Lodging (Area Code: 250)

Fernie's Central Reservations (800-258-7669; 403-209-3321) creates custom packages including lodging, lift tickets, flights and car rentals. Most of the mountain village accommodations are newly built, providing state-of-the-art amenities and luxuries.

The magnificent riverstone-and-log Lizard Creek Lodge (877-228-1948; 423-2057; $$$–$$$$; right), just steps away from the Elk Quad chairlift but secluded off to one side of the mountain, does a marvelous job of blending luxury with rustic splendor. Richly appointed condominium-style units, in the main lodge and in two nearby buildings, range in size from studio to two-bedroom with loft. Each unit has a fully equipped kitchen, fireplace and balcony. The complex has an outdoor heated pool, spa, fitness center, lounge and gourmet restaurant.

Cornerstone Lodge (800-258-7669; 423-4655; $$–$$$$; below left), is smack in the middle of the slopeside village and near the Deer Chair. You can enjoy the nighttime view of the halfpipe sculptor as he meticulously prepares it for the next day's riders. All rooms are comfortably furnished deluxe suites with gas fireplace, fully equipped kitchen, washer and dryer, and balcony. Amenities include indoor hot tub, exercise room and underground parking.

Kerrin Lee-Gartner’s Snow Creek Lodge (800-667-9911; $$–$$$$) is another excellent mountainside choice, where you'll find studios and one- and two-bedroom suites built in the style of early Canadian architecture with stone and logs. Units have decks or balconies, full kitchen and gas fireplace. Guests have a heated outdoor swimming pool, two whirlpools and a fitness room. Barbecues are held on a sun deck, plus you can order a cappuccino or cold drink from the licensed bar overlooking the mountain.

Griz Inn (800-661-0118; 423-9221; $$–$$$$), built in 1982 as the second on-hill accommodation, has hotel rooms, studios, and one-, two- and three-bedroom suites with lofts. Suites include full kitchens. Amenities include an indoor pool, outdoor hot tub and sauna.

If you're on a budget but want to be on the mountain, stay at the older but comfortable Wolf's Den Lodge (800-258-7669; 423-4655; $$; right), where standard hotel rooms have coffee makers and small refrigerators. Guests can use two indoor hot tubs, an exercise room and a game room, as well as common laundry facilities.

Various townhouse and chalet options also are available, so be sure to inquire about them if you'd rather stay in lodging of this kind.

Rocky Mountain Vacations (877-423-7905; fax 423-7995; $$$–$$$$) manages many private luxury chalets and condominiums with amenities such as outdoor hot tubs, saunas, entertainment centers, river rock fireplaces, full laundry facilities, fully equipped kitchens and mountain views. You can choose from mountainside, in town and rural locations.

In town:
If you really enjoy nightlife and dining out, you may prefer to stay in town instead of at the mountain.

The upscale Best Western Fernie Mountain Lodge (423-5500; $$–$$$; below) has deluxe guest rooms, some with kitchenettes, as well as themed hot tub suites. Guests have access to an indoor pool, indoor and outdoor hot tubs, fitness center, common laundry facilities, restaurant and lounge. You can choose from standard hotel and junior studio rooms at the stone-and-log Park Place Lodge (888-381-7275; 423-6871; $$–$$$). Some rooms have kitchenettes and mini-refrigerators. The lodge has an indoor pool and hot tub.

Riverside Mountain Hotel & Chalets (877-423-5600; $–$$$$) is a resort with a range of accommodations, from value-priced hotel rooms to luxury chalets. Cedar Lodge (800-977-2977; 423-4622; $$) is an older property with prices to reflect it. Rooms have a microwave and fridge. Travelodge Three Sisters (877-326-8888; 423-4438; $–$$) gives a basic motel experience.

Fernie also has two hostels, SameSun Hostel (877-562-2783; 423-4492; $–$$), part of a chain that also packages guided tours for those interested, and The Raging Elk Hostel (423-6811; $–$$). Seasoned hostellers told us SameSun has nicer beds but can be noisy, while Raging Elk is less polished but has a separate common area for people who party or just want to stay up late.

Accommodations Legend (Cdn$): (double room) $$$$–$200+; $$$–$141–$200; $$–$81–$140; $–$80 and less.