Fernie ski shuttle to operate for free over holidays

It took a little longer than hoped, but the Fernie Ski Shuttle linking town to the hill will be operating as of Dec. 23.

According to Tourism Fernie, the delays in getting the shuttle going - putting its start date almost two weeks after the resort’s opening day - were due to delays with repairs and licensing caused by supply chain issues that arose after the flooding across B.C. in November.

As a holiday present for being patient, the shuttle will be free for all users for the next few days.

“We thank everyone for their patience and would like to celebrate the snowy holiday season by making the shuttle free to all riders through Christmas and New Years and will confirm the date to reactivate fares in the new year,” said Mark Ormandy of Fernie Alpine Resort.

Jikke Gyorki of Tourism Fernie said she was ‘stoked’ that the shuttle could be offered for free over the holidays. I’m stoked

“The Shuttle Task Force , a collaboration between the City of Fernie, Tourism Fernie, the Fernie Chamber of Commerce and Fernie Alpine Resort, wanted to do something special for our visitors and locals given the challenges faced.”

Fares will be re-instated in January, with the fare being $4 per single ride. 10-ride booklets are $35 (plus tax) and are available at Guest Services at the resort.

The regular shuttle schedule operates on the hour starting before 8:00am until just past 10:00pm every day with a short break during lunch and between the afternoon and evening service. All riders ages 12 and up will be required to be fully vaccinated. All riders must wear a mask as well.

The shuttle schedule can be found online at www.FernieSkiShuttle.com. Seats on the shuttle are first come first served.

Fernie Alpine Resort may be in need of additional part-time Class 4 drivers to support the service this season. For anyone interested or available please reach out to Human Resources at Fernie Alpine Resort.

READ MORE: Coordinated winter grooming in place for Fernie’s trails