Polar Peak has always symbolized awe-inspiring heights, towering 7,000 feet above sea level with a hair-raising vertical descent of 3,550 feet. But things have taken a radical turn this year – we’ve said goodbye to the notion of an “easy” way down. Forget about those comforting cat tracks and groomed slopes; they’re old news.

Instead, picture this: a permanent snowcat perched at the Peak, ready to pounce into action at the first sight of fresh powder. This means quicker openings after epic snowfalls, giving you more opportunities to rip down the untouched terrain. Polar Peak has transformed into a snow beast that’s always hungry for more powder, and it’s here to satisfy your cravings for steeps, speed and excitement.

But that’s not the only ace up our sleeve – we have six triple black diamonds and 16 double black diamonds – promising an adrenaline-packed experience.

This is not the place for the faint-hearted. It’s a high-octane adventure for the adrenaline junkie in you. Polar Peak is untamed, unpredictable, and unapologetic in its approach. With no groomed slopes, no cat tracks, and no hand-holding, you have to be ready to tackle steep terrain and conquer ever-changing snow conditions. This is the real deal, where Mother Nature reigns supreme, and you’re just a visitor in her domain.

While some ski areas might make it easier for everyone, we’re ramping up the thrill factor. Buck the trend and embrace the wild side of skiing on Polar Peak. It’s a rollercoaster ride on snow that’s edgier, steeper, wilder, and more unforgettable than ever before. So, grab your gear, summon your courage, and prepare for an adventure like no other – Polar Peak is where skiing and riding get wild!

See more here – The Guide to Polar Peak.

Check out ‘From the Peak’, a video following the remarkable skiing of Dave Keenan as he makes his way from the top of Polar Peak to the base of Fernie Alpine Resort. It was expertly filmed via drone by Dylan Siggers, a native of Fernie who honed his filming and skiing skills in these very mountains.

From the Peak is available now on on Fernie Alpine Resort’s Youtube Channel.  Fernie Alpine Resort will open for the winter season on Saturday, December 2nd.

Youtube • Instagram •  TikTok • Facebook
Fernie Alpine Resort

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For more information, please contact:
Matt Mosteller
Senior VP Marketing & Resort Experience, Resorts of the Canadian Rockies
media@skircr.com
Instagram, Facebook & Twitter – @PowderMatt
Powder Matt’s Blog

• Epic Australia Pass Holders will receive five combined days at the Resorts of the Canadian Rockies – including Fernie Alpine Resort, Kicking Horse Mountain Resort and Kimberley Alpine Resort in British Columbia, Nakiska in Alberta, and Mont-Sainte-Anne and Stoneham in Quebec – starting with the 2023/24 Northern Hemisphere winter season.
• 19 April is the last chance to purchase the 2023 Epic Australia Pass for AU$1,049 before prices increase.

5 April 2023 – Epic Australia Pass Holders will now have more access to world-class resorts in Canada, starting with the 2023/24 Northern Hemisphere winter season. Vail Resorts announced today that the expansion of its long-term alliance with the Resorts of the Canadian Rockies (RCR) will include five combined days of skiing and riding for 2023 Epic Australia Pass Holders. Pass Holders can use the five combined days across any of RCR’s six resorts — Fernie Alpine Resort, Kicking Horse Mountain Resort and Kimberley Alpine Resort in British Columbia, Nakiska in Alberta, and Mont-Sainte-Anne and Stoneham in Quebec.

“Get ready to experience the ultimate snow adventure as we welcome Epic Australia Pass Holders to the majestic Resorts of the Canadian Rockies,” said Rob Lloyd, Director of Sales & Marketing – Australia, Vail Resorts. “With the addition of Kicking Horse and Fernie, your bucket list just got bigger and more exciting. The Epic Australia Pass gives you unlimited access to Perisher, Falls Creek, Hotham, and a chance to carve your way through the breathtaking slopes of Whistler Blackcomb and beyond.” Lloyd continued, “Don’t miss out on this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to make unforgettable memories in some of the world’s most awe-inspiring destinations!”

