that is available in Banff. Someone may correct me on that! Multi day tickets purchased on the hill offer better deals than the single day rate. However, for flexibility, I would investigate in a ?Ç‚ÄúLouise card?Ç‚Äù . It sounds like it is for Lake Louise but the Owner of Fernie Alpine Resort is the same owner of Lake Louise, Kimberly, and Nakiska, so the deal works at all of those places. It gives you something like your 1st, 4th, and 7th day free as well as about $6 off all other days. The card cost is about the price of a single day lift ticket!. From what I see, this is the best way to go.
For info check out the seasons passes area at skifernie.com. or at http://www.louisecard.com, and do so before mid December as Louise cards are only on sale until around Christmas!