COVID-19 RESPONSE

In addition to all the normal cleaning we’ve always done, we have added a number of enhanced cleaning protocols as we re-open our hotel. We are committed to meet or exceed the official health recommendations to prevent the spread of COVID-19, and keep our staff and guests safe. Here’s a few examples:

• Our staff will not come to work if they have any flu-like symptoms.

• All employees practice diligent hand hygiene. This means we wash our hands constantly!

• We also have hand sanitizer stations located throughout the hotel, for our use and yours.

• We are waiting one day before our staff enter a vacated room to clean it. The BCCDC recommends 3 hours but we are exceeding that! All items are either removed or disinfected in this cleaning process.

• After the room has been cleaned, we wait a minimum of 3 hours before we check a guest into the room. By disinfecting all hard surfaces and allowing more than a day between guests, we ensure that theroom is safe for occupation.

• Foot pulls are installed on many of our common doors so you don’t have to touch them.

• Our staff wear masks when in common areas of the hotel, or when physical distancing measures can’t be maintained.

• We have installed a plexiglass barrier at the front desk. We didn’t want you to be greeted there by a masked face!

• We clean common touch areas like handrails and door handles several times a day. BCCDC guidelines recommend twice daily, but we’re doing it twice per shift.

• We have installed hands-free door openers on many of our common area doors so you don’t need to touch them!

• We have designed a “reduced contact” check-in experience. We ask that you bring an email-enabled device (smartphone or tablet) to help with this.

• We are not offering any housekeeping in your room during your stay. We have provided cleaning supplies in the rooms, and delivery to your door of anything else you might need is available.

• Tourism Fernie has also prepared a great PDF to help you plan your trip!

REVISED AMENITIES OFFERING Unfortunately, we are not able to offer many of our amenities due to provincial health recommendations. As these recommendations change and procedures are developed, we look forward to making them available again. Tourism Fernie is also keeping track of all the businesses in Fernie; who is open and what has changed.

• Front Desk is open, with slightly reduced staffing. We ask that you call the desk rather than visit in person if possible.

• Our Breakfast Snack is limited to the brown bag option. The lobby buffet is not available.

• Our board games are available, with limited availability. Once a game has been borrowed, we ask that you keep it for the length of your stay. We disinfect it after checkout, or take it out of circulation for a minimum of three days before lending it out again.

• Frolf discs are available. We disinfect them when returned.

• Our guest laundry is available. We ask that you clean the machines after your use. Disinfecting wipes and hand sanitizer are provided.

• We have one bike available for guest use currently. We disinfect it upon return by the guest. We ask that you bring your own helmet, please.

• Our bike amenities are mostly available (tuning tools not currently available). The cleaning station is open and the storage room is accessible by guests.

TEMPORARILY CLOSED

• Smokehouse is currently closed. The front desk can recommend from a number of restaurants within walking distance.

• Our guest kitchen is temporarily closed. We are investigating a reservation system for guest use.

• Our games room is temporarily closed.

• Our pool, hot tub, and sauna are closed for the time being. We expect to be able to offer the hot tub and sauna for limited use soon.

• The movie theatre is not available but we plan to offer it by reservation soon. In the meantime, we have DVD players we can lend for your use in the room, and DVDs can be borrowed (disinfected after use). We also have HDMI cables available, so you can connect a laptop to the TV in your room if you would like to use your personal Netflix account or similar.

• Our BBQ is not available. The picnic table outside is in place and guests are asked to wipe it down after use.

• Our street hockey equipment is not available.

• Our ski tuning room is closed for the season. Not COVID-19 related!

HOTEL SERVICES

AMENITIES We have some fantastic amenities at the Red Tree Lodge that are free for you to use throughout your stay. Located on the basement floor are a pool, hot tub and sauna, games room, movie theatre, and guest laundry. On the second floor we have a well-appointed guest kitchen. All of our rooms are non-smoking and feature a flat screen TV, microwave, alarm clock, hair dryer, refrigerator, coffee maker, and wireless internet access. In addition to this we have a outdoor BBQ and picnic area. BBQ utensils are available from the Front Desk. BOOT AND BIKE STORAGE ROOM Located on the 1st floor is our Boot and Bike storage room. During the summer guests can store their bike(s), and in the winter this area is perfect to dry your boots for another day of riding on the hill. BOOT AND BIKE WASH STATION We provide a Boot Wash station located outside of the side entrance facing West. Clean off dirt, grime or grease from your work boots. Our Bike Wash station is located at the front entrance of the lodge. Get your bike ready for another day on the trails. CHECK IN & OUT TIME …………………………………………………………………………………………………….Ext 0 Check in time is 4:00pm. Check out time is 11:00am. Should you need more time, please contact the Front Desk to see if arrangements can be made. CRIBS ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………Ext 0 We have playpens available for your convenience; please contact the Front Desk to confirm availability. EMERGENCIES Ambulance, Police and Fire can be reached by dialing 9-911. FAX MACHINE

