December 14, 2005
Snowfall
24 Hour: 0cm (0in)
48 Hour: 0cm (0in)
7 Day: 0cm (0in)
Snow Pack: 99cm (85in)
Text by Dan Savage
Photos by Leslie at Fernie Wildernes Adventures
A double opening in Fernie!
Both Fernie Alpine Resort and Fernie Wilderness Adventures opened their slopes this past weekend.
FAR offered early season coverage and great skiing on groomed and some off-piste. All lifts were operating except for the Haul Back. Last weeks 45cm of light powder was severely wind scoured in most aspects however untouched pockets were still to be found. Owen Lawson, my powder crazed friend visiting from TO, was quite pleased with the snow we found in Fish Bowl. Overall it was nice to see the ski community out on the slopes–faces I hadn’t seen for close to a year.
On Monday Owen, Kirk, Marko and I experienced legendary Fernie powder while cat-skiing at Fernie Wilderness Adventures. The Morrissey Range experienced much less wind leaving last weeks powder light and dry and sparkling with hoar frost. Riding in the first cat of the season is very strategic! We skied untracked all day and the local guides, Dave and Brian, took us to the big lines. The Snow Zone and Big Dipper were my favourite two runs offering excellent steep and deep conditions.
I was pleasantly surprised to share the day with friends from Dynastar who were having a strategic sales meeting – as they so insisted. Dressed in the branded orange they were easy to spot.
Overall Fernie has a decent base however needs a new snow cycle to keep the legendary powder status alive. This weekends Mogul Smoker should ensure a positive outcome.
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