I wouldn’t necessarily say that AWD is a must. FWD vehicles get up there just fine, and even most RWD vehicles. However, GOOD SNOW tires are a MUST. NOT all-seasons, but the real-deal snow tires, ie: Blizzaks. And if you’re interested, and it might even end up being cheaper, Fernie has a ski shuttle which stops at numerous locations throughout town and takes you right to the ski hill, as close as you can get. There is a nominal fee per-ride, but you can also purchase a pack of tickets for a lower price, or a season’s pass for the whole ski season. It is very convenient and saves you parking, gas, etc. Pick-up and Drop-off is usually hourly or every half hour, depending on the time of the season, and is right next to the timber chair, which is very convenient. The shuttle runs throughout the ski season. For more information you can contact Earl at Smokey Mountain Charters, 1-250-423-8605 or smokeytravel@yahoo.com
Definitely check out the rental offers on this forum for your housing. Living downtown is great for the nightlife (if you’re in to that) but if you will have a vehicle and don’t plan to be at the bars/restaurants downtown every night, there are other great areas of town to live in. The annex is fairly central but will be quieter than living downtown. Ridgemont and the Airport are also more quieter residential areas but will be a little bit further from downtown. Although, being Fernie, nothing is really out of walking distance.
Good Luck.