A fax machine is available through the Front Desk for sending and receiving. Charges may apply. Our incoming fax number is 1 (250) 423-5878.

FORGET SOMETHING? …………………………………………………………………….………………………………Ext 0 We are here to make your stay as comfortable as possible. Should you find that you have forgotten an essential item, we have a range of “I forgot” amenities at the Front Desk including: shampoo/conditioner, toothbrush/toothpaste, razors, soap, mending kits, shower caps, and hand lotion. GUEST LAUNDRY Located downstairs from the Front Desk, our Guest Laundry is complimentary to all our guests. Please read all signs before using the machines, as there is a designated washer for Worker clothing. Laundry detergent is available for purchase at the Front Desk for $1. HEAT AND AIR CONDITIONING The heat and air conditioning are controlled by a light switch located near the window. The switch is labeled with HEAT and A/C. Choose your setting and then proceed to control the thermostat for heat or the temperature on the A/C unit for air conditioning. HOUSEKEEPING ………………………………………………………………….……………………………………………Ext 0 Should you require extra towels, blankets, pillows, or a playpen please contact the Front Desk. ICE MACHINE Our ice machine is located on the 2nd floor in our Guest Kitchen (Room 210).

IRON AND IRONING BOARD ………………………………………………………………….…………………………Ext 0

Located in our Guest Laundry room and are also available from the Front Desk. LOST AND FOUND ……………………………………………………………………………………………………….....Ext 0 Please contact the Front Desk if you have left anything behind.

NON-SMOKING ROOMS We are pleased to provide our guests with a smoke free environment. Smoking in a guest room will result in a minimum $250 cleaning fee placed on your account. We have designated smoking areas outside of the East and West entrance. PETS We are proud to offer Pet-Friendly rooms. There is a fee ($20) for your furry friend to stay with you and we require your agreement to our Pet Policy upon check-in. This policy is in effect to

ensure the comfort of all of our guests. Failure to comply with this policy will result in a minimum $50 cleaning fee placed on your account. PHOTOCOPYING

Photocopying is available through the Front Desk. Charges may apply.

POP MACHINE Located on the 1st floor between the corridors. RECYCLING The Red Tree Lodge is mindful of the environment so we provide each guest room with a blue recycling bin. Please place newspapers, cereal boxes, mixed paper, tin cans and household plastics #1 - #6 in this bin.

RESERVATIONS ……………………………………………………………………………………………….................Ext 0 Reservations can be made by calling the Front Desk “0” and toll free at 1.800.977.2977 or online at www.redtreelodge.com.

RESTAURANTS AND DINING The lodge is located a short 10 minute walk from downtown Fernie’s historic 2nd Avenue, where you will find many of Fernie’s bars, stores, and well renowned restaurants. There are a number of great restaurants located only minutes away, including The Cattle Co. (Steak), Yamagoya (Sushi), The Curry Bowl (Asian/Thai) and The Bridge Bistro (Family Fare). ROLLAWAY BEDS .……………………………………………………………………………................................Ext 0 We have rollaway beds available for your convenience; please contact the Front Desk to confirm availability. Additional guest charges may apply. SAFETY BOXES …………………………………………………………………………………….............................Ext 0 The Front Desk has a safety box to store personal valuables, passports, etc. SHOWERS

The ring under the water spout must be pulled down in order to activate the shower in many of our rooms. If you are having difficulties please contact the Front Desk.

