In the late 1990s, I skied Fernie on a day with three feet of -20 champagne powder. It was literally the best day of my life. You could do no wrong. Bumps? None. Cliffs? What’s a cliff? Trees? Buried. You haven’t lived until you’ve had that experience.
It’s changed much from the 1990’s when it dumped from Bridger to Rodgers Pass all the time. Each year getting worse. It’s all gonna burn up again this year!
At about 27:14 you say “I don’t know if you can ski that ridge, but man would that be fun”, well oh yes you can!! That whole ridge that goes all the way to the left is called the “Currie Headwall”, some of the craziest lines I have ever seen people hit! There’s nothing I can relate to more than you saying “just open it, just open it!”😂Thoroughly enjoyed watching this video brotha!
Watching from Melbourne Australia 35°c heat hoping this chills me. Every turn my heads moving side to side then im trying to look over the screen to see if your hitting a cliff. Loving all the vids.
Random Aussie here. I caught Fernie on a proper deep pow day with no vis but who needs vis on a pow day? Amazing to see how much terrain is up there. Generally speaking bro I love your videos. I also watch Lucas catania but Lucas comes across like his favourite thing in the whole world is Lucas whereas you just love the mountains. Oh and hot sauce too. Absolutely adore your vids mate, never miss one.
I think i subscribed when you had about 2 or 3 Subscribers. Love to see this number go up. Awesome the angles and time you put into these videos. I film myself and thats a lot of work you put into this.
I live in the states and it blows my mind how not traffic these big Canadian Mountains are. Thank for sharing your travels. I will make it destination next year
Fernie can get a little hectic on Holidays, weekend, & pow days. Castle on the other hand...Kimberley even...Heck I was at Kicking Horse 1 day after a dump, just a couple weeks back, and the gondola hardly had a line. Maybe a 3 minute morning wait for some of the most ridiculous in bounds runs your heart could desire. It feels like you have these massive bowls and ridges to yourself, some days. Fernie is like that on most weekdays. The thing with Fernie is it's an older resort started in the 60's, so it's built directly underneath high avalanche zones & gnarly headwalls. When it snows heavy, lots of stuff gets closed until they can shoot. Fernie's Dynamite budget dwarfs all the other hills. Fun fact. So it's not uncommon to be skiing there 3 days down stream, and you get off the Bear, or White Pass, and they drop a rope. It's like WUT?!?! Freshies today?!?! Nice surprise.
@@tylerehlers6192 Yeah the Timber chair gets backed up on big dumps, especially if it's a weekend. And I can assume it's the same for Golden, but on average, unless it's a mad rush to the hill, which I tend to avoid anyway, because so much gets closed at Fernie, weekdays can be very quiet, even after snow. Like I said Golden on a Monday was amazing. I can imagine the day prior had much bigger lines.
Wish there was more snow for your first time being there. Fernie has had crazy seasons there. This may sound odd but they usually get anywhere from 26-32 feet a year!!!! I’ve been there many times in almost waste high pow no jokes. Got trapped under a tree once and rescued someone who go stuck in a huge snow drift. Fun times!!
That was some wicked skiing! You had a few close calls, in the trees and the open areas alike. That one spot you slammed the brakes and avoided smacking the trees was tense, not to mention that stopping before being launched by that jump that snuck up was probably a wise move! Lol. Crazy stuff. You’re at the top of your game! And BTW, Fernie looks like a gem! There were some tough areas. The tire steps were something I hadn’t heard of, but make good sense! Lol. Western Canada is your stomping grounds, and you are maximizing it!
The tires in corner pocket are there so people don't demolish their skis trying to access the chute. When the snow pack is low, that little choke point would get too gnarly, hence the rubber. Just gives you something you can edge down.
That run with the tires is my favorite run in the world. The chute can be treacherous if the snow is low. Lots of large rocks to leave a mark on your gear and maybe ass. Once you get down the chute you have an entire bowl with an easy grade and a ton of snow. The entrance appears sketchy but the run is second to non.
You just put Fernie on my bucket list, tree terrain looks absolutely sick. I know it's only open once in a blue moon, but you've gotta come back and show us that Polar Peak terrain is like!
My guy, I was so jacked to see you made the trip inward from the coast. Just moved into the Crowsnest so we've been pounding out laps between Fernie, & Castle this year. Nice vids. Love your takes. Love your hard charging stylistics. Your Red Mountain take has me sold, sold, sold. I love White Water, but I haven't done Red yet. On the bucket list. Cheers!
