shop & ski school office was renovated as the new Bear’ s Den, a welcoming mid-mountain retreat. Others were starting to take notice and see the potential— construction on Timberline Village provided the first on-mountain residences; Timberline Condominiums and the Griz Inn opened up the mountain to holidaymakers and vacation home owners. The first Griz competition held in 1978 was a huge success, followed by the Powder-Pedal- Paddle Relay Race in 1982 and Dummy Downhill in 1987. All three events are still held to this day.
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COMMUNITY BUILDS
A huge number of locals contributed to the early success of Fernie Snow Valley. In 1969, financial support from Kaiser Coal and a public sale of shares enabled the installation of the Bear T-bar, extending the terrain high into the Lizard Bowl and providing access into Cedar Bowl. Early enthusiasts of the“ old side” still defend their side of the mountain in bar-room debates and proudly affirm their allegiance on T-shirts from Giv’ er Shirtworks. In 1970, Guy Guideau added the first ski-in-ski-out accommodations in the Rockies to the burgeoning resort; a modest 2-Season, 20-room motel that stood on the current site of the Griz Inn until it burned down in 1974.
Around the valley, keen entrepreneurs set their sights on alternatives to lift-accessed skiing. Following the construction of the Bear Lodge, Island
Lake Mountain Tours opened the valley’ s first independent snowcatskiing operation in 1988, later rebranding as Island Lake Catskiing and developing a range of luxury experiences. On Morrissey Ridge, Kim Sedrovic started Fernie Wilderness Adventures Catskiing in the early 1990’ s. Both operations continue to attract visitors from around the world, providing extended access to exceptional terrain.
GOING GLOBAL
As the‘ 90s rolled around and Fernie Snow Valley consolidated its appeal with the addition of the Deer Chair, expanded terrain, and exciting new runs, including Stag Leap and Sky Dive, Fernie embraced a new era of enthusiasm for the ski industry. The Fernie Trails and Ski Touring Club were incorporated in 1991 and secured a permit for Thunder Meadows Hut. A 50-year Crown Land lease was signed with the Province of BC to enable the construction of new chairlifts offering access to Currie, Timber and Siberia Bowls – the“ new side” – plus a lodge at the top of the Timber Express Chair. Catskiing was offered in the bowls prior to the construction of the chairlifts. Deciding not to take on the massive financial undertaking and construction of the expansion, Heiko and Linda sold Fernie Snow Valley to Resorts of the Canadian Rockies( RCR) in 1997, and expansion swiftly took hold on the renamed Fernie Alpine Resort.
New resort-style hotels and luxury log homes met the demands of the booming ski travel market and new terrain provided the excitement and fresh lines many had only dreamed about. Combined with non-existent lift lines, fun dining options, and the low Canadian dollar, RCR’ s international marketing machine had guests flocking in from the USA, UK, Germany, Australia, and New Zealand. In town, hoteliers were forming their