TELEPHONE INFORMATION Dial 9 to get an outside line. Room to Room …………………………………………………………………….……… dial room number Locals Calls (Free) ………………………………………………………………………. 9 + 250 + number TRANSPORTATION Major airlines flying from Cranbrook, BC (YXC) and Calgary, AB (YYC) airports

Air Canada - Reservations / Information ………………………………………. 1.888.247.2262 Air Transat …………………………………………………..………………………………. 1.800.847.1112 American Airlines …..…………………………………..……………………………….. 1.800.433.7300 American Airlines - Baggage Inquiries ………..………………………………… 1.403.221.1621 British Airways ……………………………………………..………………………………. 1.800.241.4141 Continental Airlines …….……………………………………..……………………...... 1.800.253.3273 Delta Airlines …….………………………………………………..……………………..... 1.800.221.1212 KLM ……………………………………………………………………………………………… 1.800.618.0104 KLM - Baggage Inquiries ………………………………………………………………. 1.403.369.6308 Pacific Coastal Airlines - Reservations / Information ……………………. 1.800.663.2872 Thomas Cook ……………………………………………………………………………….. 011 44 127 438 4119 US Airways …………………………………………………………………………………… 1.866.523.5333 U.S. Airways - Baggage Inquiries ………………………………………………….. 1.800.371.4771 United Airlines ……………………………………………………………………………… 1.800.241.6522 Westjet ………………………………………………………………………………………… 1.800.538.5696

Airport Shuttles are available to and from the Cranbrook and Calgary airports through a variety of companies. Please contact the Front Desk for more information. Airport Shuttle (Seasonal) …………………………………………………………… 0 Kootenay Taxi .…………………………………………………………………………….. 250.423.4408 Practicar ……………………………………………………………………………………… 250.423.6030 WIRELESS INTERNET Complimentary wireless internet is available in all hotel rooms. Connect to the Red Tree Lodge wireless account using the password polarpeak.

TELEVISION HOW-TO

1. Press the red button under TV in the top left corner to turn on the TV. 2. Check to see if the yellow light is on the cable box. If not, press the red button under

Cable in the top right corner of the remote to turn on the cable box. 3. Pressing the Guide button will show all TV channels. Please see our Channel Guide on

the next page for a complete list of available channels. Press OK/Select to select the channel of your choice.

CHANNEL GUIDE

2 CBC World News 31 Showcase 70 Vision TV

3 PBS Spokane 32 Discovery Channel 81 PBS Detroit

4 CTV Lethbridge 33 Slice 82 FOX Rochester

5 ABC Spokane 34 TLC 83 NBC Detroit

6 CBS Spokane 35 Bravo! 84 ABC Detroit

7 NBC Spokane 36 Encore Avenue 2 85 CBS Detroit

8 TSN1 West 37 Teletoon - West 88 MSN BC

9 Sportsnet - Pacific 38 Family Channel - West 91 Cosmopolitan TV

10 Shaw TV - Cranbrook 39 WPCH - Peachtree TV 93 National Geographic

11 Global BC 40 The Comedy Network 101 APTN - West

12 The Knowledge Network 41 Turner Classic Movies 102 MuchMusic

13 CBC Vancouver 42 The Food Network 103 MTV

14 CTV News Channel 43 Outdoor Life Network 104 CPAC - House of Commons

15 Treehouse 44 History Television West 105 CBC French Vancouver

16 The Weather Network 45 Space 106 TVA West Montreal

17 Global Calgary 46 American Movie Classics 107 RDI

18 Sportsnet 360 47 108 TV5

19 CTV BC 49 Family Junior SD 111 Global News: BC1

20 YTV 50 Family CHRGD West 113 Rewind

21 51 ABC Spark 128 Travel + Escape

22 FOX Spokane 53 The Shopping Channel 143 CNBC

23 CNN 54 E! 144 The Golf Channel

24 Spike TV 59 WSBK Boston 147 TSN2

25 Home & Garden Television 60 KTLA 150 NFL Network

26 A&E 61 The CW -WGN Chicago 155 Game TV

27 M3 62 The CW- WPIX NYC 157 Big Ten Sports

28 CMT 64 Encore Avenue 2 165 The Frame

29 W Network West 65 Telelatino TLN 401-440 Digital Music Channels

30 HLN - Headline News 66 Family Channel - East 888 The Accessible Channel

67 Cartoon Network 889 Voiceprint - West

68 Business News Network

SAFETY AND SECURITY PROCEDURES

Your safety and the security of your personal property are of utmost concern to those of us. We urge you to take advantage of the following recommendations: 9-911 info – In case of an emergency or to contact Police, fire and/or Ambulance, dial 9-911 FIRE SAFETY The hotel is protected by sprinkler and alarm systems. Please make yourself aware of the emergency procedures listed here to further enhance your safety and security.