You will love Red dude, that place is on the top of my list. The most rogue steep terrain and natural features absolutely everywhere. Red is one of the best all time places!
Mid week at Fernie is always a good way to miss lines. My favourite resort so far, it has so much terrain for every level. If you time it right the top of the bowls get mid day snow and restock the pow as you go.
Wicked content, your trips through the trees drive me bonkers. Please don't pull a Bono. Thanks for sharing. I thoroughly loved the return video of Fern, your friends are absolutely hilarious. 😅
Your tree runs are always so dicey!! You always pull through and amaze me. Great exploring maybe see you in Whistler some day? Fernie was never on my to do list but is now!
If you're coming to Fernie, be sure to hit Castle, too. It's just the other side of the BC border. Both hills are continental divide hills, so the snow comes out of nowhere.
@@riseandalpine absolutely! I rode Fernie in Feb 2022 and loved it! My next visit I’ll try some of the runs that you shared :). Keep up the awesomeness!!
It seems you have received Lord Griz's blessing! So happy I got to see you hit up one of my favourite resorts of all time... Fernie is a blast. I love seeing your content continuously improve, and I hope you keep at this! Could Kimberley be next?
Every time I go to a hill I’m not sure of I listen for an Aussie voice in the near distance. Some many Australians moved here to live and work on the snow resorts and they know all the secrets. 😁
Wow! Reminded me when (on a smaller scale) there were all were all these 'under-utilized' Vermont ski areas, (like the old Magic Mountain-----(back in the Cro-Magnon days)--when my twin Alice and I would drive up from NYC and try them all each weekend. Soooo much fun----just trying trail after trail, with lots of fun surprises!! Ah, those were the days,,,,sigh! It's great watching you having so much fun exploring!Lynn in NYC PS I think all the NY ski areas were washed out during the 'Deluge' last week!,
Such good memories! Visiting new resorts is the best and Vermont has some amazing places. The east hasn't had much in terms of snow this season. Sad to hear the small base it's holding on to has been washed away.
Wow man, ever since I found your channel I’ve had lots of fun watching your adventures….already a few of the resorts we have been at over the years, but many of theses fun runs I have missed then…well as I keep coming back out west four our own adventures we’ll have to visit a few of the resorts again…keep up the good work!
So glad you'e enjoying my adventures. Hopefully you can ski some of the runs I tried when you next visit. The beauty with ski resorts is that there is always something new to explore everytime!
Grew up skiing Assesippi in MB here, so prairie skiing is all I’ve ever known. Went to Fernie on a school trip for the first time this February and oh my god, it was a dream. I was worried it’d be miserable bc I’ve NEVER skied powder before, but we rocked it. Im used to runs down taking a minute or two MAX, so to be able to go for half hour runs was just so cool. Polar peak was closed but we hit up all the double blacks, and we did great. Tree skiing is just as fun as I imagined, but the cedar bowl was my favourite I’d say. The views are breathtaking! What a good way to spend the week with friends, everyone was so friendly there. Really had that small resort feel were used to. Really planning on coming back this winter!!
Great video as always. You mentioned your head hurting while riding through the bumpy lift tower. Have you had one or more concussions in the past? They can cause a lot of sensitivity in the noggin. 🍻
I've got a concussion history. One of the reasons I don't send anything too wild and keep things in control. Prone to migraines as well now so sometimes bumps will get a headache going.
I was lucky enough to have been at Fernie a couple of years ago the first time Polar Peak opened for the season after a bunch of new snow had fallen. It was a really good run with nice pow for an hour or 2 before it got all tracked out. Apparently, that particular lift is not open too much, but if you can hit it early, the snow was excellent.
Fernie is awesome when there is snow and it's cold, but like Schweitzer it can get rained out but you nailed it this time James. I find similarities between Fernie and the Horse, steep! Stay spicy and Peace Out. BTW Revy and the Horse have both been outstanding this week.
@thatmountainlife does a great job showing how incredible Fernie can be. Check him and his family out, their youngest daughter gets down the tires like a pro and shreds the whole mtn!
Oh those tires are clever. Sure beats some boarder clown side slipping all of the snow down the hill off the narrow part where you need it 😢 I always liked the Saddle near Corner Pocket. K.C. Chutes are a great “new to expert” run too but they get skied out faaaaast
James… the Provincial Government of British Columbia should make you an Ambassador for skiing in BC. You have shown there is sooooo much to ski other than Whistler.
