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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.

Video by DownieLive

* Please note that due to recommendations to reduce the spread of the coronavirus pandemic, this event may be cancelled. 

Avid skiers may not feel celebratory about the snowy season coming to an end, but there’s still plenty of fun to be had. On April 11 and 12 the Fernie Alpine resort hosts its annual closing weekend celebration, dubbed ‘Fernival’, and it’s always a spectacular way to wrap things up.

Lifts will be open from 9 am until 4 pm both days for skiing and snowboarding action. At 11 am the always raucous Raging Elk Powder Pedal Paddle Relay Race is set to take place. This is an over 30-year tradition and one not to be missed. Teams are made up of 2 to 5 people and it’s a competition like no other. Teams do their best to bike, ski, paddle or run their way down the hill in this lighthearted relay race.

Those who want to take a break from the hill can join the Party in the Plaza, which happens from 12 pm until 6 pm. The Kokanee Event Gardens will be running for the entire party. The opening bands hit the stage at 2 pm and Delhi to Dublin plays at 3:30 pm. At 5 pm the winners from the Power Pedal Paddle Race will be honoured. 

On Sunday at 1 pm attendees can take in the Slush Cup Slope Soaker. Participants try to make it across the pond on skis or snowboards, often with hilarious and less than impressive results. This event also features a wide range of creative costumes. Points are awarded not only for crossing the pond, but also for such distinctions as creating the biggest splash, best crowd reaction, and best costume. At 3 pm, there will be more great music when The Hip Flexors hit the stage.

Fernival is always an amazing time with tons to see and do. If you need accommodation in Fernie for this or any other event, be sure to check out the options at the Fernie Stanford Resort. With incredible views, convenient amenities and spacious rooms, suites and private condos to choose from, there’s something here to suit everyone.