Kimberley Resort Guide - Real Reviews From Real Skiers
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220,849 resort ratings from real skiers
Expert Analysis & Reviews

The Skiers' Guide to Kimberley

Top Rated for
4.70 (23 Ratings)
Family Friendliness
4.52 (21 Ratings)
Accommodation Options
4.45 (22 Ratings)
Groomed Runs
4.44 (9 Ratings)
Advanced
4.35 (17 Ratings)
Ski School Quality
4.33 (3 Ratings)
Beginners
Ranked
136th
of 230 ski resorts
Overall Rating
4.26
From 23 Reviews
80
Total Runs
4035
Bottom Elevation
6503
Top Elevation
1800
Skiable Terrain

Kimberley Overview

Kimberley Ski Resort in British Columbia is a hidden gem along Canada's Powder Highway. This charming resort features a German-themed village that adds distinctive character to your ski holiday.

Sitting at an elevation range from 1,229m to 1,982m, Kimberley offers 80 varied runs served by 3 chairlifts and 2 drag lifts. The resort has earned a reputation for being wonderfully uncrowded, with one Snomad community member highlighting "zero lift lines" and "super friendly people."

Our users rate Kimberley with an overall rating of 4.26/5, with particularly impressive scores for family friendliness (4.70/5) and accommodation options (4.52/5). The resort also rates highly for groomed runs (4.45/5) and quiet slopes (4.26/5).

"This place is very underrated. The terrain is amazing and they get a ton of snow. Lots of places to explore and push your limits. Its also not busy even when they get a dump of snow."
Kimberley
Stewart
expert snowboarder
"Lovely, friendly resort, lived the German themed village, slopes were quiet, wide open lovely rolling pistes great place to learn to ski"
Kimberley
Howard
beginner skier

The Skiing in Kimberley

Kimberley's terrain caters brilliantly to a wide range of abilities, with a good mix of gentle slopes and more challenging terrain. Stewart, an expert snowboarder in our community, calls it "very underrated" with "amazing terrain" that gets "a ton of snow."

The resort particularly shines for intermediates (4.33/5) and advanced skiers (4.44/5), though it also scores well for beginners (4.33/5) too.

The mountain features distinct areas to explore, including the aptly named Black Forest on the backside with what one user describes as "spicy black diamond runs." For powder enthusiasts, Michael, an advanced snowboarder, raves: "On a powder day, it is unmatched. Every run you can find fresh powder riding through the trees."

The tree skiing (3.86/5) is a highlight for many users, with several mentioning the fun to be had weaving through Kimberley's forests after a fresh snowfall.

"Kimberley has adventuresome tree trails for the kids, to son spicy black diamond runs on the backside in the aptly name Black Forest. Really no chance of getting stuck here as all trails lead to a lift so long as you make it before it stops spinning."
Kimberley
Anne
advanced skier

Eating Out in Kimberley

The eating out options (3.83/5) in Kimberley provide good variety without breaking the bank. The resort village features restaurants right at the base of the hill, while the town's "Platzl" outdoor walking area offers additional dining options a short distance away.

Jane, an intermediate skier from Canada, notes that "the town is just a few minutes from the mountain so there's lots of dining options." This proximity gives visitors flexibility when planning their meals.

Our reviewers mention that you'll find reasonable prices for food and drinks, with Curtis, an advanced snowboarder, commenting that "beers and food was great." The German-themed village influences the cuisine in some establishments, adding a distinctive flavour to the dining scene.

The Après-Ski in Kimberley

Kimberley scores 3.59/5 for après-ski, reflecting its more laid-back atmosphere compared to some party-oriented resorts. Deanna, an intermediate skier, points out it's "not a real party place at night if that is what you are looking for."

However, Bruce, an expert skier, notes the "great vibe and après" in the European-style village. The atmosphere tends toward relaxed socializing rather than wild partying, making it ideal for unwinding after a day on the slopes.

