Skiers and snowboarders have ended the 2018/19 winter season on a high after heavy snowfall delivered one last powder day in Fernie.
Fernie Alpine Resort (FAR) received 31cm in the 24 hours to Sunday, just in time for closing weekend and Fernival.
Snow continued to fall as Five Alarm Funk performed in the plaza, where hundreds of people gathered to celebrate the end of the season.
The Vancouver band was the closing act for Fernival, with local punk outfit The Runs and AC/DC cover band BC/DC playing on Saturday.
The powder day was a welcome end to the season after FAR was forced to pull the plug on Slope Soaker.
The event challenges skiers and snowboarders to skim across a large pond, and was due to be held on Sunday in conjunction with Fernival.
Last Tuesday, FAR announced the Slope Soaker would not go ahead this year due to conditions.
“What Mother Nature gave us this spring – lots of warm, slushy, bluebird days,” said FAR in a Facebook post.
“What she didn’t give us this spring – snow that is strong enough to hold a giant pool of water for 60+ competitors to skim across. Therefore, due to the current conditions, we are unable to hold the Coca Cola Slope Soaker event this year.”
The Resorts of the Canadian Rockies-owned resort received 752cm of snow this season, compared to about 12 metres last season.
FAR will now close before reopening for summer on June 22.
Timber Chair is set to undergo major maintenance work this summer, however, the Elk Quad Chairlift will be in operation, providing access to 26 bike trails and eight hiking trails with another three multi-use trails available directly from the resort base area.
For more information about the activities and events on offer at FAR, visit Skifernie.com.
