Published: January 21, 2026
Traveling to a mountain town for a ski trip with young kids is pure magic… but let’s be honest, riding the resort all day every day doesn’t always cut it with little legs and curious minds. For us, the key to a successful family ski trip is balance. Snowboarding is the main event, but it’s all the extra adventures around it that really make the memories.
Fernie turned out to be exactly that kind of place.
From the moment we arrived, we were completely charmed. Fernie is one of those rare mountain towns that feels both wild and laid back. It’s small, welcoming, and surrounded by jaw-dropping peaks in every direction. The kind of place where you instantly slow down, exactly what we needed.
Riding Fernie Alpine Resort
Snowboarding at Fernie Alpine Resort was the highlight of our trip. We scored an absolute bluebird day, which meant endless views and sunny laps. The terrain here is so fun and playful, especially if you love tree runs. We spent the day riding tree runs, soaking in the scenery, and stopping often to let the kids take it all in.
Lunch at Lost Boys Café hit the spot mid-day, and we wrapped things up with laps in Currie Bowl, which quickly became our favorite zone on the mountain. Big, open terrain, stunning views, and the perfect day to end the day
Fairy Creek Falls
One of our favorite off-hill activities was Fairy Creek Falls, and honestly, it was perfect for a family outing. The trail is about 4.5 km out and back with minimal elevation gain, making it super manageable with kids. It follows the creek the entire way, which keeps things interesting and magical, especially in winter.
Seeing the partially frozen waterfall at the end was definitely the highlight . If there’s fresh snow, this trail is also ideal for snowshoeing, making it a great low-commitment winter adventure that still feels special.
Mt. Fernie Provincial Park
Mt. Fernie Provincial Park was another winter gem. We rented snowshoes from Fernie Alpine Resort and headed out for a little family adventure. The park felt like a true winter wonderland, quiet, peaceful, and perfect for exploring at a slower pace.
The trails here are shared, which means you can also fat bike in the winter. That’s definitely on our list for next time. It’s one of those places that makes you want to come back and try something new every visit.
Cozy Cafés & Local Favorites
Fernie isn’t just about outdoor adventures. The downtown café scene totally won us over.
Big Bang Bagels deserves a special mention because, truly, they might have the world’s best bagels. Paired with that cozy local café vibe, it became an instant favorite.
Freshies Café was another standout. Their baked goods were delicious, and the matcha latte was absolutely on point. The perfect stop to warm up after a cold morning outside.
Why Fernie Stole Our Hearts
All together, Fernie completely stole our hearts. It’s the kind of town that feels authentic and community-driven, not overly busy or touristy, yet full of incredible experiences.
Between the riding, the winter trails, the cozy cafés, and the welcoming atmosphere, it checked every box for a family winter getaway.
Fernie is proof that you don’t need a massive resort town to have an unforgettable ski trip. Sometimes, the quieter places with big mountains and even bigger heart are the ones you’ll keep dreaming about long after you leave.
And for us… this definitely won’t be our last trip back
Guest Post by Marie-Andree Racine @mountain_marie_
Marie visited Fernie in December 2025 as part of a hosted creator collaboration with Tourism Fernie.