Fernie, British Columbia

You will find Fernie in British Columbia, Canada. The resort is in the south eastern corner of British Columbia, situated close to the Alberta border and just 40 miles from Montana. Fernie opened their first lift in 1963. The field boasts an exceptional snow record - it averages 29 feet per year.

Fernie, British Columbia is best for skiers and snowboarders of all standards, families and off-piste skiers. Be prepared for the cold on this field. You will find the slopes less crowded than many fields. In 1998 the ski area was bought by Charlie Locke, the owner of other Canadian resorts.

The field has a new mountain top café due to open this season. It is located at the top of the Timber Express Quad Chair.

Fernie has a vertical rise of 2816ft (857m). The base is at 3500ft (1068m) and the summit is at 6316ft (1925M). There are 2504 acres of skiable terrain with 107 trails, 5 bowls and tree skiing. The longest run, Falling Star is 5 km. 30% of the terrain is suitable for novices, 40% for intermediate skiers and 30% for advanced skiers.

Zermatt

On the Zermatt field in Switzerland you will find superb scenery, alpine charm, luxury accommodation and an excellent ski school. Zermatt is at the foot of the majestic Matterhorn.

Zermatt has developed into both a summer and winter resort. There are no motorised vehicles in Zermatt. Besides electrically-powered cars and bicycles, the only form of transport allowed is horse-drawn sleighs and carriages. A promenade down the main street in the evening is always popular. At any time, it is delightful to explore some of the tiny (and romantic) cobbled alleyways just off the main street, where you will find ancient sun browned barns and traditional chalets. It is very much like stepping back in time.

Zermatt offers plenty of superb open terrain for boarders. There are also two snowboard parks and two man-made half pipes - one at Blauherd, the other between Trockener Steg and Furgg. Snowboards are also welcome on all lifts and 99% of the pistes. There is also a dedicated snowboarding school.