This time of year is always bittersweet for me. We’re saying goodbye to the ski season for yet another year. Luckily we’re spoiled in this neck of the woods and we get to ski right up until May Long weekend at Sunshine, and well into April at Lake Louise, however in BC – this weekend was the last. Kicking Horse, Nakiska and Fernie all said goodbye to their seasons. It’s now tradition for my friends and I to head to Fernie for closing weekend “Fernival” so we did once again this year. It was a perfect weekend of blue skies, great live music from the Steadies, 80’s ski suits, a bikini run, slushy conditions and a big ol’ slopesoaker.

Look at those views!

And 80’s ski suits thanks to One Piece Ski Suit Rental. 80’s ski suits are a MUST for closing weekend. It’s ALSO a tradition to do a bikini run…

The full crew. This view can’t be beat.

And of course a band to top it all off.

The best part is accommodation at this time of year is SUPER affordable. You can stay right up on the hill for around $120 a night at Slopeside. There aren’t many bells and whistles but who cares, it’s stumbling distance to the hill. And if you want a more elevated experience Lizard Creek Lodge is around $200 a night and it’s awesome. Great pool and hot tub and a phenomenal restaurant attached (Cirque) which has REALLY good food.

There’s also a shuttle that takes you into town and if you’re looking for some great food reccommendations for IN town – they’ve got an incredible sushi place in Yamagoya Sushi. An amazing mexican place – Nevados. And Brickhouse is great elevated pub food with live bands. The Northern is a great apres and night time venture as well.

For a great breakfast head to The Bridge Bistro or Big Bang Bagels for some fresh dough.