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THE MOUNTAIN
Highlighted in Explore Magazine as "one of Canada's best communities to live and play," Fernie is a place that residents and visitors alike are happy to keep a secret. Although unspoilt by mass tourism and package holidays, Fernie is in fact the 4th largest ski resort in Canada and is rapidly becoming the place to spend a season. The Good Ski and Snowboard Guide 2004 rated Fernie 'The Best North American Resort'.
Locally referred to as 'Snow Valley,' the area boasts an incredible annual snowfall of over 29ft (875cm) one of the highest in North America, and considering Fernie has a relatively short winter season (mid December to mid April) this means that there are more regular powder dumps than in almost any other ski area around the world. Fernie frequently has the deepest snowpack in the Rockies and you'll become accustomed to waking up to the sound of the mountain patrol's avalanche bombs and a foot of fresh snow on the doorstep!
In short, epic powder days are plentiful! Renowned for its 'steep and deep' conditions, Fernie has varied terrain to challenge all abilities, from demanding chutes and tree runs to mellow gullies and perfectly groomed pistes. The type of ski terrain is considerably different to that of certain European resorts. The emphasis is on off-piste skiing and snowboarding rather than the motorway pistes found elsewhere. Many of the marked runs are through gladded trees, wide bowls and long gullies offering perfect lines in the fresh powder. In addition there are also some great groomed pistes to enjoy and these are perfect for developing your carving technique and practising your instructing skills.
Fernie's terrain park has seen considerable improvements over the last few years and now boasts a wide range of kickers ranging from small beginner sized jumps to 60ft tabletops and spines, as well as a wide variety of rails.
Fernie is proud to host the Freestyle World Cup which brings with it athletes and spectators from all over the world. NONSTOP Ski seasonaires have the opportunity to volunteer for this event, helping out with preparations, escorting the athletes, and of course attending the volunteer dinner and dance.
The powder that makes Fernie a haven for deep snow enthusiasts is produced by storm systems that develop in the Pacific Ocean, off the coast of northern Oregon. The predominant south westerly flow chugs across the near desert-like terrain of Central Washington and Idaho before slamming into the lizard range of the Canadian Rockies. A lack of significant mountain ranges between Fernie and the coast ensures that the storm arrives with a full payload of dry powder. Once the system reaches the Elk Valley it seems to churn like a great spinning vortex dumping powder throughout the entire area.
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THE TOWN
Fernie is not only famous for its powder conditions but also for its exceptionally friendly atmosphere and welcoming locals. The laid-back environment rubs off almost immediately on even the most stressed out souls and on returning from Fernie, you spend your first few days back in the UK saying hello to everybody, smiling as you walk down the street, driving considerately, chatting to your neighbours and other inhuman acts that are likely to see you locked up in a loony bin this side of the Atlantic!
Downtown Fernie is 2 km from the ski hill and offers an excellent selection of fine restaurants, bars, coffee shops, clothes and ski/ boarding shops, spas, a swimming pool with whirlpool and waterslides, ice skating rink, museum, gym and much more. Unlike most North American towns, Fernie has many fine heritage buildings and the main street, 2nd Ave, in particular has some beautiful 'western style' architecture.
The city of Fernie was founded in the late 19th century after the discovery of local coal deposits, and mining remains one of the main economic activities in the area. Because of this mix of local activity – tourism, mining, and forestry - Fernie has managed to retain its strong community feel rather than turning into a purpose built holiday resort (such as the likes of Whistler, Val'Disere and Meribel) even after the word has spread about it's awesome powder conditions.
The ski hill itself has a good selection of hotels, restaurants, bars, café, supermarket and a ski/ boarding shop. There are also husky rides, cross country ski trails and regular organized activities so there is plenty to do if you need a break from the powder!
For those of you who fall in love with Fernie and never want to leave, the locals swear that the summer season is even better, with activities such as white-water rafting, canoeing, hiking, golf and fly fishing in abundance. The popular local saying in Fernie is 'I came for the snow, but stayed for the summer'. We strongly recommend a trip here in summer or Autumn.
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Available on our 2-week / 3-week / 6-week / 11-week courses.
We are proud to be the new owners of a 40 bedroom lodge in the very centre of Fernie. The lodge, which is undergoing a $750,000 refurbishment through the summer of 2007, has a comfortable welcoming atmosphere with numerous social spaces and fantastic facilities.
The lodge has spacious bedrooms each with two double beds and an en-suite bathroom. Each bedroom has views of the stunning local mountains and some have private balconies. There are a variety of bedroom configurations: the majority of rooms are twin rooms (two double beds), some are triples (three single beds) and a select few are quads (two bunk beds).
Lodge facilities include:
Sitting Rooms - Cable TV, DVD player, WiFi, Kitchen & dinning facilities
Swimming Pool & Hot Tub - Chill out after a hard day on the slopes
Restaurant & Lounge - Eat, drink and socialise in homely surroundings
Internet Room - Keep in touch with friends and family
Movie Theatre - Have a quiet night in
Ski and Snowboard Tuning Room - Keep your skis sliding smoothly
Mess Room - Pool table, table football & comfy sofas. The place to hang out.
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PRE & POST STAYS
(6-Week and 11-Week Courses)
Like everyone that visits Fernie, you won't want to leave. We now offer accommodation both before and after your course so that you can spend between 3 to 6 months in Canada. We can adjust your flight dates at no extra charge (apart from over Christmas and New Year).
This is a great chance to enjoy the quiet early season powder days and to get some practice in before your course starts. You can arrive in Fernie anytime from early December and stay as late as early May. Additional accommodation is charged at a rate of £100/week and includes all utility bills and assistance from local staff. Your season pass is valid from the time you arrive in Fernie.
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Over the last five years we have run a series of instructor training courses as well as several ski improvement programmes. In that short time Fernie's status as an "undiscovered gem" has shifted, and it is now recognised as one of the world's best powder destinations. The combination of its deep, dry, champagne powder, steep tree runs and open bowls, as well as the charm of the local community, have resulted in Fernie now being one of North America's most popular winter destinations. 
"One of Canada's best communities to live and play"
Since the start of NONSTOP Ski, Dave Richards has been instrumental in the development of our programmes. Dave and his family live in Fernie throughout the year and run a white-water rafting company during the summer. He is an experienced instructor, guide and college lecturer on mountain activities. Dave instructs many of the additional courses.
Jens Mende has been our Technical Director in Fernie since the start of NONSTOP Ski and as an experienced Level 4 instructor and examiner is one of the most highly qualified skiers in Canada. He has an extensive background in ski improvement and instructor programmes and brings with him a great knowledge of the design of instructor training programmes.
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info@nonstopski.com 
