7 Ways the 2026 Nissan Pathfinder Elevates Your Fernie Ski Adventure

Planning a ski trip to Fernie from Lethbridge? The 2026 Nissan Pathfinder transforms the two-hour mountain drive into part of the adventure itself. With three rows of flexible seating, intelligent drive modes for changing road conditions, and cargo space that adapts to your gear, this SUV handles everything from highway cruising to snowy mountain passes with confidence.

From loading skis, boots, and weekend luggage to navigating icy switchbacks on Highway 3, the Pathfinder's thoughtful design makes winter travel more comfortable and capable. Here's how this three-row SUV turns a mountain road trip into a stress-free experience for Alberta families.

1. Cargo Space That Fits All Your Gear

Ski trips mean bulky equipment. The Pathfinder delivers 470 litres of cargo space behind the third row—enough for multiple ski bags, boots, and overnight bags. Need more room? Fold the second and third rows flat to unlock 2,280 litres of storage. That's space for six sets of skis, snowboards, helmets, and all the winter gear your crew needs for a weekend at Fernie Alpine Resort.

The motion-activated power liftgate makes loading simple, even with gloved hands full of equipment. No fumbling for buttons when you're juggling gear in a snowy parking lot.

2. Seven Selectable Drive Modes for Mountain Roads

Highway 3 through the Crowsnest Pass delivers diverse conditions—dry pavement near Lethbridge, packed snow in the mountains, and icy sections at higher elevations. The Pathfinder's rotary drive-mode selector offers seven settings to match the terrain: Auto, Eco, Tow, Sport, Sand, Mud, and Rut.

Switch to Mud/Rut mode for better traction on slippery mountain roads. The standard Intelligent 4x4 system automatically adjusts power distribution between front and rear wheels, giving you confidence through corners and on steep grades. Hill Descent Control maintains a steady speed on downhill stretches, so you can focus on steering rather than constant braking.

3. ProPILOT Assist for Highway Stretches

The long highway section from Lethbridge to Fernie benefits from ProPILOT Assist, which handles acceleration, braking, and steering on the highway. This system reduces driver fatigue on the straight stretches, letting you arrive at the resort ready to ski rather than exhausted from the drive.

Intelligent Cruise Control maintains a set distance from the vehicle ahead, adjusting speed automatically in traffic. On clear sections, it holds your chosen speed without constant pedal input.

4. Three Rows of Comfortable Seating

Long drives demand comfortable seating for everyone. The Pathfinder seats up to eight passengers across three rows, or seven with the available captain's chairs in the Platinum grade. The second-row seats tip and slide forward for easy third-row access—even with a child safety seat installed, thanks to Nissan's LATCH AND GLIDE technology.

Heated front seats (standard on both Rock Creek and Platinum grades) keep drivers and front passengers warm during early-morning departures. The Platinum grade adds heated second-row outboard seats, so everyone stays comfortable through the mountain pass.

5. Proven Power for Mountain Driving

The 3.5-litre V6 engine delivers 284 horsepower and 259 lb-ft of torque in the Platinum grade (295 hp and 270 lb-ft in Rock Creek). That's enough power to maintain highway speed on uphill grades without straining. The nine-speed automatic transmission includes paddle shifters for manual control on steep descents.

Fuel Economy:

• City: 11.7 L/100 km (Platinum)
• Highway: 9.3 L/100 km (Platinum)
• Combined: 10.6 L/100 km (Platinum)

The 70-litre fuel tank provides strong range for the round trip, with fuel stops available in Pincher Creek and Sparwood along the route.

6. Advanced Camera Systems for Tight Parking

Fernie's ski resort parking lots fill quickly on weekends. The Pathfinder's HD Enhanced Intelligent Around View Monitor provides a 360-degree view of your surroundings, making it easier to navigate tight spaces between snowbanks and other vehicles.

Front Wide View offers a 180-degree perspective to the front and sides—helpful for pulling out of parking spots when snow piles block your view. Invisible Hood View creates a virtual see-through view of the area directly in front of the vehicle, helping you position the front wheels precisely when manoeuvring around curbs or snow piles.

7. Connectivity for the Whole Family

The standard 12.3-inch touchscreen keeps everyone connected and entertained. Wireless Apple CarPlay and wireless Android Auto let passengers stream music, podcasts, or navigation without cable clutter. Up to five USB-C ports ensure devices stay charged throughout the trip.

The redesigned wireless charging pad delivers 15 watts of power (up from 5 watts) with a built-in cooling fan to prevent overheating. Magnetic positioning keeps compatible phones in the optimal charging spot, even on winding mountain roads.

Reserve Your 2026 Pathfinder at McDonald Nissan

The 2026 Nissan Pathfinder combines space, capability, and comfort for Alberta mountain adventures. Contact our team in Lethbridge to reserve your Pathfinder and prepare for weekend ski trips in the Rockies. Canadian production begins Spring 2026.