Welcome to Ski Base - Fernie's longest running Bike & Ski Shop!

The legacy of Ski Base stems back to 1968 when the late local ski enthusiast, Heiko Socher and his wife Linda, opened Fernie's original ski shop at Fernie's ski hill. The couple are widely known for their pioneering spirit and connection to the development of skiing and trail building in the area.

Ski Base eventually relocated to downtown Fernie and was purchased by a long-term employee named Ralph Simpson in 2001. Ralph and his wife Zusana ran the landmark business for two decades before eventually putting the business up for sale many years after Ralph's passing in 2009.

Present day Ski Base has a new face of ownership in the way of Jeff and Jane Johnson, two long time Fernie residents who are active in local community and aim to make Ski Base a huge part of that. The store is still in the same great location, but has a refreshed new look thanks to Jeff's background in the construction sector. 

From working with the Fernie Freestyle Ski Club, building trails with the Fernie Trail Alliance, ski patrolling the hill, several years of outdoor guiding and retail experience, and revamping an old church into full-on rental accommodations for those seeking an adventurous getaway, Jeff and Jane truly embody the spirit of Heiko and the vision of making Fernie one of the best places in the world to live and visit.

Of course, it takes a solid team to operate a great ski & bike shop which is why we have some amazingly passionate, inclusive, and experienced folks on staff. Come say, "Hi!" or drop us a line and we can guide you in choosing the right items for your next adventure, service your existing gear, and give you some local insight into the best activities for all ages and abilities that Fernie has to offer.

As passionate outdoor sport enthusiasts who rely on the earth to enjoy what we love, we are committed to carrying brands that take a positive, active approach toward environmental sustainability.