That would be awesome. Honestly, If I were from elsewhere planning an epic trip, I'd steer far away from Whistler. So many other gems out there and you can try so many other places while paying way less!
Wow, I’ve never seen such a bad snow year in Canada from Whistler to Fernie. Why? Look at the valley. Half the trees have been logged out. Forests create rain and snow. Logging causes global warming. I predict another bad dry forest fires and even less snow! Thanks for the mountain profile. It’s been a bad year from Big Sky to White Water!
As a Fernie local, and admitted snow snob, I probably wouldn’t even go up for the paltry 6 cm of snow seen in this video. When it’s good, it’s REALLY good!
What day were you skiing there? I was skiing there last week on the 5th and 6th. It was unreal! I would also recommend you check out Whitefish, just across the border in Montana. It's a sick resort and the drive back home to Vancouver through the states its beautiful. Especially as you drive through the desert in Washington. You pass by Schweitzer and Summit of Snoqualmie on that drive too so you could ski there too
Fernie is a favourite with Albertans for sure. Too bad your first Fernie experience was this year. On an average year, the snow is so much better! We have had many deep pow days at Fernie. Apparently, Fernie is making noises about shutting off the Alpine chair to non experts so they can run it more often. You seem to have found most of the secret stashes. It is all about the ridge drops. The trees can tighten up a bit as you have found. And you are correct the White pass side is colder than the bear side and therefore usually has better snow. For us it is a perfect pair when combined with Castle, so different . Castle is sift, chutes and fall line, Fernie is bowls, ridges and snow up the wazoo (usually) Both are three season hills. Winter at top, slush at the bottom and everything in between. Just like Whistler/Blackcomb, Revy, K Horse etc. Looking forward to seeing more of your adventures!
You've got it really good in Fernie! Glad to hear I navigated the mountain decently. I need to come back for a deep day, I'm sure it would be brain melting fun!
Hey James, you may have a perfectly good reason for not doing this, but if you don't it might be fun to know the date you actually ski these trips. Still, loving the Powder Highway series, so far I've hit Whitewater and Red during the last big dump and would loved to have skied Fernie in those same conditions.
Hey! Usually my videos are about 2 weeks delayed. I don't put the dates in case RUclips algorithm decides not to share them in the future because they are getting older. It takes me a fair bit of time to turn a video around when I'm on trips so best call is to never use me as a weather man :)
@@riseandalpineI figured it was something like that. All good, whatever works! Keep 'em commin' loving the powder highway series, I think many or all of these hills are in my future.
Hit me up next time you're coming back eastwards, towards the 'Berta Crowsnest & continental divide hills. We'd be glad to put you up for a night, or two, and help save you some pocket change. Might even be a fresh craft draft pint in it, for ya...
I was hoping to link up with ya in kimbo. Its a fun hill with a great town. I spend my time in golden, fernie and lake louise mostly. The rcr super pass is unrivaled imo!@riseandalpine
LOVE YOUR VIDs, couple questions - whats the reason you ski with boots unlatched first run? I tried this and it seems to work for next run maybe like your foot works into a good position or something? And those poles you got massive handles so you can adjust the length of them or what
The ankle buckles are most important on boots. I leave them undone to reduce foot pain and do them up when I know I'll want as much control as possible.
back when i was 11 me an a friend pulled a lady out of an inbound avalanche which fernie never reported to the public but we did get thanked we got a free Tshirt and back passes to shoot there avalanche cannons will never forget that cool day.
Yeah. The resort and the town of Fernie were filming locations for the movie Hot Tub Time Machine. The hot tub that inspired the design of the one in the movie can be seen from the Elk Quad on the back of Timbers Lodge, which is right next to the lift just past the Snow Creek Lodge.@@riseandalpine
In the late 1990s, I skied Fernie on a day with three feet of -20 champagne powder. It was literally the best day of my life. You could do no wrong. Bumps? None. Cliffs? What’s a cliff? Trees? Buried. You haven’t lived until you’ve had that experience.
I will be forever jealous until I experience that!
Sadly those days are long gone. Welcome to the New World of no snow and big fires!
It’s changed much from the 1990’s when it dumped from Bridger to Rodgers Pass all the time. Each year getting worse. It’s all gonna burn up again this year!
I remember those big 90's storm cycles... imagine skiing those days on modern equipment haha.
"Actually there is more snow than I was expecting" is pretty much Fernie in a nutshell.
Hahaha yup. If it’s windy at castle it’s raining at Fernie.
