Frequently Asked Questions
Why book a trip with FWA?
FWA is the only way to experience a Catskiing adventure because of its active safety plan, non-intimidating fashion, affordable prices and down to earth mentality. FWA has deep roots in the Fernie community as they have been operating since 1986 and are still locally owned. The staff is extremely knowledgeable and they all share a passion for wilderness adventures.
Why try skiing/boarding the back country via a Cat?
Snowcats can climb in almost any type of weather versus some of the flying limitations associated with heli-skiing. Other advantages of Cat skiing are: the ability to leave personal items on the cat such as extra clothing, being able to warm up in the heated cat between runs and the chance to meet and socialize with people from all over the world.
Will I need to sign a waiver?
Yes, you will be required to review and agree to the waiver over email prior to confirming your reservation. Each guest will be required to sign a physical waiver upon arrival prior to cat skiing. Anyone under the age of 19 will need a parent/guardian to sign a waiver. The waiver can be review here: FWA Waiver
What are the risks, dangers, & hazards associated with cat skiing?
The safety of our guests and staff is our top priority at FWA. To help ensure your safety while skiing or boarding with us, we hire staff who are qualified to understand the risks associated with cat skiing and are trained in mountain rescue in order to respond in case an accident does occur. Injuries and accidents can happen anytime that you are skiing or boarding and in the backcountry there are additional risks. Our mountain team is dedicated to the mitigation of these risks but we cannot completely eliminate all of them. Follow the link for further education https://www.helicat.org/
Can I come alone or do I have to come with a group?
We welcome all types of riders: single, couples, and groups. Cat skiing reservations do require pre-booking. We require a minimum of 6 (up to 12) guests in each cat, we run up to 2 cats per day. If you are in a group of less than 6 people, your reservation will rely on other reservations joining your cat. Sign up for our Last Minute Club to be notified if any openings become available and for any special offers.
Will there be a photographer?
Photographers are not guaranteed but are available upon request. If a photographer joins your group they will present a slide show at ski apres and your photos will be available for purchase.
What type of conditions do you guarantee?
We do ski in all conditions as long as our terrain is considered safe and skiable. Since we rely on the weather we cannot guarantee that every day will have fresh tracks. As we operate in private terrain the quality of our conditions is generally more preserved than a public ski hill. Our guides work hard to provide the best back-country ski experience possible with the conditions the weather brings us.
What time does the day start and where do we meet?
Guests meet at the FWA Lodge at 8:00 A.M, which is approximately a 20 minute drive from Fernie. Detailed directions will be provided in the guests confirmation email. If guests do not have their own transportation, we can recommend Tunnel 49 which is a local shuttle company.
Is lunch provided?
Yes, a nutritious hand-packed lunch is provided. Ensure you have provided any dietary restrictions or allergies at least 48-hours in advanced to your arrival or there will be a $150+tax charge to accommodate.
What time does the day end?
Clients will arrive back at the lodge anytime between 4:00 – 4:30 PM. Check out the itinerary for a typical day cat skiing.
Do you rent skis/boards and how much are they?
Yes, click here for pricing information. We highly recommend renting fat skis or a powder snowboard as they will help one ski in deep powder, adding enjoyment to the day.
Am I prevented from skiing on days of heavy snowfall?
The snow cats are incredible machines and can navigate during heavy snowfall and poor visibility
Do we get a discount if we book more than one day?
There is no specific discount for booking more than one day but please check out the special offers on our home page if there is one available.
What do I need to bring?
We recommend wearing a water-resistant, wind proof, breathable ski suit that has room for layers. If snow sticks to your suit, or if it is heavily insulated, it is best to leave it at home.
A small pack is a good idea for goggles, extra gloves or a camera. These may be left in the cat while you are skiing.
Anyone 18 years of age and younger must be accompanied by their parent. It is mandatory for minors to wear a helmet. Although helmets are not mandatory for everyone, Fernie Wilderness Adventures highly recommends wearing one.
