Fernie winters offer lots of fun for families

Families find a lot to love during a Fernie, BC, winter.

Fernie is cut with trails specifically for the cross country skier, with trails ranging in dif culty from novice to expert. Both the Fernie Golf Club and Elk Valley Nordic Society have trails suitable for beginners. To find the trail suitable for your family, visit Fernienordic.com

For a winter day in the fresh air, grab a Thermos of hot chocolate and your toboggan and head over to the hill behind the dirt jump park, adjacent to the Aquatic Centre.

A day at Fernie Alpine Resort is a great way to spend family time. Young skiers and snowboarders can sign up for a lesson with an experienced instructor at the resort’s Winter Sports School. With a variety of lessons available ranging from group lessons to private lessons, children to adults,there is something to suit every ability, schedule, and budget. Visit Skifernie.com to learn more.

Strap on the skates and spend a day on the frozen lakes and ponds in the Fernie area or visit the Fernie Memorial Arena during public skating hours. Another option for skating is the outdoor NHL-sized ice surface located next to the Fernie Aquatic Centre.

If you prefer a quick dip, or a leisurely soak in the hot tub, drop by the Fernie Aquatic Centre and enjoy the 25m competitive pool, a leisure pool perfect for children and water slide.

To view the schedules for both the Fernie Aquatic Centre and Fernie Memorial Arena, follow the links at Fernie.ca

The Fernie Heritage Library offers a number of weekly programs for children of all ages, including storytimes toddlers and preschoolers, Lego club and Teen Drop-In card games, plus special events.

Learn more about local history with a visit to the Fernie Museum, stop by The Arts Station on 1st Avenue to learn more about this historic building, or visit theartsstation.com/calendar to see what is coming up.

However you spend your day, wrap it up over a warm cup of something delicious from one of Fernie’s downtown restaurants.

Editor’s note: While many of BC’s facilities are closed during the COVID-19 pandemic, plan for future adventures here and throughout the West Coast at westcoasttraveller.com.