January 20, 2006
Snowfall
24 Hour: 6cm (2in)
48 Hour: 6cm (2in)
7 Day: 76cm (30in)
Snow Pack: 297cm (117in)
Text by Krista Turcasso
Photos by Dan Savage
Blast form the Past
Three years of average snowfall has finally been forgotten as Fernie Alpine Resort celebrates the best base in BC, over 300 cm! On Saturday, January 14th, 2006 skiers and snowboarders alike grinned ear to ear as they made their way down the mountain. They were finally experiencing first hand what they had only heard of. What was beginning to sound like legend. The famous champagne powder of Fernie is real, and whether or not the Griz has anything to do with it is irrelevant, as I’m sure that both locals and tourists will be continuing their prayers to the Griz for the remainder of the season!
As a born and raised Fernie girl, I have had many opportunities to enjoy ski seasons such as this. I remember one in particular, 1993/94. Back in those days the hill typically opened mid-November and the snow was always plentiful. This year stands out from the rest as the district teachers went on strike for over a month and every morning parents took turns carpooling the kids up to the hill! Of course there was the responsibility to race the groomers with your fellow Nancy Green ski racers on the weekends, but all other days were between you and the powder.
The memories of those years have come back full force this year, especially in early November when many were out making turns on the hill. Our faith in Fernie and in the Griz is restored and we wait with bated breath for the remainder of the season.
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