Sounds like a lot of people agree with you hahaha!
yeah, this is why fernie is my go to place to ski
My childhood best friend moved to fernie handful of years ago. So happy i have a place to stay there!
Lucky you!
"When something is that fun, you gotta do it again!" 💜
100% :) :)
At about 27:14 you say “I don’t know if you can ski that ridge, but man would that be fun”, well oh yes you can!! That whole ridge that goes all the way to the left is called the “Currie Headwall”, some of the craziest lines I have ever seen people hit! There’s nothing I can relate to more than you saying “just open it, just open it!”😂Thoroughly enjoyed watching this video brotha!
I can only imagine the lines people could send of the Headwall. Gonna see if there are any videos of it kicking around. So glad you enjoyed this one 😂
Watching from Melbourne Australia 35°c heat hoping this chills me. Every turn my heads moving side to side then im trying to look over the screen to see if your hitting a cliff. Loving all the vids.
Thanks Brett!
A total skiers playground in the middle of the mountains looks pretty damn good to me!
I know right. The perfect playground!
Random Aussie here. I caught Fernie on a proper deep pow day with no vis but who needs vis on a pow day? Amazing to see how much terrain is up there. Generally speaking bro I love your videos. I also watch Lucas catania but Lucas comes across like his favourite thing in the whole world is Lucas whereas you just love the mountains. Oh and hot sauce too. Absolutely adore your vids mate, never miss one.
So jealous you caught Fernie on a pow day. Those trees must have been all time! Thanks so much for watching all my stuff brother!
Fernie is a great spot when the snow is good!!
It's so much fun!
Nice lines without giving up some of the best runs on the hill.
Another R&A classic. Got your skiing legs and cardio burn that on video! 🔥⛷️🎥
Thanks Man I Miss these Day Like they were yesterday, It Was 30 years ago!!!
Great memories eh!
I think i subscribed when you had about 2 or 3 Subscribers. Love to see this number go up. Awesome the angles and time you put into these videos. I film myself and thats a lot of work you put into this.
You were watching me back in the truck life days?? THat's legendary! Thanks Izzy.
Great video as always! Hello from Switzerland! You'll have to come visit here sometime!!!
Thanks! I would love to come for a visit!
I live in the states and it blows my mind how not traffic these big Canadian Mountains are. Thank for sharing your travels. I will make it destination next year
These mountains along the powder highway are total gems. Forget about Whistler!
Fernie can get a little hectic on Holidays, weekend, & pow days. Castle on the other hand...Kimberley even...Heck I was at Kicking Horse 1 day after a dump, just a couple weeks back, and the gondola hardly had a line. Maybe a 3 minute morning wait for some of the most ridiculous in bounds runs your heart could desire. It feels like you have these massive bowls and ridges to yourself, some days. Fernie is like that on most weekdays. The thing with Fernie is it's an older resort started in the 60's, so it's built directly underneath high avalanche zones & gnarly headwalls. When it snows heavy, lots of stuff gets closed until they can shoot. Fernie's Dynamite budget dwarfs all the other hills. Fun fact. So it's not uncommon to be skiing there 3 days down stream, and you get off the Bear, or White Pass, and they drop a rope. It's like WUT?!?! Freshies today?!?! Nice surprise.
It really depends on the day and snow conditions. Some days there are 1 hr waits at golden and 30 mins at fernie
@@tylerehlers6192 Yeah the Timber chair gets backed up on big dumps, especially if it's a weekend. And I can assume it's the same for Golden, but on average, unless it's a mad rush to the hill, which I tend to avoid anyway, because so much gets closed at Fernie, weekdays can be very quiet, even after snow. Like I said Golden on a Monday was amazing. I can imagine the day prior had much bigger lines.
looks sweet on the itinerary
When I was a kid there was no tires in the saddles. Good times.
I feel like it would ski really well without the tires. Next time I'm straight lining beside it!
Going to Fernie this weekend and there might be up to 50 cm fresh pow so pretty hyped
No way! That sounds INSANE!
The "whoa.... That looks gnarly *slight pause* how do I get in there" actually made me burst out laughing. So funny! Your a beast out there man!!
hahahaha thanks Alain!
Really impressed at how steady you are able to keep your head while making all those crazy turns!
It's all thanks to the insta360 x3 camera technology!
cant wait to see you back here the peak looked amazing.
I can't wait to ski it again!
Wish there was more snow for your first time being there. Fernie has had crazy seasons there. This may sound odd but they usually get anywhere from 26-32 feet a year!!!! I’ve been there many times in almost waste high pow no jokes. Got trapped under a tree once and rescued someone who go stuck in a huge snow drift. Fun times!!
