Snowfall, good vibes, and the Griz were all present for the Fernie Alpine Resort’s (FAR) 2021 winter season opening day on Saturday morning (Dec. 11).
The opening had been pushed back by a week due to rainy weather and mild conditions leading up to the originally-planned Dec. 4 opening.
Thankfully for the shredders, snow began to fall throughout the week, and by the time the weekend rolled around, the Griz had arrived in Fernie.
By the time the lifts kicked off at 9:15 a.m., there were hundreds of mountain-shredders lined up at the Timber Chair, ready for their first tear of the season - and at the front of the line was G-Money, as expected, waiting in line to be on the first chair for the 21st year in a row.
READ MORE: ‘The ski hill here is just fantastic’: ski season around the corner
“It was just as fun as ever,” he said.
“It was a good night. It wasn’t cold at all, and slept great.
“I’m just happy that it’s open, and looks like (Resorts of the Canadian Rockies) has a great group of employees here working. They’re all very happy and enthusiastic this morning, so that’s good. Good vibe. Really good vibe.”
Barrow’s friend Ross Frazier was by his side. He has camped out for several years to make first lift as Barrow has.
“It’s just good to be out and have full chair capacity. Last year, G and I here, we had to go up ourselves, six feet apart. It wasn’t as epic for his 20th year.
“But it’s good to see everybody out again.”
Jeff Johnson was another die-hard early riser, and was found sitting by a fire next to the Timber Chair with his 12-year-old son, Will Johnson, at around 8 a.m.
He said he’s been camping out with Will at the ski hill for four years.
“This is kind of a fun little family thing that he and I get to do,” he said.
FAR’s resident snow and weather expert (and Ski Patroller) Robin Siggers said there was “lots of enthusiasm and lots of keen skiers” heading up the mountain, but offered a word of warning as snow levels were not yet at their ideal due to the warm weather the week before Dec. 4.
“But it’s snowing now. There’s lots of snow in the forecast. And this little bit of new snow, and a little help from mother nature, is going to put us over the top. And by early next week, we should have most of the resort open with excellent conditions.”
READ MORE: ‘We’ll see you on the mountain soon’: FAR eyes Saturday for new opening day
@fishynewswatch
josh.fischlin@thefreepress.ca
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