Background

The sooner you make your travel arrangements the better. Flights are normally cheaper the earlier you book and once they’re booked you’ll have one less thing to do, so you’ll be able to focus on looking forward to the course.

Please read the following information carefully and let us know your travel plans via our Travel Survey as soon as you’re able. You’ll need your Booking ID, which you can find in your confirmation email or invoice.

Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA)

Most visitors require an ‘Electronic Travel Authorisation’ (eTA) to visit Canada when arriving by air– this is essentially a pre-screening service and should be purchased before booking your flight.

To find out more, visit www.Canada.ca/eta

Flying

If you are coming by plane, our included Nonstop group transfer departs from Calgary International Airport and returns you there too. All the available transfer dates are listed below. If possible, align your flight arrival time to coincide because organising an alternative lift to Fernie can be both difficult and expensive.

Please note, if your journey involves a flight from within the US or Canada then the Canadian Rockies International Airport (YXC in Cranbrook) is also a possible option but Nonstop doesn’t offer transfers from there.

When selecting flights and airlines it is worth considering all the extra costs. For example, we know that Air Canada will allow you to check in sports equipment (1 pair of skis or 1 snowboard, plus a pair of boots) on international flights at no additional cost whereas some airlines will charge. Likewise, luggage allowance will vary from airline to airline.

Flying from the UK

For those of you flying from the UK, we recommend you book Air Canada’s flight from Heathrow to Calgary (AC851 outbound AC850 return). This flight aligns perfectly with the transfer times. There is only one flight per day so it should be easy to find. If that is not available then there are also WestJet flights from/to Gatwick at a very similar time.

Trailfinders offer a brilliant service:

Complete an enquiry form here: https://www.trailfinders.com/enquiry#/

You can simply skip through the first couple of sections until you get to the flights page.

On the next page there is a box which asks for further trip details. In this box, pop in the following information:

• That you are part of Nonstop Snow
• Destination
• Preferred flight dates and times (see below for transfer times that you need to align with)

As soon as this form is submitted, it will go directly to the next available sales consultant. They will call you back and assist with flights and insurance.

Please note, we have no affiliation with Trailfinders. We know that people sometimes find booking flights and taking out insurance stressful, so we simply wanted to find some way to help. We spoke to lots of companies and were really impressed by Trailfinders and their service. They have been operating for over 50 years and specialise in overseas travel.

Flying from Rest of World

Trailfinders are very happy help you too, but cannot guarantee the same low prices.

Alternatively you can book directly with your chosen airline, visit a local travel agent such as flight centre or use Google Flights to see what your different options are. Remember to fly into Calgary International Airport (YYC) or Cranbrook (YXC) if Calgary just doesn’t work. Choose flights that align with our transfer times if you want to take advantage of those.

Nonstop Airport Transfer

Nonstop organises a group airport transfer on the course start date and end date. These group transfers are included in the standard course package so long as you book your space by completing the Travel Survey.

If you wish to utilise the Nonstop group transfer, you will need to co-ordinate your flight arrival accordingly. Please allow sufficient time to collect/drop your baggage and clear customs.

We advise landing at Calgary Airport before 15:30 on the date of your transfer to Fernie, and departing after 16:30 on the date of your return transfer to Calgary Airport.

You can arrive and depart on any Nonstop transfer listed below regardless of your course dates. However, it is imperative that you let us know which transfer you plan to take so that we can ensure that we have space for you. You can do this via the Travel Survey.

If your flight does not co-ordinate with our group transfers you will need to organise your own airport transfers (see more details below).

Our inclusive airport transfer will only stop at accommodation arranged by Nonstop – such as the Red Tree Lodge, Park Place Lodge or one of our houses. If you have made your own accommodation arrangements then you will need to arrange onward transport from Red Tree Lodge.

Nonstop Organised Transfers - Calgary Airport to Fernie

Meet the Transfer at 17:00*

Saturday 15 November 2025
Saturday 29 November 2025
Saturday 13 December 2025
Saturday 27 December 2025
Saturday 03 January 2026
Saturday 10 January 2026
Saturday 24 January 2026
Saturday 07 February 2026
Saturday 14 February 2026
Saturday 21 February 2026
Saturday 07 March 2026
Saturday 21 March 2026

*Due to daylight saving, airlines may adjust their arrival times. If several do this, we’ll depart from Calgary an hour later.

Nonstop Organised Transfers - Fernie to Calgary Airport

Arrives in Calgary approx. 13:30

Saturday 20 December 2025
Saturday 27 December 2025
Saturday 10 January 2026
Saturday 24 January 2026
Saturday 07 February 2026
Saturday 21 February 2026
Saturday 07 March 2026
Saturday 21 March 2026
Saturday 28 March 2026
Saturday 04 April 2026
Wednesday 15 April 2026 (internship)

Making Your Own Way to Fernie

If you are unable to time your flights to coincide with the group transfer, here are some options for you:

Calgary – Fernie

Tunnel 49 run a daily shuttle to/from Calgary Airport. Find out more and book here: Home – Tunnel49 (t49.ca)

Now Shuttle offer airport transportation

There are also a number of taxi firms based in Calgary who may be prepared to do a Calgary/Fernie trip. Delta are one of the largest firms.

Kootenay Taxi offers an airport transfer from the Calgary Airport to Fernie for approximately $625. To book, email kootenaytaxi@gmail.com  or call +1 250 423 4409.

Cranbrook – Fernie

Tunnel 49 run a shuttle service to/from Cranbrook Airport (minimum numbers are required for this one). Find out more and book here: Home – Tunnel49 (t49.ca)

You can take a taxi from Cranbrook to Fernie for approximately $180. To book, email kootenaytaxi@gmail.com or call +1 250 423 4409.

Driving

The address for the Red Tree Lodge is: 1101 7 Ave, Fernie, BC V0B 1M0.

If you are driving, please contact us so we can discuss check in times to make sure your arrival goes smoothly. There is limited parking available at the Red Tree Lodge.

Car Hire

There are a number of car hire facilities at Calgary Airport. A basic car for 1 week is going to cost upwards of (CAD) $500 + taxes, fuel and insurance. It is approximately a 4 hour drive from Calgary to Fernie and the roads can be bad during the winter months so we only recommend this option if you are confident driving in snow. There is limited parking available at the Red Tree Lodge. Once you have arrived in Fernie you a are unlikely to use the car as Nonstop provide buses to the ski hill and everything else is within walking distance.

Let Us Know Your Plans

Regardless of how you are getting to the resort (and even if you already live in the resort!), we will need the details so we can plan accordingly. Please complete our online travel survey here.

Staying at Calgary Airport

If you cannot find flights that align with our transfers then another option is to fly on a different day and stay overnight in Calgary. There are many airport hotels:

The Calgary Airport Marriott In-Terminal Hotel couldn’t be closer – it is attached to the terminal.

Their sister hotel, Delta Hotels Calgary Airport In-Terminal is also attached to the terminal and a little bit cheaper. For a budget option try Hampton Inn by Hilton Calgary Airport North which is typically half the price and just 1.5 minutes from the airport. They run a shuttle bus to and from the airport too.

If you have a few hours to spare, take the opportunity to explore Calgary — easily accessible from the airport via excellent transport links. For ideas on what to see and do, check out this page.