Those are some wild memories. I was still stoked with 6cm! A waist deep day would be beyond fun in those trees!
That was some wicked skiing! You had a few close calls, in the trees and the open areas alike. That one spot you slammed the brakes and avoided smacking the trees was tense, not to mention that stopping before being launched by that jump that snuck up was probably a wise move! Lol.
Crazy stuff. You’re at the top of your game!
And BTW, Fernie looks like a gem! There were some tough areas. The tire steps were something I hadn’t heard of, but make good sense! Lol.
Western Canada is your stomping grounds, and you are maximizing it!
Western Canada is so cool. So happy I can check out lots of spots this year. There are so many amazing places other than Whistler!
The tires in corner pocket are there so people don't demolish their skis trying to access the chute. When the snow pack is low, that little choke point would get too gnarly, hence the rubber. Just gives you something you can edge down.
That run with the tires is my favorite run in the world. The chute can be treacherous if the snow is low. Lots of large rocks to leave a mark on your gear and maybe ass. Once you get down the chute you have an entire bowl with an easy grade and a ton of snow. The entrance appears sketchy but the run is second to non.
It is such a sick fall line run. Do you ever just ski around the tires? I feel like I need to try that.
Wow Fernie has so much to explore!!
I gotta go back!
You just put Fernie on my bucket list, tree terrain looks absolutely sick. I know it's only open once in a blue moon, but you've gotta come back and show us that Polar Peak terrain is like!
The polar peak terrain is often super windblown and not necessarily that much fun. The snow in the trees are typically way better!
I work at the FAR.
Polar Peak is all Black & Double Black runs.
I'll try and make it back for some polar peak laps!
I might go to fernie next season
You totally should. It Rocks!
you delivered
:)
My guy, I was so jacked to see you made the trip inward from the coast. Just moved into the Crowsnest so we've been pounding out laps between Fernie, & Castle this year. Nice vids. Love your takes. Love your hard charging stylistics. Your Red Mountain take has me sold, sold, sold. I love White Water, but I haven't done Red yet. On the bucket list. Cheers!
You will love Red dude, that place is on the top of my list. The most rogue steep terrain and natural features absolutely everywhere. Red is one of the best all time places!
@@riseandalpine Had me at "rogue"...
Mid week at Fernie is always a good way to miss lines. My favourite resort so far, it has so much terrain for every level. If you time it right the top of the bowls get mid day snow and restock the pow as you go.
Dude mid-week here is totally legend. Nothing beats the pow refresh when you come back up the lift.
That rope and tires drop in , “Corners Pocket” double black diamond at about 7 min reminds me of some strange outdoor winter climbing wall.
Wicked content, your trips through the trees drive me bonkers. Please don't pull a Bono. Thanks for sharing. I thoroughly loved the return video of Fern, your friends are absolutely hilarious. 😅
Fernie rocks!
Your tree runs are always so dicey!! You always pull through and amaze me. Great exploring maybe see you in Whistler some day?
Fernie was never on my to do list but is now!
So glad Fernie is on your hit list. You won't regret it!
If you're coming to Fernie, be sure to hit Castle, too. It's just the other side of the BC border. Both hills are continental divide hills, so the snow comes out of nowhere.
The tires, are helping hold snow.When an area sees a lot of traffic, keeps it skiable.So you can still have fun.
That was awesome!!
⛷💨💥
Thanks Todd!
Awesome
Just binged watched all your videos
Thanks! That is the ultimate compliment!
Thank you for adding the lift & run names 😍!!
No worries! Hopefully you can try some of them.
@@riseandalpine absolutely! I rode Fernie in Feb 2022 and loved it! My next visit I’ll try some of the runs that you shared :). Keep up the awesomeness!!
Fernie has such awesome terrain and you hit a lot of it... Snake Ridge, Concussion, Knot Chute, Anaconda Glades etc. awesome fall line tree skiing.
What is that main run to the right of easter that falls straight down the ridge to the bottom?
That one is my favourite.
@@riseandalpine Decline I think
Fernie is nuts. Worth having someone show you around. So many little chutes and blasters, plus some killer mogals down the front. Great place.
I'd love a locals expertise next time I'm here. I'm sure there is loads I didn't discover
What a treat. Sit down for my lunch and get a ski video?!
Doing the exact same thing, Rise and Alpine with lunch is such a banger combo!
Whatcha eating for lunch?