Discover the Resorts of the Canadian Rockies

The 2023 Epic Australia Pass access begins with the 2023 Australian snow season and concludes following the 2023/24 snow season in the Northern Hemisphere. It provides:

• Kicking Horse and Fernie: Located in the southeast corner of British Columbia on the legendary “Powder Highway”, Kicking Horse and Fernie are consistently ranked among the top 10 Canadian resorts with abundant annual snowfall and big mountain skiing and riding.
• Kimberley Alpine Resort: Boasting the most sunshine of any resort in Canada, Kimberley Alpine is in the Purcell Range of Southeast British Columbia, with two-thirds of its 80 runs and glades rated beginner or intermediate in addition to expert terrain on the back side.
• Nakiska: A family-friendly resort offering a variety of terrain, including perfectly groomed runs and a very popular learning area, Nakiska is positioned in Kananaskis Country in the front range of the breathtaking Canadian Rockies.
• Mont-Sainte-Anne: An ideal year-round destination, Mont-Sainte-Anne is situated near beautiful Quebec City within the Laurentian Mountain chain.
• Stoneham Ski Resort: Offering an incomparable freestyle area, Stoneham has Canada’s largest illuminated ski centre for night skiing.

LEARN MORE

Purchase Now Before Prices Rise

Skiers and riders have until 19 April to get their Epic Australia Pass before prices rise. The Epic Australia Pass offers unlimited days at Perisher, Falls Creek, Hotham and more, and benefits including six Bring-A-Mate tickets, 20% off lessons and rentals, 15% off retail and more.

Currently priced at AU$1,049 for adults, AU$599 for students (five to 17 years) and AU$799 for seniors (65 years and over), 2023 Epic Australia Pass lift access starts with the 2023 Australian snow season and concludes with the 2023/24 snow season in the Northern Hemisphere. Find out more here.

The Epic Australia Pass is non-refundable except through Epic Coverage, which provides refunds for certain qualifying events and is provided at no additional cost. Refunds are subject to eligibility and based on Epic Coverage elections. Pass Holders should review the Epic Coverage Terms and Conditions.

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ABOUT VAIL RESORTS, INC. (NYSE: MTN)

Vail Resorts is a network of the best destination and close-to-home ski resorts in the world including Vail Mountain, Breckenridge, Park City Mountain, Whistler Blackcomb, Stowe, and 32 additional resorts across North America; Andermatt-Sedrun in Switzerland; and Perisher, Hotham, and Falls Creek in Australia. We are passionate about providing an Experience of a Lifetime to our team members and guests, and our EpicPromise is to reach a zero net operating footprint by 2030, support our employees and communities, and broaden engagement in our sport. Our company owns and/or manages a collection of elegant hotels under the RockResorts brand, a portfolio of vacation rentals, condominiums and branded hotels located in close proximity to our mountain destinations, as well as the Grand Teton Lodge Company in Jackson Hole, Wyo. Vail Resorts Retail operates more than 250 retail and rental locations across North America. Learn more about our company at www.VailResorts.com, or discover our resorts and pass options at www.EpicPass.com.

ABOUT RCR

Proudly Canadian, Resorts of the Canadian Rockies Inc. (RCR) is the largest private ski resort owner/operator in North America, owning six ski resorts across Canada including: Nakiska Ski Area in Alberta; Fernie Alpine Resort, Kimberley Alpine Resort and Kicking Horse Mountain Resort in British Columbia and Mont-Sainte Anne and Stoneham in Quebec. In addition to the company’s ski resorts, RCR also owns and operates a number of accommodation properties, golf courses and a central reservation agency. The consumer website is www.skircr.com.

“As March is usually our snowiest month, we invite you to keep your powder skis ready, your sunblock handy, spring carving skis set to go and most importantly, enjoy our spring weekend events.  Celebrate our ski and ride community, and 60 years of snow loving fun!” says Matt Mosteller, “We are grateful and thankful to all who have shared their passion for skiing with us for 60 years!  A special shout out to all of our team, friends and family who live in Fernie and don’t forget to thank the Griz as well”, added Mosteller.

We’re looking good for spring, keeping the spirit of skiing alive into middle April.  Plan now to book your ski and stay package so you don’t miss spring events – including live music and après parties.

Mountain Pop Up Tour with Shred Kelly – March 26th – more information

Fernival – April 9th & 10th
Live Music from Stage Fright and Live Wire on Saturday and local band “Hark Raving Sirens” will be playing on Sunday, both will be in the Plaza and a free live show for all ages. Tentatively our annual Powder, Pedal, Paddle event will be held on Sunday.

Book your accommodations for Fernival with this package.

Get more information on both events on our Events Calendar.

