Unleash your rad self at Retro Weekend in Fernie

“What other sport has après built into it?” says Kieran Summers, long-time local and owner of Giv’er Shirt Works for the past 23 years. 

“It literally says, après-ski, there really is no other sport like it.” 

Among all things fun including live music, dressing up and living to ski or ride, Fernie knows how to celebrate ski culture via this March 27-29 weekend.

“There are hundreds of us who dress up for the Retro Weekend,” explains longtime Fernie local Lu Ferber as she and I go through her tickle trunk full of clothes from the past that carry so much reverence.

“This piece here is what I wore as a dancer in the ‘88 Olympic opening ceremonies. Retro Weekend honors our past, it's where we’ve come from ... leather boots and not so technical gear to today where we have all of this advanced gear.”

She explains it's a chance to reflect on the season, your journey, the ski scene and channel that energy to power you forward. “Fernie’s been a ski hill for over 75 years. It's fun to consider what people were wearing back in the day versus where we are at today.” 

“It’s always been about skiing here at Fernie, and Fernie ski culture is the greatest thing in the world," adds Summer. "I mean, check out the Griz Bar, it's the best bar in the world! 

Sure it's kinda old school, but it's home to patios in the sun and epic après-ski moments. I feel like a lot of places are losing their culture, their history, but certainly not here in Fernie, and Retro Weekend recognizes this."

Those lucky enough to go retro in Fernie this March will have the chance to sign up for legendary events like the ski ballet. 

“Some of the people who register, many from out of town, really know how to do this and put on an incredible show,” explains Summers.

Get rad for Retro Weekend in Fernie

at one of the biggest, best apres-ski parties of the season

For folks including Ferber, it's all about the chance to break into the tickle trunk, dress up and make a presence in the retro fashion show happening over the weekend as well. 

It’s not just an event happening at the ski resort—the town of Fernie and its historic downtown, less than 10 mins away, plays host to bands and DJs through the weekend as well.

Your tour of Fernie continues with a connection into town, where Summers offers some tips for a night out.

Fernie après-ski stops

Three spots Summers suggests checking out: 

1. The Fernie Taphouse for its legendary weekly Jam Nights: “you wouldn’t believe the talent that show up,” says Summers.
2. If electronic music is more your jam, then hit The Central Bar & Nightclub to rip up the dance floor. 
3. The iconic Fernie Brewing Co., serving local pints and community connections for almost 25 years now.

Back on-mountain, the famous Griz Bar will have a retro band, flooding your mind with all those tunes that take you back to a time in life right out of your own history book.  

And your time at Retro Weekend is your chance to write a new chapter.

When you go

Retro Weekend is the opening weekend for Fernie’s last three weekends of the ski season. From the end of March through mid-April, the town and ski hill is chocked full of bands on stage and all kinds of fun on the slopes, including their April 11-12 Fernival Music Festival (this year’s headliners, Fernie’s own Shred Kelly).

Stay in Fernie
It’s your choice to stay on mountain or in town; Tourism Fernie will help you get tucked in here.

Event details
Head to Fernie Alpine Resort's website for the full 411 on Fernie’s Retro Weekend 2026, presented by Banded Peak Brewing.

Getting to Fernie
Given those in Calgary are three hours away from Fernie, making the trek is an easy escape at the end of the work week, coming back Sunday or Monday feeling fired up for spring.  

Let us know what you discover, tag @TourismFernie and @FernieAlpineResort in your social posts so they can engage and share your stoke.