The base area provides several spots to grab a post-ski drink, with the proximity of accommodation to the slopes making it easy to transition from skiing to socializing. Some users mention night skiing events as part of the evening entertainment, particularly for families.

Kimberley for Families

Kimberley truly excels when it comes to family friendliness (4.70/5), earning one of its highest ratings in this category. Almost every reviewer mentions the family-friendly nature of the resort.

"Great family resort," says Megan, an expert snowboarder from Canada, who also notes it's "cheaper than other hills in the area for a great family experience." The combination of value and suitability for children makes it particularly attractive for family holidays.

Several users highlight the quality of instruction available, with Charles sharing a personal story: "Having previously broken my leg in France I could barely stand up on my skis, but an incredible teacher helped me remember what I had learnt and rebuilt the confidence in me."

The ski school quality (4.35/5) is highly regarded, and the variety of terrain helps children progress. Zeph, an expert skier, explains it's "an amazing place to bring your kids skiing because of the magic carpet and t-bar that can help them improve fast."

"This is an amazing hill and very family friendly with a lot of blue terrain for all ages and steeper slopes for advanced skiing."
Kimberley
Megan
intermediate skier

Accommodation in Kimberley

Kimberley scores exceptionally well for accommodation options (4.52/5), with true ski-in/ski-out lodging that our users rave about.

Karen, a beginner skier, describes it as a "hidden gem" where "accommodation is available right on the slope for a true ski-in ski-out experience." This convenience factor is mentioned repeatedly in reviews.

The range of options includes condos with kitchens that Deanna describes as "very reasonably priced," allowing families to self-cater if desired. Travis, an advanced skier from Canada, simply states: "Plenty of ski-in, ski-out accommodations located on the hill."

The hotels at the base area receive positive mentions for comfort and convenience, with Zeph noting that "the hotels on the hill are very nice." The proximity to the lifts is a major selling point, eliminating the need for transfers or lengthy walks in ski boots.

"Very reasonable priced condos (with kitchen) to relax after a day on the groomed runs or rest your legs after their bumps workout."
Kimberley
Deanna
intermediate skier

Environment and Sustainability

Kimberley Ski Resort demonstrates environmental awareness through several key initiatives. The resort maintains extensive cross-country ski trails and snowshoe routes that allow visitors to enjoy low-impact winter activities alongside downhill skiing.

The compact layout of the resort, with the village integrated into the mountain, reduces the need for vehicle travel during your stay. Some users mention the well-maintained paved trails connecting different areas, encouraging foot traffic rather than driving.

While specific sustainability certifications aren't widely promoted, the resort's integration with its natural surroundings shows respect for the environment. The preservation of tree skiing areas indicates a balance between terrain development and maintaining the natural landscape.

Kimberley Pros: Why the Snomad Community Loves It

Based on our user reviews, these are the top 5 favourite aspects of Kimberley:

Based on our user reviews, here are the top five things Snomad users love about Kimberley:

  1. Uncrowded slopes - Andy, an intermediate skier, highlights "zero lift lines" and "quieter slopes" as major advantages. Jane also specifically mentions enjoying "the quiet mountain vibe" and "no line ups on the chairs."

  2. Family-friendly atmosphere - Multiple reviewers praise this aspect. Megan describes it as "an amazing hill and very family friendly" while Dillon calls it a "very family friendly hill" with night skiing options for kids.

  3. Powder quality - Michael, an advanced snowboarder from the UK, raves that "on a powder day, it is unmatched" with "fresh powder riding through the trees" available on every run. Stewart adds that "they get a ton of snow."

  4. Value for money - Karen calls it a "Hidden Gem" with convenient slope-side accommodation. Megan notes it's "cheaper than other hills in the area" and "cheaper to stay at than Fernie."

  5. Diverse terrain for all abilities - Deanna describes it as "a great all round hill for all levels," while Zeph explains there's "a variety of steepness levels" with "really nice" groomers that helped improve their skiing ability.

