Kicking Horse Mountain Resort features huge vertical (1,260 m/4,133 ft) and ideal climate conditions for generous amounts of light, dry, champagne powder.
Set in the Dogtooth Range of the Purcell Mountains (next to the Canadian Rockies), Kicking Horse has an incredible variety of big mountain terrain for advanced skiers. Snowy glades, 70 inbounds chutes, and three huge alpine bowls separated by two long ridges earned the resort “Best Steeps” from Ski Canada magazine (2007).
Kicking Horse has developed more options for beginner and intermediate skiers, and was recently recognized for “Best New First-Timer Rides” and “Most Improved Intermediate Focus” (Ski Canada magazine, 2008).
Big Mountain Centre and Terrain Park
Experienced guides at the new Big Mountain Centre can educate adventurous skiers about big mountain terrain: how to choose lines, snow safety and proper use of backcountry equipment (with some powder stashes along the way).
Also new is a series of natural terrain park features called “Hidden Nuggets”. Scattered in six locations across the mountain, these features will be made from mountain materials and will include natural half-pipes, log jibs and more.
Incredible Views and Mountaintop Dining
The Selkirk, Purcell and Canadian Rocky mountains create a spectacular panorama of peaks.
Skiers of all abilities can enjoy this scenery. Runs leading down from the summit range from green (“It’s a Ten” is a 10-km/0.6-mi groomer) to double-black diamond (“Whitewall” is a prime collection of chutes off Redemption Ridge into Feuz Bowl).
At an elevation of 2,350 m (7,700 ft), the award-winning Eagle’s Eye Restaurant is another way to take in the epic setting.
Travelandleisure.com (website for the leading travel magazine Travel Leisure) included the Eagle’s Eye in their list of the “World’s Best Restaurant Views” (2008), and The Good Skiing and Snowboarding Guide (a publication compiled by British ski experts) named it “Mountain Restaurant of the Year” for six consecutive years (2002-2007).
Practical Points
Accommodations of all types for all budgets are available at the resort or in nearby Golden (14 km/9 mi from the resort). There are numerous ski-in/ski-out or on mountain options.
Rental equipment is available at the resort and includes skis (standard and high performance, telemark and cross-country), boots and poles.
Beginner, intermediate and advanced lessons are available through the Mountain School. Big mountain guided sessions, avalanche skills courses and free daily mountain tours are also available.
In addition to downhill skiing, the resort offers snowboarding, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, ice skating, tubing, heli-skiing/boarding and more.