Fernie is the best ❤
I know right!
@@riseandalpine definitely natures play ground....lots of people from around the world....yet not so commercialized like Big white and whistler
It seems you have received Lord Griz's blessing! So happy I got to see you hit up one of my favourite resorts of all time... Fernie is a blast. I love seeing your content continuously improve, and I hope you keep at this! Could Kimberley be next?
Good guess :). Fernie absolutely rocks. I'll 100% be coming back as soon as I can.
Looks wicked. Never seen tyres like that before :D
I know! Such a unique idea and serves the purpose so well!
Man, you point your skis downhill and let them run. I wish I had your confidence and ability. Great video. I love Fernie.
It's taken me a long time to feel comfortable pointing em' down steep terrain. Fernie is so good man. Can't wait to go back.
You must be immune to bed bugs lol. Fernie is wild! looks like you managed to get some of the last of the fresh powwww!!!
Hmmm... I was wondering why my hair was so itchy
Every time I go to a hill I’m not sure of I listen for an Aussie voice in the near distance. Some many Australians moved here to live and work on the snow resorts and they know all the secrets. 😁
Wow! Reminded me when (on a smaller scale) there were all were all these 'under-utilized' Vermont ski areas, (like the old Magic Mountain-----(back in the Cro-Magnon days)--when my twin Alice and I would drive up from NYC and try them all each weekend. Soooo much fun----just trying trail after trail, with lots of fun surprises!! Ah, those were the days,,,,sigh! It's great watching you having so much fun exploring!Lynn in NYC PS I think all the NY ski areas were washed out during the 'Deluge' last week!,
Such good memories! Visiting new resorts is the best and Vermont has some amazing places. The east hasn't had much in terms of snow this season. Sad to hear the small base it's holding on to has been washed away.
Wow man, ever since I found your channel I’ve had lots of fun watching your adventures….already a few of the resorts we have been at over the years, but many of theses fun runs I have missed then…well as I keep coming back out west four our own adventures we’ll have to visit a few of the resorts again…keep up the good work!
So glad you'e enjoying my adventures. Hopefully you can ski some of the runs I tried when you next visit. The beauty with ski resorts is that there is always something new to explore everytime!
Grew up skiing Assesippi in MB here, so prairie skiing is all I’ve ever known. Went to Fernie on a school trip for the first time this February and oh my god, it was a dream. I was worried it’d be miserable bc I’ve NEVER skied powder before, but we rocked it. Im used to runs down taking a minute or two MAX, so to be able to go for half hour runs was just so cool. Polar peak was closed but we hit up all the double blacks, and we did great. Tree skiing is just as fun as I imagined, but the cedar bowl was my favourite I’d say. The views are breathtaking! What a good way to spend the week with friends, everyone was so friendly there. Really had that small resort feel were used to. Really planning on coming back this winter!!
So glad you had such an amazing experience at Fernie. Such amazing memories.
This is sick! Brings back memories I was there 2 years ago and there was about 4 feet more snow than I was expecting 😂
4 feet of snow! Now that's an epic surprise
Watching this well into September missing skiing 😢
Mee too!
Enjoy seeing the different resorts you visit. Ever thought of a Euro trip? Seeing a few content people headed there this winter.
Euro would be awesome. I don't have a very big budget to work with but maybe sometime in the next few seasons.
Fernie looks amazing. It's also got a huge mtb network in the summer.
If the MTB is anything like the skiing I bet it's a good time!
@@riseandalpine Yup Crowsnest is a Mecca for mtb's...
Great video as always. You mentioned your head hurting while riding through the bumpy lift tower. Have you had one or more concussions in the past? They can cause a lot of sensitivity in the noggin. 🍻
I've got a concussion history. One of the reasons I don't send anything too wild and keep things in control. Prone to migraines as well now so sometimes bumps will get a headache going.
@riseandalpine I figured as much. I've had 2-3 in my life and notice light and sound sensitivity occasionally.
I was lucky enough to have been at Fernie a couple of years ago the first time Polar Peak opened for the season after a bunch of new snow had fallen. It was a really good run with nice pow for an hour or 2 before it got all tracked out. Apparently, that particular lift is not open too much, but if you can hit it early, the snow was excellent.
So jealous you got Polar Peak fresh, it looks like some pretty incredible terrain!
@@riseandalpine we are the ones jealous of you. you are living a great life. keep skiing and keep posting.
Spent a season there as an aussie 2001. Christ time flies. Know many if these lines after 20 years of desk jobbing
You probably got so many good memories! Maybe it's time for another season!
