Island Lake Cat Skiing, Fernie B.C.

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    Tamarack Lodge at night

    Fernie, British Columbia

    Getting Here

    Your way to the mountains.

    Drive, fly, or arrange a private transfer.

    On the road

    Drive

    Take Highway 3 to the signed Island Lake turnoff west of Fernie.

    Summer: follow the seasonal road through Mount Fernie Provincial Park to the lodge.
    Winter: park at the lower lot for your snowcat pickup.

    Open driving directions

    Nearby airports

    Fly

    Approximate driving times to Island Lake
    AirportDrive
    Cranbrook YXCClosest airport1½ hr
    Kalispell FCAU.S. · border crossing2 hr
    Calgary YYCAlberta3½ hr
    Spokane GEGU.S. · border crossing4½ hr

    Allow extra time for weather and border delays.

    Let someone else drive

    Shuttle

    Resort Tours offers private airport transfers for Island Lake guests, including cross-border travel.

    Arrange your pickup in advance. Airport transfers are booked separately from your lodge stay.

    Arrange a private shuttle
    Arriving in winterLower parking lot → snowcat → lodge

    Meet at the lower parking lot, about 3 km north of Highway 3, the evening before your first ski day. Use the arrival time sent with your booking; the snowcat ride takes about 30 minutes.

    We recommend arriving in the area a day early. If you’re delayed, call the lodge. Late, early or alternative pickups carry an additional charge.

    Arriving in summerSeasonal road access to the lodge

    From the Highway 3 turnoff, follow the road through Mount Fernie Provincial Park for approximately 12 km. Allow around 20 minutes on the rugged lodge road.

    Check the operations calendar before setting out.

    Find us

    Just outside Fernie.
    A world away.

    Choose your route, then check the seasonal arrival details above for the final stretch.

    View in Google MapsMore Fernie travel information

    Need a hand?
    Call 1-888-422-8754 Contact our team

    Good to know

    Questions, answered.

    Straight answers to the questions we hear most.

    Which airport is closest to Island Lake Lodge?

    Cranbrook (YXC) is the closest commonly used airport. Calgary (YYC) and Kalispell, Montana (FCA) are other options — Kalispell involves crossing the Canada–US border, so allow extra time.

    How do I reach the lodge in winter?

    Drive to the lower parking area and meet at 5 pm on the evening before your first ski day. Snowcats depart at 5:30 pm for the 8 km journey up to the lodge. Arrive in Fernie a day early to allow for winter travel delays.

    Do I need a 4x4 or winter tires?

    Winter roads in the Elk Valley demand proper winter tires (required by BC law from October to April) and extra travel time. A 4x4 or AWD is wise in mid-winter. If you are delayed, call reservations promptly — a late snowcat transfer cannot be assumed.

    Where do I park?

    At the lower parking area, where the snowcats stage. Your vehicle stays there for your visit — everything you need travels up in the cat with you.

    How do I get there in summer?

    Summer road access varies with operations, private functions and seasonal closures. Contact the lodge before visiting for current access, and come prepared for the activity you are planning.

    Is there cell service at the lodge?

    The lodges have high-speed Starlink internet. On the mountain, the guiding team carries guest radios for safety communication.