Fat skis and powder boards can be rented (boots & poles not included). You definitely want to be skiing on fat skis. Half the effort, twice the fun.
Here’s a basic list of things to bring:
- Powder skis or snowboard (fat skis/powder boards can be rented)
- Ski boots/snowboard boots
- Ski poles
- Ski goggles or sunglasses
- Breathable and non-restrictive ski clothes suitable for all conditions and temperatures. (Layering is the best)
- Sunscreen and lip protector
- Bathing suit for hot tub (for lodge guests only)
- Warm gloves or mittens and hat
- Clothing for relaxing around the lodge
- Daily required medications
- Personal wine or spirits (for apres and lodge guests)
Is there an age minimum?
We recommend kids be at least 12 years of age or older, but anyone under 19 years of age will need to be accompanied by their parent/guardian. Anyone under 19 will be required to wear a helmet. If a parent/guardian is not attending the trip they are able to sign their parental rights to another adult in their group for the day. We can provide this letter in advance upon request for the parents/guardian to fill out and sign. Our guides and staff are unable to sign the release to provide guardianship. Minor Release Letter – Winter
What level of skier/boarder should I be?
Guests must consider themselves an advanced level 5 skier/boarder. At FWA we strive to make snow catskiing non-intimidating, our guides attentive care will ensure all of our guests feel safe and comfortable.
Our terrain is all back-country with variable snow conditions which is ungroomed, predominantly treed and with a variety of ridges, gullies, and gladded meadows.
Fat skis are highly recommended for deep powder skiing to further your enjoyment of the day. FWA offers fat ski and powder board rentals on site. Please refer to our skier/boarder ability levels below. We highly recommend you be at least a level 5 skier/boarder, for a more positive skiing experience.
Skier Levels
Level 1: First Time Skier
Never skied before. Or not yet able to stop confidently on easy, groomed terrain.
Level 2: Novice
Learning to snowplow turn in control on mellow slopes. May start to ski easy green runs.
Level 3: Confident Novice
Able to link strong snowplow turns or beginner stance parallel on green runs. Occasionally skis a blue run with caution. Rides chairlifts confidently.
Level 4: Intermediate
Able to ski parallel turns with pole plant. Most blue runs can be skied with confidence, but more advanced blues are still challenging. Looking to ride more varied terrain.
Level 5: Advanced
Can ski strong parallel turns confidently on a variety of terrain and conditions. Enjoys skiing on black runs and in trees. Leaning towards hop turns, moguls, powder and more difficult terrain.
Level 6: Expert
Can ski in control on black runs and enjoys all conditions and terrain.
Snowboarder Levels
Level 1: First Time Boarder
Never snowboarded before. Or not yet able to stop confidently on easy, groomed terrain.
Level 2: Novice
Able to stop safely. Can “Falling leaf” on heel and toe edges. Usually riding magic carpets.
Level 3: Confident Novice
Learning to link heel side and toe side turns on green runs. Experience riding chairlifts.
Level 4: Intermediate
Can link toe edge and heel edge turns confidently and control speed. Most blue runs can be ridden with confidence, but more advanced blues are still challenging. Looking to ride more varied terrain.
Level 5: Advanced
Able to link turns on a variety of terrain and conditions. Enjoys riding on black runs and in trees. Confidently make short turns and leaning towards more difficult terrain.
Level 6: Expert
Can ride in control on black runs and enjoys all conditions and terrain.
Do you fill the cats by level of the skier?
No, we do not separate cats by ability. There is a variety of terrain available to create a fun experience for all guests.
How many guides are with a cat?
For safety reasons there are two guides in each cat of 12. One guide who navigates the mountain first and a tail guide who follows after all of the guests have descended down the mountain.
How many people fit in a cat?
Twelve guests can fit in a cat. We do require a minimum of 6-people to run a cat. If your group is less than 6-people your reservation will rely on other reservations joining the cat.
Can I bring my own beer and wine?
Yes, we do not sell alcohol at the lodge.