Why Kicking Horse is Highly Rated for Advanced Skiers

Kicking Horse has absolutely smashed it, earning 4.73/5.00 from our community of advanced skiers - and when you look at what this mountain throws at you, it's easy to see why. This is proper big-mountain terrain that'll test your limits and leave your legs absolutely screaming. Advanced skier Richard describes it perfectly: "If you like steep chutes, steep bowls, and runs that put you in your place, kicking horse is the place for you." The terrain here is relentless - we're talking genuinely intimidating lines that demand respect and technical precision. Advanced skier Rob reckons "the level of extreme is beyond anything you can imagine until you experience Kicking Horse," whilst expert Drew calls it "easily the most butt puckering resort in Canada." When you've got runs that require 15-20 minute hikes just to access some of the gnarliest lines in North America, you know you're dealing with something special.

Expert John points out that "if you're looking to challenge yourself, and seeking some of the gnarliest terrain, there's really nothing better," and he's not exaggerating - this place hosts World Freeride Tour events for a reason. The conditions are genuinely demanding, with steep bowls, tight chutes, and technical tree lines that require advanced skills to navigate safely. Advanced snowboarder Andrew nailed it when he said it "feels like a step towards backcountry but patrolled and avalanche controlled." You'll be bootpacking ridges, dropping into couloirs, and navigating terrain that puts most other resorts to shame - all whilst barely seeing another soul on the mountain.

Thinking about adding Kicking Horse to your ski bucket list? Head to our full resort guide to see what our community has to say about its slopes, lifts, après and more.