Fernie Alpine Resort • Vacation Deals • Facebook • Twitter • Instagram

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For more information, please contact:
Matt Mosteller
Senior VP Marketing & Resort Experience, Resorts of the Canadian Rockies
media@skircr.com
Twitter & Instagram – @PowderMatt
Powder Matt’s Blog

We understand that many of us in our community feel the uncertainty of this pandemic. We recognize that opening the resort will make some of us anxious and stressed.  That is why it is everyone’s responsibility to follow the guidelines that we have put in place, as we all want a long season, and a safe skiing and riding experience.

Due to our safety protocols surrounding the COVID Virus and looking to create a safe environment for our guests, this season we will be closely monitoring lift capacity and ticket sales to help ensure that we can manage daily the number of people at Fernie Alpine Resort.  Day lift tickets will be available at our resort ticket windows daily.  On high demand days, only a certain number of day tickets will be sold – so one should use the opportunity to pre-purchase your lift tickets online to guarantee you get the ski day’s you want on those days.  We do anticipate some periods of higher demand, so to avoid disappointment, it is recommended that you pre-purchase your lift tickets online and in advance as some dates may sell out.

Skiing and snowboarding provide a much-needed outlet in winter, providing mind and body benefit, and we are looking forward to sharing our wide-open spaces with each of you.

To adapt our operations for this winter, we have made many changes, including the following:

1. Masks are required to be worn throughout the entire resort, inside all buildings, in lift lines, while riding lifts, in shuttle buses, parking lots and our Plaza.
2. Reservations are required to dine in any of our indoor restaurants.
3. We have eliminated all outdoor shelters and gathering places, like the fireplace at Bear’s Den, Slopeside Café Patio, Yurts, etc.
4. Our lift loading procedures will ensure physical distancing.
5. We have eliminated touch points in systems and transactions.
6. We have eliminated bag storage in all buildings.
7. Seasonal lockers will be for ski/snowboard storage only, no boots or clothing.
8. Our teams are required to be fully outfitted in masks with filters, shields where needed, and Plexiglas barriers to protect all.
9. Dining spaces will be separated by Plexiglas where needed.
10. Washrooms will have reduced capacity to ensure no crowding.
11. Childcare will not be offered.

This season will look very different. By following these procedures and with your patience and respect, we will have a snowy, fun ski & snowboard season.

Please take the time to read the Know Before You Go section on our website for more information and any updates – https://skifernie.com/covid-19/winter/.

Please keep in mind that early season conditions do exist on the mountain. Take your time and continue to pray for snow.

Thank you!

Further to our March 15^th decision to suspend Ski Area Operations, after careful consideration of the quickly changing circumstances around Coronavirus (COVID-19), Resorts of the Canadian Rockies has made a decision to suspend ski resort operations for the remainder of the 2019/20 ski season at our Western Canadian Resorts, including Nakiska Ski Area, Fernie Alpine Resort, Kimberley Alpine Resort and Kicking Horse Mountain Resort. Here at RCR our number one priority is the safety, health and well-being of our Guests, Team Members, and the Communities which we live, work and play in.  As tough a decision as this has been, we feel it is the right thing to do under the current circumstance.

In an effort to limit social interaction we will not be opening our guest service and ticket offices for the time being, both at resorts and our Calgary office.  For questions regarding purchased products please email the address below (In response to this situation we are receiving an overwhelming volume of calls and emails, your patience is appreciated as work respond to these requests).

agents@skircr.com

We sincerely apologize to you our guests for this inconvenience.  As always, we truly appreciate the support which we receive from you and thank you for that. We will look forward to welcoming you back to our resorts and Mountain Communities in the future.

Sincerely,

John Shea

President/Chief Resorts Officer

Resorts of the Canadian Rockies

After careful consideration of the quickly changing circumstances around Coronavirus (COVID-19), Resorts of the Canadian Rockies has chosen to suspend ski resort operations effective at midnight, Sunday March 15th, for a one-week period. This suspension will be in effect at all of our Western Canadian Resorts, including Nakiska Ski Area, Fernie Alpine Resort, Kimberley Alpine Resort and Kicking Horse Mountain Resort. Here at RCR our number one priority is the safety, health and well-being of our Guests, Team Members, and the Communities which we live, work and play in. As tough a decision as this has been, we feel it is the right thing to do under the current circumstance. We sincerely apologize to you, our guests for this inconvenience.

As always, we truly appreciate the support which we receive from you and thank you for that. We will evaluate a possible re-opening date for our resorts later in the week, and will look forward to welcoming you back to our resorts as things permit.