You finally got there. I loved the place. It's not huge though and have to say I prefer red mountain but loved it and it was really quiet
So glad I made a visit to Fernie! I was shocked with how much terrain there was to explore. Nothing beats a quiet mountain.
Crazy good video
Fernie is awesome when there is snow and it's cold, but like Schweitzer it can get rained out but you nailed it this time James. I find similarities between Fernie and the Horse, steep! Stay spicy and Peace Out. BTW Revy and the Horse have both been outstanding this week.
Glad you scored good conditions at the Horse and Revy. I might have just been there too. Don't tell anyone :)
@@riseandalpine I kinda figured f you're doing Castle & Fernie, you'd be onto Kimberley & Kicking Horse on your way back, too. Did you ski Panorama?
wade boggs sox legendddd
Ayyyeee! My man knows.
@@riseandalpine I picked up on the Boggs Ref all the way. What do you know about Kirby Puckett, my dude?
So much steep G nar. That place is sick. So much terrain to play with.
Steep, fun and playful terrain everywhere!
Just left Fernie today, 17 cm fresh and empty chairs everywhere, what a place!
Wow... That sounds dreamy!
Haha. Polar peak. we are coming back! Target acquired. Now I want to try fernie. It has all kinds of different terranes. The view is beautiful too
Dreaming about Polar Peak. You'd love this place Sam!
@@riseandalpine will check it out one day. Fernie is on my list.
congrats on getting a shoutout from Powder about this video. they clipped the part where you find the tires.
Oh thanks! I had no idea, that's rad!
@thatmountainlife does a great job showing how incredible Fernie can be. Check him and his family out, their youngest daughter gets down the tires like a pro and shreds the whole mtn!
Boggs played 3 base for the Boston and NY
Yesssirrr! Stoked you know about Boggs.
Ahhhhhh The Fern Dog. ❤
Sooo good! Can't believe I haven't been before!
i was just there and i miss it so much
I miss it already too!
The school trip here was fire🔥🔥
Sweet!
Oh those tires are clever. Sure beats some boarder clown side slipping all of the snow down the hill off the narrow part where you need it 😢
I always liked the Saddle near Corner Pocket. K.C. Chutes are a great “new to expert” run too but they get skied out faaaaast
Those tires are the weirdest most genius thing over. Saddle is a sick entrance, especially that tight little section on the high left side!
When I hear living the dream.... yup
I'm so lucky!
If only it wasn’t so far… Fernie is so rad.
Fernie is so RAD!
James… the Provincial Government of British Columbia should make you an Ambassador for skiing in BC. You have shown there is sooooo much to ski other than Whistler.
That would be awesome. Honestly, If I were from elsewhere planning an epic trip, I'd steer far away from Whistler. So many other gems out there and you can try so many other places while paying way less!
@@riseandalpine … you are demonstrating this beautifully 😊⛷️
Polar peak rarely spins, but when it does it's gravy. Been up on the THC headwall once, many moons ago. cheers
I want to ski Polar Peak so bad!!
we want a review on those nordica unleashed 114's!
I've got so many videos coming but maybe I can do a full review at the end of the season!
Wow, I’ve never seen such a bad snow year in Canada from Whistler to Fernie. Why? Look at the valley. Half the trees have been logged out. Forests create rain and snow. Logging causes global warming. I predict another bad dry forest fires and even less snow! Thanks for the mountain profile. It’s been a bad year from Big Sky to White Water!
As a Fernie local, and admitted snow snob, I probably wouldn’t even go up for the paltry 6 cm of snow seen in this video. When it’s good, it’s REALLY good!
Fair enough! Always great if you can pick the best days. I thought it skied amazing even with just 6cm, that says alot about the quality of this hill!
@@riseandalpine Are you the guy skiing in the video? I hav skied all those runs, just not as well as you. Nice work!
What day were you skiing there? I was skiing there last week on the 5th and 6th. It was unreal! I would also recommend you check out Whitefish, just across the border in Montana. It's a sick resort and the drive back home to Vancouver through the states its beautiful. Especially as you drive through the desert in Washington. You pass by Schweitzer and Summit of Snoqualmie on that drive too so you could ski there too
Sick! Those sound like some must hit zones. I'll add em' to the hit list!
