I’ve just landed back home from six unforgettable days in British Columbia, and I’m already planning how to get back! Kimberley and Fernie delivered everything you want from a Canadian ski holiday: wide-open terrain, relaxed mountain towns, and that perfect balance of skiing hard and then taking some time to chill afterwards.

Day 1: Our trip kicked off at Kimberley Alpine Resort, which turned out to be the ideal place to find our ski legs. Some of us took lessons, others explored with mountain guides, but everyone experienced the same vibe: cruisy and uncrowded. Locals in Kimberley said "if the lift line is more than 5 minutes, it's a busy day!" Lunch at Stemwinder Bar & Grill was our first proper après moment, followed by a relaxed afternoon exploring the resort and town.

Day 2: A full day on the slopes, lapping runs and settling into the mountain rhythm before heading out for a town and hotel tour and dinner at Buckhorn & Main Mountain Eatery, which was awesome after a big day on snow. For adrenaline seekers, Kimberley also offers heli-skiing (as a week-long add-on). Definitely something I’d love to come back and try.

Day 3: Next stop was Fernie Alpine Resort, where things felt bigger but just as laid-back. After lunch at the Griz Bar, we checked out the resort before heading into town for dinner at The Loaf Italian Restaurant.

We stayed at Lizard Creek Lodge, which offers convenient ski-in, ski-out access and awesome outdoor hot tubs with stunning mountain views. Rolling straight from the slopes into a hot tub became a daily ritual.

Day 4: A guided mountain tour really showed off Fernie’s huge terrain and variety, yet it never felt busy. There’s a calm, unhurried feel here that makes long ski days easy. We balanced time on the mountain with a snowshoeing tour, a relaxed way to experience the alpine scenery.

Day 5: We had a full day on the slopes, plus an afternoon wandering through downtown Fernie. Our final night wrapped up perfectly with dinner at Cirque, a great way to end the trip.

Day 6: Sadly it was departure day, after a morning at leisure, our group packs up to head home.

Why I loved Kimberley & Fernie:
• What stood out most was how easy these resorts feel!
• Plenty of space and uncrowded slopes
• Ski-in, ski-out accommodation that makes everything effortless
• Great food both on and off the mountain
• A relaxed pace that lets you enjoy every day, not just the ski runs

What was your favourite run?
At fernie, between the old and the new sides, there is a wide range of terrain that makes each run different. Curry Bowl was one of my favourites out of the five bowls.

Was it easy getting around?
There is a free local shuttle in Fernie. It runs on the hour but ends early, so if you are in town make, sure you keep track of the time!

What property would you suggest for families, and why?
There are lots of 2+ bedrooms condos and townhomes with full-sized kitchens and onsite pools and hot tubs - some even have private ones. One of my favourites was one of the newer 2-bedroom lofts at the Griz Inn.

Was there a good amount of shopping in town or on mountain?
Both Fernie and Kimberley are more of a ski, eat, sleep, repeat type of ski resort experience.

How would you describe the après scene, dining options and village atmosphere of the resort?
A very fun atmosphere, the bars aren't open till super late but the views make up for that!

What was your favourite restaurant, café or bar?
The Griz bar in Fernie was one my favourites. The deck area overlooking the resort offers the best view you can get, and they also have an awesome shotski! The ice bar in Fernie had a great vibe & was not something I expected to find there.

What activities did you participate in (non skiing or snowboarding)?
The snowshoeing was amazing! Getting to walk through the forest and learn about the resort is a nice way to end a day.

Best activities for families?
Snowshoeing and Sledding

Best activities for those who want to relax?
Grab a few drinks and soak in the hot tub.

What practical tips or insights would you give to someone planning to visit this resort? Make sure you stop at the supermarket on your way to the hotel. While there are places to eat, breakfast options are limited.

If you’re looking for a Canadian ski holiday with big scenery, fantastic terrain, and a laid-back mountain feel, Kimberley and Fernie are hard to beat!

Written using the first-hand experience of Ski Specialist, Andy.
Posted: February 2026