Thank You,

John Shea
President/Chief Resorts Officer

The resort is excited to announce the headlining band for this year’s event will be Dehli 2 Dublin!  Playing a FREE show in the plaza on Saturday afternoon, their unique and catchy beats they’re sure to bring a infectious high energy feel to the plaza.

It all goes down on April 11th & 12th!  Book your getaway now and make sure you’re here for the Dehli 2 Dublin show!

Fernie Alpine Resort • Vacation Deals • Facebook • Twitter • Instagram

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For more information, please contact:
Matt Mosteller
Senior VP Marketing & Resort Experience, Resorts of the Canadian Rockies
media@skircr.com
Twitter & Instagram – @PowderMatt
Powder Matt’s Blog

Saturday, September 7th
The 10th Annual Tears & Gears event from 9am – 1pm, a trail running & mountain biking duathlon!  Enter for yourself or as a team of two, plus there is a kids category!  More information & registration details are on our events calendar.

Elk Chair will be open from 1pm – 5pm for Mountain Biking, Hiking, Sightseeing & Nature Bob’s Interpretive Centre – twilight rates for lift tickets are in effect!

Aerial Park is open – tours must be booked in advance, contact the Adventure Centre for your spot at 250-423-2435 or email guestservices@t.skifernie.com.

Sunday, September 8th
The Pop Up Fernie Mountain Market will be at the resort from 10am – 2pm!  The Pop Up Market will be set up in the plaza at the base area and features locally grown food and local artisans.

Elk Chair will be open from 10am – 5pm for Mountain Biking, Hiking, Sightseeing & Nature Bob’s Interpretive Centre.

Aerial Park is open – tours must be booked in advance, contact the Adventure Centre for your spot at 250-423-2435 or email guestservices@t.skifernie.com.

For more information on activities, events and hours please see our website or social media channels;

Fernie Alpine Resort • Facebook • Twitter • Instagram

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For more information, please contact:
Matt Mosteller
Senior VP Marketing & Resort Experience, Resorts of the Canadian Rockies
media@skircr.com
Twitter & Instagram – @PowderMatt
Powder Matt’s Blog

Winter doesn’t have to be all skiing & snowboarding!  During your visit to Fernie Alpine Resort this season, try out some of these other winter activities* right at the resort;

Snowshoe & Dining or Fat Biking & Dining
Join in on a Snowshoe tour followed by pasta & wine at Cirque Restaurant – tours run each Tuesday night at 5pm.  Build up even more of an appetite by participating in our Fat Biking Ride & Dine, a 1.5 hour guided ride followed by a burger and beer at Legends Mountain Eatery – each Thursday night during the season!  Snowshoeing & Fat Biking are also available anytime throughout the season through guided tours or by renting equipment from our rental shop and venturing out on your own.

Saturday Nights Uptracking Tour
Try the latest craze in skiing – uptracking.  With our guided tour you’ll skin up through a beutiful forested area to the Bear’s Den, after warming up with a hot beverage, ski back down to Cirque Restaurant for a well deserved cocktail. Tour runs every Saturday at 5pm.

Kids Pool Party
Who doesn’t love a good pool party?  Just because it’s winter doesn’t mean we can’t have one!  Each Saturday night, Lizard Creek Lodge hosts a pool party and movie night for the kids, BBQ dinner is included!  Kids love our outdoor heated pool, all is supervised by our professional resort staff.

Other activities and programs offered include Nordic Sundays and Cross Country Skiing Trails, First Tracks experience, Guided Mountain Tours, Backcountry Basics course and much more!  Get more information on all from our website.
*Winter Activities start for the season on December 4th.

‘Many know The Powder Highway is one of the top ski destinations in the world for snow and variety of terrain’, says Matt Mosteller, Senior VP of Marketing & Resort Experience.  ‘Fernie Alpine Resort, which gets the most snow in the Canadian Rockies kicks this ski season this weekend, and with a Farmers Almanac forecast of another snowy winter, skiers and riders are ready for winter,’ he concluded.

Don’t just visit – make Fernie Alpine Resort, your new home away from home at the new Timber Landing Development

Our exciting Timber Landing Development has broken ground!  With construction starting over the summer for new lots.  Get more information on our website.

Fernie Alpine Resort • Facebook • Twitter • Instagram

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For more information, please contact:
Matt Mosteller
Senior VP Marketing & Resort Experience, Resorts of the Canadian Rockies
media@skircr.com
Twitter & Instagram – @PowderMatt
Powder Matt’s Blog