Sunshine or Fernie for Feb12-17

F

Flatlander

New member
Taking my family on a road trip from Manitoba and need some help with making the decision between Fernie and Sunshine. I picked these two because I can drive that far in a long day and they have on-hill accommodations - a big plus with the kids along.

What do you think about the crowds that week? I heard something about President's Week?

Thanks for any input you can give me.
 
Flatlander":2704lx9t said:
on-hill accommodations - a big plus with the kids along.
Click to expand...
I've never been to Fernie, but if it would be my kids (oldest is 8). Sunshine would definately a serious contenter, regardless of the on-hill accomodations.

Part of the mountain are great for kids and not to intimidating (Standish, Wawa, Wheeler). An intermediate skier can also ski from the top of Lookout mountain and Goat's Eye also.

That would be my choice with kids... :D I let someone else speak about Fernie, because I'm no so aware of the terrain, especially with kids.
 
Flatlander":1odjjudk said:
Taking my family on a road trip from Manitoba and need some help with making the decision between Fernie and Sunshine. I picked these two because I can drive that far in a long day and they have on-hill accommodations - a big plus with the kids along.
Click to expand...

Sunshine's on-hill are extremely limited and I simply wouldn't recommend that route at all. There's practically nothing to do on-hill either, no real resteraunts, entertainment etc. Remember, the lodge is at the top of the hill!

The really good news is it's only a 15 minute drive from Banff, and since you're wheel-enabled it's not going to be an issue for you. There's lots of lodging in-town, and lots more stuff to do. That also gives you the opportunity of trying some of the other hills in the area.

What do you think about the crowds that week? I heard something about President's Week?
Click to expand...

I was there on what the locals said was some of the best weather of '04, and you basically skiied right onto the lifts for most of the day. It gets a little busy from just before lunch to around 2-ish, but even on the one "really needed" lift (can't remember the name) I never waited more than maybe two minutes.

Maury
 
U.S. President's week is Feb. 19-25. I don't envision crowd issues at any of these areas

Fernie has much more snow, as is normal. The region is slightly below average so far, which impacts the Banff areas more. Eyewitness reports reinforce this impression:

Fernie http://www.powderwatch.com/snowreports/ ... p?resort=3
Sunshine http://www.powderwatch.com/snowreports/ ... ?resort=12
Lake Louise http://www.powderwatch.com/snowreports/ ... p?resort=6

No info on age/ability level of the kids. If they are comfortable off the groomed and in the trees they will love Fernie. If you go that direction Castle Mt. is only a half hour detour and you should hit that on the way in and out.

I strongly agree you should not stay on the hill at Sunshine if you go there for the reasons Maury stated. Surely you will want to try Lake Louise also.
 
I'd hit Fernie.. Sunshine is alot of fun, but as mentioned, there's nothing to do unless you go into Banff. Plus some of the other things mentioned. I also just really enjoy the vibe at Fernie.. not to mention the great mountain!
 
snowave":1e1nmf06 said:
I'd hit Fernie.. Sunshine is alot of fun, but as mentioned, there's nothing to do unless you go into Banff. Plus some of the other things mentioned. I also just really enjoy the vibe at Fernie.. not to mention the great mountain!
Click to expand...

+1 Fernie Rocks!
 
Fernie might rock, but I'm not sure that I would bring my kids. I'm talking personally with kids under 10.

Sunshine's on-hill are extremely limited and I simply wouldn't recommend that route at all. There's practically nothing to do on-hill either, no real resteraunts, entertainment etc. Remember, the lodge is at the top of the hill!
Click to expand...

This might be true for adults, but living at Sunshine Valley might be something really cool if you're a young kid. Relatively alone (compared with Banff or Fernie) in the mountains.
 
Fernie will provide some very challenging terrain and has more than adequate coverage at this point.

Sunshine is great when there are no clouds and the winds are low. Accomodations on Sunshine are limited and modest ... probably OK with kids under 10, but not something that teenagers would enjoy.

I think you have good optioins in either case. I might be tempted to stay in Banff as that is only a 15 minute drive and the kids will probably enjoy the gondola trip up the hill.

John
 
Hey John@ et al,

How are things shaping up there now that you've got some more snow? Is coverage good at the banff resorts or still thin? I'll be at sunshine on the 9th of feb. Got any recommendations of areas to head? Not asking for stashes (although they're welcome :) ), but just some good trails/areas to check out.

Thanks.
 
Thanks everyone for all the help and advice. As it turns our, we had to change the dates to the last week of March and we added a few extra bodies to our group. We all decided to go back to Fernie for the fourth year in a row. Nothing like getting to know a hill - adds to the comfort level when your turning your teen-age and pre-teen kids loose to terrorize the general skiing public.javascript:emoticon(':wink:')
Wink

Anyone know anything about discout lifts and lessons?
 
probably a good call.. epecially since LL and SV can't seem to keep their gondi's running... or falling off the line... :lol:
 
Yea...but what's a guy to do? March is when the kids and wife have time off from school/work and Fernie is the closest drive with on-hill accomodations. You just can't beat staying on-hill when you are with a mixed group of ages and abilities. And the personal hot-tub keeps my knees happy :lol:

Three out of the last four years we have had great snow and even a couple of powder days. One year we got WET but the upper mountain still had great snow. You rolls the dice...you takes your chances. Even wet days in the mountains are better than any days in the office. :D

Cheers,
 
This note is for Scott (Flatlander). I was at Fernie today (Sat Jan 28th) and the conditions were superb. Happened to concide with 12 inches of fluff so it was a great day. That increased to 2 feet in some areas as a light wind conspired to hit the stashes. I checked out a lot of the mountain and coverage is great everywhere - no tree stumps or rocks visible at all. Skied the trees and terrain looks in fine shape. Snow is expected to continue through Saturday night, so it should be an epic opportunity tomorrow. Unfortunately I'm headed to Lake Louise so won't have a 2nd taste.

Scott, as you know, Fernie conditions can change at a moment's notice. For the latest update on ski conditions, I suggest you check out the following link:
http://far.redtree.com/cgi-bin/far/index.py

This site is hosted by a long term on-hill resident (Craig Morris) who loves outdoor activities. His evaluations are honest and without guile - ideal for all us travellers! Hope this helps and that you have a great vacation.

John
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top