I’m not a morning person. Yet, I never seem to have a problem getting up early to put in a full day of skiing. And so it shouldn’t be a surprise that I had no qualms getting up for my 7 a.m. start time with Fernie Wilderness Adventures for a day of Cat skiing.

I gathered my gear for the day: long underwear, snow pants, base layer, fleece (later to be stashed), hardshell and my trusty avalanche beacon.

Once ready, I made my way to the living room and kitchen area of the lodge, where I was greeted by hot coffee and a plushy breakfast. I was barely awake (perhaps my disdain for mornings will never be truly gone), but this day was off to a great start already.

Fuelled up, the crew of 12 guests, two guides, one photographer and a cat driver set off. The bright yellow Cat turned away from the lodge and headed out to our first run.

Fernie Wilderness Adventures

Kim and Deb Sedrovic established Fernie Wilderness Adventures in 1961. They’ve had a fair bit of time to refine this wilderness experience, and now control more than 3,000 acres of skiable terrain.

From long glade runs to tight, deep powder tree skiing, there’s something here for all abilities. 

I watched the tips of my skis dip and dive through the snow with a casual wonder if they might bite too hard and toss me over.

I managed to escape any summersaults, but after seeing watching my fellow skiers dive head first, I kind of wished I’d had—it looked like fun.

For the uninitiated, Cat skiing is entirely worry-free for the most part.

As a guide once told me, “Drive the bus!” Translation: as long as you keep your arms in front and steer, you’ll be fine.

Fresh Tracks

Around halfway through the day, we arrived at a region that looked like a rock quarry. A long, untracked, open piste was fresh for the taking.

I had spent most of the day tail-gunning with one of the guides, so I was stoked to make first tracks. With great anticipation, I watched Chad, one of the guides, jump off a large boulder pillow while setting the lead track.

I quickly claimed my place in line and bolted down the run, making sure that every turn counted.

Twenty to 30 turns later, I met up with Chad and got the chance to watch the remainder of the group tear up this wicked slope. I had just finished my best run of the day.

We started the day with flurries and fog, ended with sunshine and exhaustion. As the group headed back, there was excited chatter as people shared their stories of conquering fresh powder.

Apres-Ski Relaxation

Even out here, far away from civilization, Fernie Wilderness Adventures has a wood burning hot tub. I was more than happy to oblige with a soak. Nothing tops off a day of Cat skiing like dipping yourself into a cauldron, after all.

Once the quads were loosened up, we were treated to amazing dinner, made by Fernie Wilderness Adventures’ staff members Cindy and Mark. I’m still trying to figure out how they made their bean and beef burritos so darned tasty.

A one-day Cat-skiing package with Fernie Wilderness Adventures costs $450 plus tax (includes lunch). A three-day Cat-skiing package costs $450 plus tax, while accommodations at the lodge are $135 per person per night, and includes breakfast and supper.

Check out cat skiing from the first person point-of-view, as David takes us down the new cat skiing runs at Fernie from his helmet camera.