Fernie Wilderness Adventure Lodge

Breathtaking Landscapes. Legendary Snowfall

Fernie Wilderness Adventures is nestled in a mountain range known for its legendary snowfall, just southeast of the Fernie Alpine Resort. Our tenure contains over 5,000 acres of terrain with a variety of open runs, gladed tree skiing, and many different ridges to begin your descent from. Our guides have a vast knowledge of our entire terrain and will guide you through and over ridges, valleys, and spectacular gladed meadows. With our maximum elevation at over 7,150 ft / 2170 metres, with strong storms and lots of snow arriving from the South West, perfect for skiers and snowboarders to enjoy the renowned Canadian Rockies.

Programs Offered

• Day Cat-Skiing
• Day Cat-Skiing with Overnight Lodging

Location

Fernie Wilderness is located along the Morrisey Ridge just south east of Fernie Alpine Resort known for its legendary deep snow dumps.

Mountain Range

Southern Canadian Rockies (specifically near the Lizard Range)

Ability

Guests should consider themselves an advanced level 5 skier/boarder, this will make for a more positive skiing experience as we do not separate cats by ability. At FWA we strive to make snow catskiing non-intimidating, our guide's attentive care will ensure all of our guests feel comfortable and safe. Please refer to our skier/boarder ability levels below.

Skier Level 5: Advanced

Can ski strong parallel turns with a pole plant confidently on all blue runs and easier black runs. Leaning towards hop turns, moguls, powder and more difficult terrain.

Snowboarder Level 5: Advanced

Able to link turns on all blue runs and easier black runs. Enjoys riding powder, off piste terrain, and can confidently make short turns.

The Terrain

Our Rocky Mountain Terrain

• Our terrain is mostly gladed tree skiing across 5,000 acres
• Our highest drop-off is just over 7,150 ft/2170 metres
• Fernie is known for its legendary deep powder days
• Our avalanche terrain is mostly Simple on the ATES scale, and we maintain an active Avalanche Safety Plan
• We require all guests to be at an advanced level

Advanced Skier

Can ski strong parallel turns confidently on a variety of terrain and conditions. Enjoys skiing on black runs and in trees. Leaning towards hop turns, moguls, powder and more difficult terrain.

Advanced Snowboarder

Able to link turns on a variety of terrain and conditions. Enjoys riding on black runs and in trees. Confidently make short turns and leaning towards more difficult terrain.

We do not separate cats by ability.

About the Lodge

Fernie Wilderness Adventure's charming back country cabin awaits your arrival nested deep in the Morrisey Valley. The lodge keeps to a true unmarred mountain experience but with a cozy feeling. It boasts a spacious vaulted ceiling living area where our guests can share stories and recollections of the day.

After an exhilarating day we welcome you to relax in our authentic wood burning hot tub as a cool mountain breeze surrounds you. Enjoy your favorite beverage under the stars on the large deck around the outdoor fire pit. An undisturbed sleep awaits you. There are eight bedrooms with double occupancy three of which have private bathrooms. The FWA lodge is truly an experience of its own. The lodge is generator- and solar-powered with wifi and limited cell phone service.

It will be hard not to feel warmth, serenity and comfort during your stay in our rustic cabin.

Typical Day

Here is an example of a typical day of staying and skiing with Fernie Wilderness Adventures.

• 6:30 am – Lodge guests only – Home-cooked breakfast served in common space.
• 8:00 am – All day guests arrive at the FWA Lodge for the day
• 8:15 am – 8:45 am – Waivers are reviewed and signed, rentals set up, safety briefing, then head into the backcountry
• 9:15 am – 9:45 am – Avalanche safety briefing, transceiver orientation, and practice
• 9:50 am – Let the skiing and snowboarding begin!
• 3:00 pm – 3:30 pm – Return toward the lodge
• 4:00 pm – 4:30 pm – Après ski, soup, slideshow, photo viewing
• 4:30 pm – 5:00 pm – Day guests depart
• 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm – Lodge guests relax (fire pit / hot tub)
• 7:00 pm – 8:00 pm – Dinner and dessert served

Minors

No strict age limit, but under 19 must ski with a parent/guardian or assigned adult. Parental authorization is required.

Dietary Requirements

We accommodate gluten-free, dairy-free, vegetarian, vegan, and nut-free diets.

Restrictions must be submitted 48 hours prior. A $150+ tax fee may apply for same-day changes.

Cross-contamination cannot be fully guaranteed.

Professional Photo Package

Photographers may be available on request. If present, they will present a slideshow at après ski and photos may be purchased.

History of Lodge

FWA was established in 1986 as a fishing outfitter. In 1995, cat skiing operations began.

After a lodge fire, the community helped rebuild the current rustic lodge. The operation grew into a renowned cat skiing destination in Fernie.

Looking For More Information?

Enquire today and speak to a Cat-Ski Expert to find out how this trip can fit inside your wider holiday plans.