Picture spending one whole month in the mountains - no work deadlines, just searching for fresh lines!
You'll achieve lifelong gains to your snowboarding by combining back-to-back 2-week All Mountain Improvement camps. Our team of experienced instructors will show you the very best that Fernie has to offer; whether you're ready to hit double black diamond terrain from the get-go, or you're looking to make that transition from solid piste rider to all-mountain explorer.
Fernie boasts the largest ski area and the longest vertical in the Canadian Rockies. It is well known for its light fluffy powder and consistently great conditions.
Partner that with exhilarating freeride terrain and there is no doubt that this is a dream destination for any snowboarder.
As well as an epic mountain resort, downtown Fernie is an awesome old Canadian mining town, with a relaxed and friendly vibe. There are numerous bars, shops and restaurants to keep you entertained for the duration of your stay
It's very hard to really improve your skills and progress when you only ride for a week at a time. You find you will spend a lot of that week getting your stamina and technique back, then by the time you begin to really improve it's time to go home again!
With focussed coaching over a whole month, you will push through boundaries that have previously stood in your way & make lifelong gains to your riding.
We are experts at pushing snowboarders to new heights, and we can't wait to show you how to enjoy your newly improved skills! Our coaches love to guide you around their favourite spots on the hill - yes they do have the world's best job! One of your lessons will even start with 'First Tracks', getting the lifts with your group before they are open to the public so you can dive into the powder before anyone else.
Confident riding on pistes but dream of powering through powder? Our coaches will refine your technique and build your confidence before taking you to more testing terrain taking your riding to new levels.
Similarly the course is designed for snowboarders with off-piste experience that want to ramp it up a notch. Renowned for challenging terrain, steep slopes and deep snow, Fernie is the perfect environment to further develop your off-piste riding.
You’ll be grouped with riders who are of a similar ability and share similar goals. This creates the best coaching environment; progressing together and taking on terrain that pushes everyone.
To ensure that we can deliver multiple snowboard groups catering to different experience levels the 4-week packages are achieved by combining back-to-back 2-week camps. This works really well to ensure there is always a great social experience as well as well-matched ability groups.
Inject more fun, adventure, and learning into your time:
Our own hotel, the Red Tree Lodge, acts as the official hub of the course. When the Red Tree gets fully booked we accommodate people at the nearby Best Western; it’s a 5 minute walk away. This causes the overall cost to be more expensive due to the Best Western’s higher rates – so booking early is recommended!
There is the choice of shared or private rooms - regardless of whether you are travelling alone. Rooms are spacious with queen sized beds, en suite bathrooms and widescreen TVs. Breakfats will be served at your hotel & inclusive evening meals are served at the Smokehouse, on site at the Red Tree Lodge. There are plenty more bars, restaurants and shops within a short walk.
Each morning we'll take you on a short bus ride to the mountain, where your snowboard is stored overnight, ready for an epic day on the slopes!
You'll receive 20 hours coaching per week. Our full day coaching sessions are Mon, Tue, Thu and Fri, with Wednesdays and the weekends for free skiing, consolidating what you've learnt and other activities. The maximum group size is 7 people per pro but typically they are 6 or even smaller.
In the unlikely event that the ratio of snowboarders : instructor is 2 or less, we will provide 4 x half day private lessons instead of standard full day group lessons. This will ensure that the trip can run and that you have the best coaching experience.
You'll stay in the Red Tree Lodge, which has the following facilities:
Note: When the Red Tree gets fully booked we accommodate people at the Best Western; a 5 minute walk away. This causes the overall cost to be more expensive due to the Best Western’s higher rates.
You'll be treated to a hearty breakfast at the Red Tree Lodge seven days per week. Options include coffee/tea, juices, cereals, toast, pastries, yogurt, fruit, porridge oats, as well as hot items like eggs, beans, sausages, hash browns or bacon.
Enjoy a three course meal at the Red Tree Lodge four evenings a week. A soup and salad buffet will get you started, followed by healthy and filling main courses such as lasagne, chicken, roasts etc. before a well earned desert.
You'll be given a lift pass for the duration of your course.
We provide airport transfers from and to Calgary Airport at set departure times.
We will provide transfers at the following times:
Start date of course: meet the transfer at Calgary Airport at 5pm, opt for a flight that lands before 3:30pm.
End date of course: transfer will arrive at Calgary Airport by approx. 1:30pm, opt for a flight that departs after 4:30pm.
Daily shuttle to and from the slopes.
Your host will ensure your course runs smoothly. They'll be on hand 24/7 for a chat, laugh, or to solve any problems.
Throughout the program our coaches will make the most of technical video analysis to help with your development.
You'll receive technical talks on subjects like biomechanics, looking after your gear, and injury prevention.
Head out onto the slopes before the lifts are open to the public - your own private mountain. Could be cancelled in adverse weather. Not available on December or March camps.
Each week your host will organise team socials and après for all the group to get involved in.
Hop into your own private snow cat in the backcountry and experience powder like never before.
Learn all you need to know to explore the backcountry.
1% of revenues support environmental non-profits, including Protect Our Winters
We make your trip carbon neutral by offsetting emissions we can't reduce, including flights
On behalf of all participants, we offset the measurable carbon emissions of your trip based on the duration, location and type of course, as well as the journey you’re taking to reach your course. Through our partnership with Climate Impact, we contribute to effective carbon reduction projects.
These things are not included in the package:
We look forward to speaking with you.