Nordic (cross-country) skiing is a great activity for the whole family from age 2 to 92! Enjoy the gentle easy trails at the Fernie Golf Course or head to the picturesque Elk Valley Nordic Centre for added challenges. Both of these locations are Nordic-only, so you can enjoy the pristine grooming all to yourselves. Gear rentals are available from a number of locations, and the Cast Iron Grill at Fernie Golf Course is a lovely spot to warm up after your ski.

Another great way how to enjoy the beautiful outdoors and get a workout in for the whole family is snowshoeing or pedal powering on a fatbike. The multi-use trails at Montane, Fernie Alpine Resort and the Cedar and Old Growth Trail to Island Lake Lodge offer a wide selection of smooth, level grooming and challenging steeps, and you can also bring your four-legged member of the family along. There’s even a scenic warming hut to enjoy at the Western end of the Montane Trail System. Fatbike rentals are available The Guides Hut, and Gearhub Sports in Downtown Fernie, and Sports Alpine Rental at Fernie Alpine Resort.

Everybody loves a waterfall, and Fairy Creek Falls are just as beautiful draped in white as they are at any other time of the year. Take the gentle 2km trail from the Fernie Visitor Information Centre and enjoy this lovely location. Snowshoes are usually only required after a large snowfall as this trail is popular and packs down quickly, although hiking poles are always a good idea. Stay well back from the falls as the base area is an avalanche deposit zone for Mt Proctor.

One of Fernie’s popular outdoor winter features is the NHL-sized Outdoor Skating Rink next to the Fernie Aquatic Centre. Free skating is offered daily (weather conditions permitting) – check the online calendar for details on opening for 2021/2022 season. Skate rentals and sharpening are available at Gearhub.

If you prefer someone else to do the hard work or if the weather isn’t co-operating for outdoor skating, check out a Fernie Ghostriders Home Game at the Fernie Memorial Arena and see schedules for public indoor skate times.

An afternoon of tobogganing is a fun way for the family to get outdoors and burn off some steam. The hill behind the Dirt Jump Park - located adjacent to the Fernie Aquatic Centre is a popular spot.

When it’s time to cool off or if you get a little chilly, head indoors for a splash in the pool – there’s a giant hot-tub, steam room, 2 water slides, a wading pool and regular sessions with the pool toys including giant inflatables.

Historic Downtown Fernie is the hub of town with great dining options and cosy coffee stops, unique shops and attractions. Check the Events Calendar for family friendly events and for kids programming at the Fernie Heritage Library.

The Fernie Museum is a fascinating treasure trove of heritage and legends – Fernie’s modern history is short at around 130 years, but lots has been packed into those years, and the Ktunaxa have called this area their homeland for over 10,000 years. A series of challenges and even a coal mining tunnel will keep little ones occupied while you explore. 

Check out the latest movies at the Vogue Theatre, with afternoon matinees on weekends and even a video arcade available for groups if you’re planning a party in town. At Beanpod Chocolate, Coffee and Gelato you can see fresh chocolate being prepared from scratch and learn about the bean-to-bar process.

Of course, the Fernie winter activity list wouldn't be complete without a mention of Fernie Alpine Resort! From Polar Peak at 7050' to the Plaza Base Area, there’s over 2500 acres of incredible skiing to enjoy including daily-groomed wide, gentle green and beginner runs, all-mountain blues, steep and deep blacks plus 5 alpine bowls and gladed tree skiing that will keep the whole family happy for as long as you can stay. 

Still on-mountain, there’s a wide range of dining options, boutique gear shopping and rentals, childcare facilities and live entertainment at the Griz Bar and Rusty Edge. The Winter Sports School offers a huge selection of lessons and camps including First Tracks for early birds and nightly dining-and-activity options. See calendar for details.

After a fun day of skiing, warm up by the Slopeside Cafe fire, or enjoy dinner and drinks at the Rusty Edge.

Keep an eye our Events Calendar for fantastic family-friendly events happening throughout the winter, in town or on-mountain.  The biggest winter celebration, Griz Days is returning in March and it's going to be wild!

Add the charming small-town atmosphere, friendly locals, and great family dining options and you’ve got the recipe for a great family vacation. See the daily & weekly dining specials page to help your budget go a little further. Check out all the places to stay including the latest hotel and lodging deals in Fernie and start planning your trip today!