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  • Brown dried trees and vegetation line one side of the Elk River bank and tall conifer pines trees are clustered on the other side with the backdrop of the snow capped Rocky Mountains far in the distance. The Elk River in Fernie, BC on a winter day with brown and dried vegetation, barren trees and sturdy pine trees at the river's banks and snowy Rocky Mountains in the distance.
It’s just a ski resort, right?
 
Wrong…  There’s much more to this town located in the Elk Valley of the East Kootenay region of British Columbia than meets the eye. Yes, it may be a small, historic mountain town – but it’s bursting with a modern-day adventurous vibe. Here are seven myths about Fernie that we’re happy to smash…
 

Myth 1: Fernie has no Charm

Reality: Fernie’s funky main street with its turn-of-the-century brick buildings is framed by postcard-perfect mountains, providing this rugged and unpolished little town with a unique charm all of its own.
 

Myth 2: Fernie’s Residents are all Ski Bums

Reality: The people are Fernie are incredibly hard working. In fact, the town was built on coal mining and forestry industries.
 

Myth 3: Fernie isn’t a Real Mountain Town

Reality: From the pick-up trucks and mountain bikes that travel its streets, to the ski bums and guide shops that line them, Fernie’s distinct mountain culture is evident at almost every turn.
 

Myth 4: The Mountain Culture is Just there for the Tourists

Reality: Fernie has not been packaged for the mass-market tourist crowd. It’s a casual, comfortable and laid-back place where a local community still thrives.
 

Myth 5: Fernie is a Ghost Town Out of Season

Reality: Although the population almost doubles during ski season, the year-round population of locals in Fernie is over 5,000.
 

Myth 6: There’s no Real Summer in Fernie

Reality: Fernie’s climate has of four distinct seasons and enjoys temperate mountain weather.
 

Myth 7: The Snow isn’t that Good in Fernie

Reality: Fernie is famous as a powder town with over 30 feet of snow annually during the winter season (November to April). It is therefore a world-class ski and snowboard destination.
 

Myth 8: There’s Nothing to Explore in the Fernie Area

Reality: The closest communities to Fernie are Sparwood (30km) and Elkford (65km) to the north, and Cranbrook (96km) to the west.
 
Located right on the stunning Elk River, Fernie Stanford Waterslide Resort is a perfect accommodation option this spring. It boasts some incredible views of the mountains and river – so it really is a nature-lover’s dream. From private condos and townhouses to spacious hotel rooms and loft-style suites, Fernie Stanford Waterslide Resort is a great place to relax after a day of winter wond