• Locate two exits nearest to your room. Be sure they are unlocked and unblocked. Count the doors between your room and exits so you will have a reference point if it is smoky or dark.

• When you hear an alarm, do not attempt to investigate the source of the alarm.

• If the fire is in your room, get out and close the door. Alert your neighbors. Once out, report the fire.

• If the fire is not in your room, leave if you can. First, feel the door. If it is cool, open it slowly and go to the nearest exit. Crawl if there is smoke. Fresher air will be at the floor. Take your keys so you can go back to your room if you can’t use the exits.

• If your door is hot, DO NOT OPEN IT. Your room may be the safest place to be. Seal the door cracks and windows with wet towels. Shut off fans and air conditioners. Signal from your window. Call the fire department and wait to be rescued.

POWER OUTAGE Flash lights are available from the Front Desk.

• If you are able, use the phone in your room to contact Front Desk, as the outage may be fixable by a switch

LOCAL INFORMATION

Fernie has an extensive selection of restaurants, indoor activities, shopping and services. We have compiled a list of some of what Fernie has to offer. For further information, please contact the Front Desk. ARTS/MUSEUMS Fernie Arts Co-op …………………………………………………………………………. 250.423.7044 Fernie Arts Station ……………………………………………………………………….. 250.423.4842 Fernie Historical Society Museum ………………………………………………… 250.423.7016

CHURCHES & PLACES OF WORSHIP Anglican Church of Canada Christ Church …………………………………….. 250.423.6517 Fellowship Baptist Church …………………………………………………..……….. 250.423.4112 Holy Family Church ………………………………………………………………………. 250.423.6127 Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses …………………………………………… 250.423.6887 Trinity Lutheran Church ………………………………………………………………… 250.423.4119 Trinity Pentecostal Tabernacle ……………………………………………………… 250.423.4114 United Church of Canada ……………………………………………………………… 250.423.6010

BANKING/FINANCIAL CIBC ……………………………………………………………………………………………… 250.423.4426 East Kootenay Community Credit Union ………………………………………. 250.423.9222 Scotiabank ……………………………………………………………………………………. 250.423.8440 TD Canada Trust …………………………………………………………………………… 250.423.2100

FOOD & BEVERAGE Casual Dining (B = Breakfast)

The Blue Toque Diner (9:30am – 5:30pm)…………………………………. 250.423.4637 The Bridge Bistro (11am-9pm M-F )(9am – 9pm S&S)…………………… 250.423.3002 Boston Pizza (11am – 12pm) ……………………………………………………… 250.423.2634 Clubhouse Restaurant (Fernie golf course) (12-8pm Th-Sun) 250.423.7367 Kelsey’s (Seasonal / Fernie Alpine Resort) ..………………………………….. Infinite ………………………………………………………… Brickhouse Bar and Grill (11am-12pm).............................................

250.423.2444 250.430.7168 250.423.0009

Nevados ……………………………………………………………………………………….. Rusty Edge (Seasonal / Fernie Alpine Resort)…………………………………

250.423.5566 778.519.5206

Smitty’s Restaurant ..…………………………………………………………………….. 250.423.3892

Asian

Cedar Garden Grill & Wok ..…………………………………………………………… 250.423.3689 The Curry Bowl ..……………………………………………………………………………. 250.423.2695

Fast Food

A & W ……………………………………………………………………………………………. 250.423.6344 Dairy Queen ………………………………………………………………………………….. 250.423.9297 McDonald’s ……………………………………………......................................... 250.423.5380 Tim Horton’s …………………………………………………………………………………. 250.423.7709 Subway …………………………………………………………………………………………. 250.423.4400

Coffee Shops & Cafes

Beanpod ……………………………………………………………………………………….. 778.519.5008 Big Bang Bagels ..…………………………………………………………………………… 250.423.7778 The Valley Social…………………………………………………………………………… 778.519.5272 Freshies ….……………………………………………………………………………………… 250.423.3833 Infinitea ………………………………………………………………………………………… 250.430.7168 Loaf Bakery …………………..………………………………………………………………. 250.423.7702 Lunchbox ………………………………………………………………………………………. 250.423.4500 Starbucks ………………………………………………………………………………………. 250.423.3681

