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.
Read below and then let us know your travel plans via the Travel Survey as soon as you are able! You will need your Booking ID which can be found in your email correspondence with us or your invoice.
CANADA’S 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
We apricate that Covid and the recent airport chaos has lead to some nerves around travel, and that more than ever, some of you want the security of booking with a travel agent. 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 THE REST OF THE 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 3:30pm on the date of your transfer to Fernie, and departing after 4:30pm 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.
ORGANISED TRANSFERS
CALGARY airport TO FERNIE
Meet the Transfer at 17:00***
*** Due to daylight saving, the meet time on 22 March will me 6pm
FERNIE TO CALGARY AIRPORT
Arrives in Calgary approx. 13:30
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)
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.
Take this opportunity to see Calgary. There are great transport links from the airport into the city. More information can be found here
There’s plenty to see and do in Calgary if you have a few hours to spare. If you need to inspiration check out this page
We look forward to speaking with you.