Fly fishing the Elk River
The Elk is a catch-and-release river known for dry-fly fishing for westslope cutthroat trout. The season opens June 15. Book a guided drift-boat trip, since much of the river is hard to reach on foot.
Details ↗Fly fishing, rafting, golf, lake days on Koocanusa and some of the best powder in the Rockies, all within reach of Fernie Alpine Ski Chalet.
From mid-June to September, Fernie is a base for rivers, lakes and trails. The chalet's deck, BBQ and hot tub make it easy to come back after a long day outside.
The Elk is a catch-and-release river known for dry-fly fishing for westslope cutthroat trout. The season opens June 15. Book a guided drift-boat trip, since much of the river is hard to reach on foot.
Details ↗Raft Class 3 rapids on the lower Elk River or the Class 2–4 Bull River canyon with Fernie outfitters Canyon Raft Company and Tunnel49. Gentler scenic floats suit families.
Details ↗An 18-hole, par-70 championship course in town with a driving range, rentals and a clubhouse restaurant. Look for the Ghostrider shadow on Mount Hosmer at sunset.
Details ↗A 7.6 km return hike from near Elko leads to a chain of clear lakes with cliffs for jumping into the water. Allow 2 to 2.5 hours, and check depth before you jump.
Details ↗Rent a sport boat or wake boat at Sunshine Houseboats & Marina near Newgate, a 55-minute drive from the chalet. Adult water skis and a wakeboard or kneeboard are included with boat rentals, and tubes are available.
Details ↗Drive 55 minutes to Sunshine Marina's waterpark on Lake Koocanusa, then grab ice cream and tacos at the marina. Great for kids and teens.
Details ↗Ride from the chalet to the Fernie Alpine Resort downhill bike park, or explore the town's big singletrack network on Mount Fernie, Montane, Fernie Ridge and Mount Proctor.
Details ↗Try the easy 4.5 km Fairy Creek Falls trail, the moderate Old Growth Trail among ancient cedars, or the full-day Three Sisters for alpine meadows. Carry bear spray.
Details ↗Fernie Alpine Resort runs summer chairlift rides, lift-accessed hiking and biking from the base area a short walk from the chalet.
Details ↗Fernie is famous for deep powder. The ski season usually runs from early December to mid-April, and the chalet is a 6-minute walk from the Elk Chair.
Over 2,500 acres, 142+ runs and five alpine bowls, with an average of 883 cm of snow a year. The Elk Chair is a 500 m walk from the chalet.
Details ↗Island Lake Lodge, about 15 minutes from Fernie, has over 7,000 acres of powder bowls and glades. Fernie Wilderness Adventures also runs single-day snowcat trips.
Details ↗Fernie Alpine Resort grooms about 14 km of classic and skate trails. There are more at the Elk Valley Nordic Centre and 12 km of easy trails at Fernie Golf Club.
Details ↗Explore the Montane trail network, Mount Fernie Provincial Park and the trails around the resort on snowshoes or a fat bike.
Details ↗Come back to the chalet's private hot tub and fireplace, or take the town shuttle (December to April) to downtown Fernie's restaurants.
About the chalet ↗6 bedrooms · sleeps 10 · private hot tub · 500 m to the Elk Chair