The Skiers' Guide to Kicking Horse

Kicking Horse Ski Resort sits in the heart of British Columbia's Purcell Mountains, just 14km from the town of Golden. This mountain playground has developed a reputation as one of Canada's premier destinations for advanced skiers and riders seeking challenging terrain.

What sets Kicking Horse apart is its remarkable big-mountain experience with a whopping 1,315m vertical drop and pristine powder conditions. The resort stretches from a base elevation of 1,190m up to an impressive 2,505m at its summit, offering breathtaking panoramic views across the Columbia Valley.

Our Snomad community has awarded Kicking Horse an overall rating of 4.47/5, with particularly impressive scores for powder zones (4.75/5), off-piste (4.84/5), and tree runs (4.32/5). One Snomad community member described it as "one of the best places in Canada next to Whistler and Revelstoke for backcountry skiing."

Kicking Horse boasts 129 runs spread across its vast terrain, with a lift system that includes one gondola, three chairlifts, and one drag lift. While this might seem limited, it's all part of the charm – those willing to hike a bit are rewarded with untouched powder stashes and terrain that feels like backcountry within resort boundaries.

The resort scores highly for experts (4.51/5) and advanced skiers (4.48/5), with chutes, bowls and technical terrain that would satisfy even the most demanding powder hounds. As Sam, an expert skier notes, "Best resort in Canada hands down. Super quiet, no groomed runs, really steep, great snow – what more do you need?"

The mountain features five expansive bowls offering everything from wide-open slopes to narrow, technical chutes. With names like "Stairway to Heaven," "Terminator," and "T2," the terrain speaks for itself. Beginners aren't entirely forgotten with a few green runs, but Kicking Horse is truly an intermediate to expert playground.

Chris, an advanced skier in our community, shared: "A bucket list resort for any advanced skier. The only stop for the world free ride tour, with amazing side country and off-piste bowls. TOP to bottom 4,000 ft runs all day long."

Dining options at Kicking Horse receive 3.63/5 for eating out, with a handful of quality establishments rather than vast quantity. The crown jewel is Eagles Eye Restaurant at the summit – Canada's highest elevation restaurant – offering spectacular 360-degree mountain views alongside its menu.

"You can't beat having a pint on the top of the mountain before ripping down!" writes Erin, an advanced snowboarder. The base area features several options including a café, general store, and a few restaurants serving everything from quick bites to more sophisticated fare.

Golden, just a short drive away, expands the dining options with local pubs and eateries that cater to hungry skiers. The authentic, no-frills mountain town atmosphere extends to its dining scene – expect hearty portions rather than pretentious cuisine.

The après scene at Kicking Horse scores 3.52/5 for après-ski, reflecting its focus on serious skiing rather than party vibes. "Whitetooth Grill is a must" for music, according to Andrew, an advanced skier in our community.

The Double Black Bar at the base offers a relaxed atmosphere for post-ski drinks, while the small village provides a couple of other options for evening entertainment. As one user describes it, "It's a lovely place to hang out in the evening and have dinner or play giant Jenga at the little pub."

Golden adds some additional nightlife options, but don't expect the vibrant party scenes of larger European resorts. This is a place where serious skiers come to recover before another big day on the mountain.

Kicking Horse receives 3.71/5 for family friendliness, reflecting the challenging nature of much of its terrain. However, several users note that for families with advanced skiers or those looking to improve quickly, it can be an excellent choice.

Lindsay, an advanced skier, mentions "Excellent ski school for little rippers. Has a reputation as an advanced hill but has good options for beginners." Another user, Oscar, a beginner snowboarder, adds: "Very much not a beginner mountain but if you are a beginner you learn quick."

The resort does offer some green runs and a cat track for beginners, but families with very young skiers might find the options limited compared to more traditional family resorts. As Jason, an advanced skier from Canada, puts it: "This is an intermediate ski hill. Limited green runs for beginners. Mainly blue and black runs throughout."

Accommodation at Kicking Horse scores 3.95/5 for accommodation options, with a compact base area offering ski-in/ski-out convenience. The resort features a modest selection of condos, lodges and vacation homes at the mountain base.

"We stay right on the hill so it's ski in and ski out," shares Erin, highlighting the convenience factor. The resort's smaller scale means accommodation options are more limited than at larger destinations, but this contributes to the quieter slopes and authentic mountain experience.

Many visitors also choose to stay in Golden, which offers additional accommodation options at various price points. While this requires a short drive to the resort each morning, it provides access to the town's amenities and a more authentic local experience.

Kicking Horse demonstrates environmental awareness through several initiatives. The resort's compact development footprint minimizes habitat disruption in the Purcell Mountains. They've implemented energy-efficient snowmaking systems and focus on preserving the natural terrain rather than extensive development.

The resort actively protects wildlife habitats, exemplified by their on-site grizzly bear refuge. As Colin, an advanced snowboarder notes: "They have a resident grizzly bear... You can see him being a bear from the gondola." This unique feature highlights their commitment to conservation education.

The resort encourages carpooling and shuttle services from Golden to reduce emissions from individual transport. Their focus on minimal grooming not only preserves challenging terrain but also reduces fuel consumption across the mountain.