Fine Dining

Loaf Bakery …………………………………………………………………………………… 250.423.4500 Island Lake Lodge ………………………………………………………………………….. 250.423.3700 Lizard Creek Lodge ………………………………………………………………………… 250.423.2057

Pizza, Delivery & Pick Up

Boston Pizza ………………………………………………………………………………….. Sunday - Thursday: 11am - 12am, Friday & Saturday: 11am - 2am

250.423.2634

Elk Valley Pizza Shoppe …………………………………………………………………. Monday - Thursday: 4pm - 10pm, Friday & Saturday: 4pm - 11pm

250.423.0007

Fernie Pizza & Pasta ……………………………………………………………………… 250.423.4231 Just Pizza 2 for 1 ……………………………………………………………………………. Sunday - Thursday: 4pm - 10pm, Friday & Saturday: 4pm - 11pm

250.423.9277

Pub Fare

The Brickhouse ……………………………………………………………………………… 250.423.0009 The Fernie Hotel & Pub …………………………………………………………………. 250.423.6444

The Griz Bar (Seasonal / Fernie Alpine Resort) ……………………………… 250.423.2407 The Northern ………………………………………………………………………………… 250.423.3075 The Pub Bar & Grill ………………………………………………………………………… 250.423.6871 Raging Elk/ Kodiak Lounge…………………………………………………………….. 250.423.6811

Sushi Sushie wood Yamagoya ………………………………………………………………………………………

(778) 519-5255 250.430.0090

Indian

Tandoor Bar and Grill at Stanford Inn…………………………………………….. 250.423.5000 Himalayan Spice Bistro…………………………………………………………………… 250.430.0399

Mexican

Nevados………………………………………………………………………………………… 250.423.5566 Sweets

Beanpod …………………………………………………....................................... 778.519.5008 Happy Cow ……………………………………………………………………………………. 250.423.8381 Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory ………………………………………………. 250.423.2680

Liquor Stores

BC Government Liquor Store ………………………………………………………… Monday - Thursday & Saturday: 9:30am - 6pm, Friday: 9:30am - 9pm

250.423.6006

Fernie Mountain Spirits ………………………………………………………………… Monday - Sunday: 9am - 11pm

250.423.6522

Spirits Cold Beer & Wine Shop at Park Place Lodge ……………………….. Monday - Sunday: 9am - 11pm

250.423.5000

The Tipple Cold Beer & Fine Wines ……………………………………………….. Monday - Sunday: 9am - 11pm

250.423.3012

Grocery

Kevin’s Independent Grocer .……………………………………………………… 250.423.7387 Save On Foods ………………………………………………………………………………. 250.423.4607

Massage/Esthetics

901 Spa…………………………………………………………………………………………. 800.622.5007 3 Sisters Day Spa…………………………………………………………………………… 250.423.6395 Enchanted Asthetics……………………………………………………………………… 250.430.1289 Fernie Mountain Massage Therapy Clinic …………………………………….. 250.423.5522

Medicial Clinics

Elk Valley District Hospital …………………………………………………………….. 250.423.4453 Leroux Clinic ………………………………………………………………………………….. 250.423.6404 Options for Sexual Health Clinic ……………………………………………………. 250.423.8274 Rocky Mountain Health Centre ……………………………………………………… 250.423.4718 Sparling East Medical Centre …………………………………………………………. 250.423.4442

Pharmacies

IGS Value Drug Mart ……………………………………………………………………… Monday - Friday: 10am - 5pm

250.423.4511

Drug Store Pharmacy (Anns Independent……………………………………... Monday - Friday: 8am - 10pm

250.423.3264

NIGHTLIFE The Brickhouse ……………………………………………………………………………… 250.423.0009 The Fernie Hotel & Pub …………………………………………………………………. 250.423.6444 The Griz Bar (Seasonal / Fernie Alpine Resort) ……………………………… 250.423.2407 The Royal ……………………………………………………………………………………… 250.946.5395 Kodiak Lounge ………………………………………………………………………………. 250.423.6811 Pub Bar & Grill ………………………………………………………………………………. 250.423.6871

