Family Ski Vacation in Fernie, B.C.

Looking for the perfect family snow trip? You just found it.

When it comes to the best family friendly ski resorts, Fernie never seems to make the big lists but we can’t recommend it enough. 

Here are five tips for getting the most out of your Fernie family ski vacation:

1.  Stay right in Fernie, preferably right on the slopes.

There are a lot of hotels in Fernie (and a pretty convenient shuttle bus system) but nothing beats staying on the slopes. Skiing with kids is tough enough — skip the extra packing to drive to slopes each morning. You can ski/board right from down your driveway. 

The place where stayed (Elkview Lodge) came with an industrial sized kitchen, but eating in every night would've been a big mistake. There are sooo many delicious places to eat in Fernie: 

• Bridge Bistro - an independent, locally owned restaurant, located along the Elk River, with the most amazing views overlooking the beautiful Lizard Range. 

• Yamagoya Sushi - a gorgeous Japanese restaurant serving mainly sushi.

• The Tandoor & Grill Restaurant - A diverse menu (from authentic Indian to burgers and fries) offering delicious and distinctive cuisine to suit all tastes, with fresh dishes prepared from time-honoured recipes with exotic spice.

• Brickhouse Saloon - A rare gem with amazing beer selection including local Fernie beer and great food all served in a beautifully restored historic building. A perfect place for a family dinner or after ski drinks with friends.

• ...and we can't leave out the local brewery--Fernie Brewing Co. Our fave bevvies: The Griz and What the Huck.

2.  Go with another family ...or two ...or three.

Boost the fun factor of your trip (and defuse inter-sibling drama) by going skiing with another family. Adults can gather around the fire with drinks and a crokonole board (don't ask, it's Canadian) while the kids alternately frolick in the nearest snow drift and challenge each at foozball and pool.

3. Teach your kids it's okay to fall.

They're wearing layers of clothing surrounded by a puffy snow suit. They'll be okay if they fall on the soft fluffy snow. Have them practice falling and getting back up. Once they realize, it's no big deal, you can move onto snow plow.

4. Take advantage of ski school.

Your kids will learn faster from an outgoing Australian ski coach than they will from mom and dad. Plus, once they master getting the chair lift, you'll gain a ski partner for life!  For an affordable $56 fee, your kids can join a 2.5 morning ski class where there'll learn everything from snow plow to pole handing.

Tip: If you have 3 kids, privates lessons are actually cheaper!

5.  Take time to just play

You don’t have to ski every minute of every day to have fun here. In fact, you shouldn’t. Bring a saucer and find a hill. Throw snowballs. Ice skate. Drink hot chocolate. Go for a picnic in the forest.

If you are planning to visit Fernie in December, check the CP schedule to see if the Christmas train will be driving through while you're there. It's completely lit up with Christmas lights and when it stops, the train opens up with hot chocolate, Santa, and a band singing Christmas carols. Pure magic!

When you’ve had enough of the great outdoors, head down to the village to check out all the galleries with in-house artists on site. Shop a little or catch a first-run movie on one of two screens at the local Vogue theatre.