Fernie, with roots in the coal mining industry, is a community of approximately 5,000 residents located in the Elk Valley in southeastern British Columbia, near the Alberta border. With an average of 8.8 metres (29 feet) of powdery snow every year, the local hills have become world renowned for powder skiing, drawing many visitors and investors to the region. Winter activities around Fernie include snowshoeing, dog sled tours, downhill powder skiing and cross country skiing, while in the summer visitors enjoy mountain biking, golf, angling, hiking and rafting on the local rivers.