RECREATIONAL FACILITIES College of the Rockies …………………………………………………………………… 250.423.4691 Fernie Aquatic Centre …………………………………………………………………… 250.423.4466 Fernie Community Centre ……………………………………………………………… 250.423.4466 Fernie Curling Club ………………………………………………………………………… 250.430.7257 Fernie Memorial Arena …………………………………………………………………. 250.423.2254 Evolution Gym……………………………………………………………………………….. 250.423.3344 Crossfit Fernie………………………………………………………………………………… 250.531.0240

RESOURCES Canada Post Office ………………………………………………………………………… 250.423.7555 City Hall …………………………………………………………………………………………. 250.423.6817 College of the Rockies …………………………………………………………………… 250.423.4691 Elk Valley Employment Services ……………………………………………………. 250.423.4204 East Kootenay Addictions Services Association ……………………………… 250.423.4423 Fernie Chamber of Commerce ………………………………………………………. 250.423.6868 Fernie Heritage Library ………………………………………………………………….. 250.423.4458

SHOPPING Red Apple …………………………………………………………………………………. 250.423.3484 Barkside Pets ………………………………………………………………………………… 250.423.4332 Canadian Tyre……………………………………………………………………………….. 250.423.4222 Marks……………………………………………………………………………………………. 250. 423.3695 Elevation Showcase ………………………………………………………………………. 250.423.3328 Freyja Lifestyle Fashion …………………………………………………………………. 250.423.0713 Giv’Er Shirt Works …………………………………………………………………………. 250.423.6615 Ghostrider Trading Company ………………………………………………………… 250.423.5541 The Green Petal …………………………………………………………………………….. 250.423.4486 Grow Children Boutique …………………………………………………………… 250.423.4769 The Guide’s Hut …………………………………………………………………………….. 250.423.3650 Heaven Boutique …………………………………………………………………………… 250.423.6652 Hempire ………………………………………………………………………………………… 250.423.4144 Le Grand Fromage ………………………………………………………………………… 778.519.5050 Polar Peek Books & Treasures ………………………………………………………. 250.423.3736 Salvation Army ……………………………………………………………………………… 250.423.4661

SPORTS GEAR PURCHASE/RENTAL/REPAIR Boardstiff ………………………………………………………………………………………. 250.423.3473 Commit Apparel Ltd ………………………………………………………………………. 250.423.2669 Edge of the World …………………………………………………………………………. 250.423.9292 Gearhub ………………………………………………………………………………………… 250.423.5555 Ghostrider Motorsports ………………………………………………………………… 250.423.9251 The Guides Hut ……………………………………………………………………………… 250.423.3650 Ski Base …………………………………………………………………………………………. 250.423.6464

ABOUT FERNIE

HISTORY Just over a century ago and populated seasonally by First Nations peoples, Fernie was a pristine wilderness. The region remained relatively untouched until the exploration of the Crowsnest Pass in 1873 by Michael Phillips. This discovery, and the sighting of outcroppings of coal, opened the region to the rest of the continent.

Fernie takes its name from William Fernie, who along with Colonel James Baker was a main player in the drive to bring coal mining to the valley. It took ten years to raise enough money to build the mines and the railway needed to transport the coal to market. In 1897 coal mining began in the region and in 1898 the Canadian Pacific Railroad arrived, and with it, the town of Fernie. As Fernie grew, logging quickly became the second largest industry in the area with logging camps employing hundreds of men.

LEGENDS The Legend of the Ghostrider Lying in the shadows, a legend waits for the afternoon sun. On a summer evening, out of Mt. Hosmer’s face, comes the Ghostrider. The shadow of a distinctive horse and rider, the ghost

some say of an angry Indian Chief and his jilted daughter pursuing William Fernie.

As the legend goes, William Fernie was courting an Indian Princess to learn the source of her sacred black stone necklace. It is said that after learning the secret location of the Morrissey Coal Seams, Fernie stopped seeing the Princess and the tribe’s medicine woman placed a curse on the Elk Valley.

Residents of Fernie feared the curse was real after several tragedies struck the town. Fire reduced the town to rubble in 1904 and again in 1908. In 1916, the Elk River flooded and in 1917 there was a mining disaster. A public ceremony in 1964 officially lifted the curse. Members of the Kootenay Tribes assembled in Fernie and Chief Red Eagle (Ambrose Gravelle) and Fernie Mayor James White smoked a pipe of peace. Although the curse was lifted over 35 years ago, on summer evenings, the ghost of an angry Indian chief and his jilted daughter still rides above Fernie.

