Skiing

Ninety-three kilometers (57 miles) east of Cranbrook, on the western face of the Rockies, is one of the best skiing and snowboarding areas in British Columbia. Fernie Alpine Resort, Ski Area Road, Fernie (tel. 250/423-4655; www.skifernie.com), is a relatively unheralded resort that's popular with in-the-know snowboarders. Average snowfall is about 9m (30 ft.), with a vertical drop of 843m (2,765 ft.). There are 97 trails in five alpine bowls, with a total of more than 1,013 hectares (2,500 acres) of skiable terrain served by three quads, two triples, two T-bars, a Poma, and a handle tow with the capacity to handle 12,300 skiers per hour (but it's never that busy). Adult lift tickets are C$64 to C$69 (US$51-US$55). Amenities include lodging (tel. 800/258-SNOW for reservations), restaurants, rentals, and instruction. The resort, lodges, and lifts remain open in summer, with hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding the main activities.