LOCATION: Kimberley, BC
DRIVING DISTANCE (YVR): 10hr 30min (883 km)
MARKED RUNS: 68
TERRAIN: 1,800 acres
RATING: 3.5/5 Stars
Ski Town Charm
Once the world’s largest lead-zinc mine, Kimberley has transformed into a charming destination for outdoor adventurers. Nestled between the Purcell and Rocky Mountains, it offers stunning views in every direction. The skiable terrain is spread across four distinct areas: Northstar Mountain, Tamarack Ridge, Vimy Ridge, and Black Forest. Northstar features mellow, beginner-friendly runs, while the other sections offer more challenging terrain.
The main lift is a quad chair connected to the base lodge, while the other zones are serviced by older triple and double chairs. The Easter chair closes first, followed by Tamarack (affectionately called “Tammy”), then North Star.
We spent a couple of hours exploring the mountain with Brian, a friendly mountain guide from Victoria. He took us through mostly blue and green runs. Since we visited late in the season, many of the black mogul runs were closed, especially on the Easter chair side. The Northstar area had long, slushy runs, but we found better snow further out on skiers’ left. Though it required some extra effort on a snowboard. That’s where step-on bindings really helped.
Tree runs were limited due to the spring snow conditions, but there were plenty of options, and the spacing between trees, along with well-maintained glades, made for fun, flowing turns when conditions allowed.
At the base, there’s a welcoming outdoor seating area filled with picnic tables beside the local pub. We wrapped up the day snacking on fries and sipping cider, surrounded by friendly locals who made the experience feel even more special.
HERE ARE SOME TIPS
Parking
Grab a spot behind the Alpine Team Hut for quick access to the chairlift and easy snack breaks throughout the day. It’s a super convenient base to keep your day flowing smoothly.
Change Your Clock
If you're traveling from the coast, don’t forget to set your clock forward by one hour. You’re now in Mountain Time.
Chairlift Closing Times
Keep an eye on the chairlift closing times. You don’t want to get stuck at the bottom of the Tamarack chair. The walk back is long and pretty flat, especially tough if you’re in snowboard boots.
Pros
- Quiet
- Beautiful Views of the Rockies and Columbia Valley
- Close to town
- Friendly staff
- Not crowded
Cons
- Limited trails. I’m sure you’ll find some favourites.
- No official overnight van camping (I’m sure you can find somewhere nearby)
Kimberley Alpine is a smaller ski resort with big potential. Its laid-back vibe and adventurous spirit make it an ideal spot to relax and really focus on your riding. If you're looking for a low-key experience without the crowds, this is the perfect place to spend your time.
WEBSITE:
www.skikimberley.com