Fernie is a favourite with Albertans for sure. Too bad your first Fernie experience was this year. On an average year, the snow is so much better! We have had many deep pow days at Fernie. Apparently, Fernie is making noises about shutting off the Alpine chair to non experts so they can run it more often. You seem to have found most of the secret stashes. It is all about the ridge drops. The trees can tighten up a bit as you have found. And you are correct the White pass side is colder than the bear side and therefore usually has better snow. For us it is a perfect pair when combined with Castle, so different . Castle is sift, chutes and fall line, Fernie is bowls, ridges and snow up the wazoo (usually) Both are three season hills. Winter at top, slush at the bottom and everything in between. Just like Whistler/Blackcomb, Revy, K Horse etc. Looking forward to seeing more of your adventures!
You've got it really good in Fernie! Glad to hear I navigated the mountain decently. I need to come back for a deep day, I'm sure it would be brain melting fun!
Gotta love mountains that retain pow 🤐😵💫
100% - Whistler's pow doesnt last long
Hey James, you may have a perfectly good reason for not doing this, but if you don't it might be fun to know the date you actually ski these trips. Still, loving the Powder Highway series, so far I've hit Whitewater and Red during the last big dump and would loved to have skied Fernie in those same conditions.
Hey! Usually my videos are about 2 weeks delayed. I don't put the dates in case RUclips algorithm decides not to share them in the future because they are getting older. It takes me a fair bit of time to turn a video around when I'm on trips so best call is to never use me as a weather man :)
@@riseandalpineI figured it was something like that. All good, whatever works! Keep 'em commin' loving the powder highway series, I think many or all of these hills are in my future.
"MUUUMM a new Rise & Alpine video just dropped"
:)
Hit me up next time you're coming back eastwards, towards the 'Berta Crowsnest & continental divide hills. We'd be glad to put you up for a night, or two, and help save you some pocket change. Might even be a fresh craft draft pint in it, for ya...
Hey! That's super kind of you, I'll absolutely give ya a shout when I'm in the zone next.
Where are you headed next? Kimberley?
Good guess!
I was hoping to link up with ya in kimbo. Its a fun hill with a great town. I spend my time in golden, fernie and lake louise mostly. The rcr super pass is unrivaled imo!@riseandalpine
How are you liking that Helly jacket? Would you recommend? Been looking at those recently, but very few reviews out there….
I'm loving it. Keeps me dry, don't mind sweating in it, no major issues to report on. All I need in a jacket. Love the squared off pockets too.
LOVE YOUR VIDs, couple questions - whats the reason you ski with boots unlatched first run? I tried this and it seems to work for next run maybe like your foot works into a good position or something? And those poles you got massive handles so you can adjust the length of them or what
The ankle buckles are most important on boots. I leave them undone to reduce foot pain and do them up when I know I'll want as much control as possible.
curious what skis you are on, and what's the length vs your height, thanks.
I run 191cm skis (Nordica Unleashed 114). I'm about 6'2.
Is wade boggs from that always sunny episode where they get drunk on the plane?
Wade Boggs was a MLB player. Maybe he starred in a sunny episode, not to sure!
Helmet mount is a lot better than chest, you can see more and it's less shaky
I prefer it too! Insta360 is way more stable than a GoPro. I mix in the odd chest mount to show snow spray.
Fernie? more like fentanyl the way I'm addicted to your vids.
back when i was 11 me an a friend pulled a lady out of an inbound avalanche which fernie never reported to the public but we did get thanked we got a free Tshirt and back passes to shoot there avalanche cannons will never forget that cool day.
Wow. You're a hero man! Super cool you got to blast some avalanche cannons.
What’s the song on the tbar?
Lords of the land
Did you find the hot tub time machine?
Hot Tub Time Machine????
Yeah. The resort and the town of Fernie were filming locations for the movie Hot Tub Time Machine. The hot tub that inspired the design of the one in the movie can be seen from the Elk Quad on the back of Timbers Lodge, which is right next to the lift just past the Snow Creek Lodge.@@riseandalpine
Fernie snow for some reason resembles coastal snow not like Banff or Big White snow
Super interesting and it's no where near the coast. I wonder why?
happy travels man@@riseandalpine
i dont remember exactly but did wade boggs eat chicken before EVERY game?!
Yesssir he did! Stoked you knew that. One of my favourite baseball facts.
The chicken 🐓 man…
Gotta add this too the map. Pretty crazy eh. That whole central canada Alberta area is an experts paradise.
This one is a must hit for sure Will! Alberta is loaded with amazing skiing as well.
Fernie always has powder.
Even though the snow was limited it was sooo good!
Revel stoke is way better.
Both are cool for sure!