The Legend of the Griz Fernie was not always blessed with an abundance of powder. It took a local man, a hero in these parts, to coax the snow from the sky, gracing the region with an astounding annual snowfall of over 29 feet. His name is the Griz!

In 1879, the Griz was born in a ferocious grizzly bear’s den, prompting an epic battle between child and bear. The townsfolk, fearful of the noise heard that night, sent out a party in search of the cause. One man saw a boy wearing a bear coat and hat, but because no one believed what the man had seen, the sighting was almost forgotten. The Griz was last seen by backcountry tourers ascending the peaks above Fernie Alpine Resort in a heavy snowstorm. No longer a boy, the Griz is of average height with broad shoulders six feet wide, holding an eight-foot musket. The skiers watched the 300-pound Griz shoot his giant musket into the clouds, coaxing snow to fall.

In his honour, the people of Fernie hold a carnival in early spring to celebrate the snow. Sporting events, competitions, parades and parties make up the festivities. Pleased with these celebrations, the Griz blankets the mountains with some of the best dry champagne powder in the world.

FERNIE ALPINE RESORT In 1963, locally owned Fernie Snow Valley opened, laying the foundation for today’s resort by cutting runs, building lifts and creating the resort’s first on-mountain subdivision. In 1998 the resort was purchased and was renamed Fernie Alpine Resort. The ski area was doubled with the construction of new lifts and building began on the alpine village at the base of the resort. From massive alpine bowls to narrow rock chutes, to open glades to impeccable groomers, Fernie Alpine Resort presents every skier with a challenge. Known as one of North America’s Best Snow Destinations, Fernie Alpine Resort celebrated 50 years in 2012 with the addition of the Polar Peak Lift. The new lift will add onto the already incredible vertical, now giving the resort a whopping 3550 vertical feet of Legendary Snow Fun. (During the 2010-11 Season, the resort received over 11 metres (36 feet) of snow!) Combined this with over 2550 acres of terrain over 5 Alpine Bowls and boasting the most vertical in the Canadian Rockies, Fernie is a ski destination of choice in Canada!

FERNIE’S “LEGENDARY POWDER” With an average annual snowfall of 29 feet, Fernie provides some of the best snowboarding, skiing, dog sledding, cross country skiing, snow shoeing and much more!

Fernie's location gives it a unique micro-climate and accounts for Fernie's dry and light powder. Expect an average temperature of -11C in town during the winter: these are the conditions which provide BC's best opportunity's to play in powder!

Downtown Fernie, complete with turn-of-the-century buildings, is a short walk from the Red Tree Lodge and offers an excellent selection of unique stores including clothes and outdoor activity shops, restaurants, bars, and coffee shops, as well as the Fernie Aquatic Centre, Fernie Museum, and much more. A walk down Victoria Avenue (2nd Avenue) provides a stunning vista of the Lizard Range, framed by the architecture of the heritage buildings lining the street. A photo opportunity at its best!

FERNIE SUMMER With so many different outdoor recreation options right outside your doorstep, Fernie provides a different discovery every day. Fernie offers spectacular fly fishing, hiking, mountain biking, golf and white water rafting. Not to mention the popular float down the river or a visit to Lake Koocanusa. The possibilities are endless! Located within a 30 minute drive from Fernie you’ll find even more hidden adventures, including Burton Lake, The Swimming Hole and Surveyor’s Lake. Please contact the Front Desk for directions and great locations.

FERNIE WINTER Although Fernie is known for its legendary powder, there are many other fun activities that you can enjoy (with or without snow!). Take a guided tour with Fernie Nature Tours and snowshoe through animal tracks and visit historic sites. On the weekends or throughout the week, catch the action of the Fernie Ghostriders playing hockey at the Fernie Memorial Arena. You can also take a tour of Fernie’s own brewery, cross country ski on the golf course, skate on Maiden Lake or even enjoy a fun afternoon at the Fernie Aquatic Centre. Just remember, Fernie offers endless options of activities, you just need to decide which one you would like to do! Please contact the Front Desk for more information.