Kicking Horse Mountain Resort

Kicking Horse Mountain Resort

LOCATION: Golden, BC
DRIVING DISTANCE (YVR): 9hr (730 km)
MARKED RUNS: 120
TERRAIN: 3,400 acres 
RATING: 4/5 Stars

Jaw-Dropping Terrain and Unbeatable Views

Kicking Horse Mountain Resort, tucked near Golden, BC, sits proudly on the famed "Powder Highway." It is known for its steep terrain, abundant snowfall, and stunning alpine views. Offering over 3,400 acres of skiable terrain, including challenging bowls, tree runs, and groomed trails, the resort is a favorite among advanced skiers and snowboarders.

 

With a jaw-dropping 4,133-foot vertical drop known as the "Staircase to Heaven," it’s a skier or snowboarder's dream. During our visit, the visibility was low, so we didn’t tackle the steep drop, but we did explore the rest of the mountain. There’s something for everyone—especially tree runs, which happen to be Jarvis' favourite! While the resort has some beginner and intermediate runs, it’s primarily suited for more advanced skiers.

We also had the pleasure of dining at Eagles Eye restaurant, famously known as "Canada's Most Elevated Dining Experience." It was the perfect escape from the wet snow. The food was fantastic, and the atmosphere was unmatched. With large windows offering stunning views of the mountain peaks and the cozy wood fireplace filling the air with the scent of winter, it was truly a memorable experience.

HERE ARE SOME TIPS

Boot Packing
For the complete experience, try traversing the ridge. Be sure to bring a backpack with water, snacks, and emergency gear. Snowboarders should consider a bag that can attach to the board, so you don’t have to carry it in your arms.

Pros

  • If you have an Epic Seasons Pass, you get five free days at the Rocky Mountain Resorts of Canada, including Kicking Horse.
  • On a high visibility day, you can have a lot of fun going from bowl to bowl.
  • The resort is good for families and there are some condo ski in/ski out options operated by Kicking Horse.

Cons

  • There’s only one gondola that takes you to the top, so there could be long lines ups and congestion to get up in the morning, and down when the lifts close.
  • The resort is geared towards advanced and expert skiers with over half the mountain in black runs, however they do have a learning area at the base that’s priced separately.
  • There’s not much of an apres scene on the mountain. You need to go back down to the town of Golden for the bars and parties, which is about 20 mins away.
  • No overnight parking or camping

If you're traveling along Highway 1 towards the Rockies, Kicking Horse is a must-visit. The resort offers a thrilling mix of terrain and stunning views of the Rocky Mountains. I’d love to return to try cat-skiing, as the resort’s backcountry terrain is accessible via snowcats, offering an exciting alternative to traditional resort skiing. Whether you're after adventure or breathtaking scenery, Kicking Horse is the perfect spot for a rugged, diverse mountain experience.

WEBSITE:
www.kickinghorseresort.com

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Disclaimer: The following reviews are based on our personal experiences during our visits. Everyone's journey is unique, and your experience may differ. The best way to form your own opinion is to get out there and try it for yourself!

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