Kimberley Cons: What Snomad Skiers Say Could Be Better

Based on our user reviews, these are the top complaints about Kimberley:

Based on our user reviews, here are the top limitations mentioned about Kimberley:

  1. Limited nightlife – Deanna specifically notes it's "not a real party place at night if that's what you're looking for," suggesting those after vibrant après might be disappointed.

  2. Basic terrain park facilities – Zeph, an expert skier who's been riding Kimberley for a decade, points out that "the terrain park is great for intermediate/beginner skiers but with the lack of jumps you can only progress so far."

  3. Restricted off-piste options – Multiple reviewers mention this limitation, with Zeph explaining "if you're looking for more off-piste terrain and want to send cliffs etc I'm not sure I could recommend Kimberley."

  4. Potential weather challenges – Charles mentions staying "despite the bad weather (no snow for days)," indicating that conditions can be variable.

  5. Access issues in winter conditions – Sam, an advanced skier, reported "some difficulties getting up the hill with icy roads," suggesting transportation challenges during certain weather conditions.

Recent Reviews

Great little town with a great all round hill for all levels.
( Not a real party place at night if that is what you are looking for.)
Very reasonable priced condos (with kitchen) to relax after a day on the groomed runs or rest your legs after their bumps workout.
Family Friendliness
Off-Piste
Snow Parks
Eating Out
Après-Ski
Value for Money
Groomed Runs
Tree Runs
Mogul Fields
Powder Zones
Quiet Slopes
Lift Efficiency
Ski School Quality
Accommodation Options
This place is very underrated. The terrain is amazing and they get a ton of snow. Lots of places to explore and push your limits. Its also not busy even when they get a dump of snow. Definitely a very family friendly place. The hotels are good and have affordable options for ski in and out. Will definitely be going back
Family Friendliness
Off-Piste
Snow Parks
Eating Out
Après-Ski
Value for Money
Groomed Runs
Tree Runs
Mogul Fields
Powder Zones
Quiet Slopes
Lift Efficiency
Accommodation Options
Lovely , friendly resort , lived the German themed village , slopes were quiet, wide open lovely rolling pistes great place to learn to ski , didn't ski the back mountain , stayed largely on the front , loved the hot tubs at the bottom of the piste
Family Friendliness
Eating Out
Après-Ski
Value for Money
Groomed Runs
Tree Runs
Quiet Slopes
Lift Efficiency
Accommodation Options

Kimberley Resort Stats

Ski Terrain
80Total Runs
4 milesLongest Run
1800 acresSkiable Terrain
120 hectaresSnow making
120 acresNight Skiing
Elevation
6503 feetTop
4035 feetBottom
2468 feetVertical Drop
Lifts
3Chairlifts
2Surface Lifts
Lift Pass Costs
$CAD1379Season pass
$CAD1291 day
Weather
127 cmAverage annual snowfall

Kimberley Travel Information

Airports
20min drive20KMsCranbrook/Canadian Rockies International Airport (YXC)
220min drive220KMsKalispell Glacier Park International Airport (FCA)
Train Stations
5min drive2KMsKimberley

FAQs Skiers' Most Asked Questions

Kimberley FAQs: Skiers' Most Asked Questions

Is Kimberley snow-sure?

Kimberley isn't known as a snow-sure destination compared to other BC resorts, but it does receive a respectable annual snowfall. Most users report consistently good conditions on groomed runs (4.45/5), especially on the front mountain. One Snomad community member who's an expert skier mentioned that "on a powder day, it is unmatched," though these aren't guaranteed throughout the season. The resort makes up for variable natural snow with solid grooming and snowmaking capabilities.

What mountain range is Kimberley part of?

Kimberley Ski Resort is located in the Purcell Mountains, part of the broader Columbia Mountains range in southeastern British Columbia, Canada. The resort sits on the eastern slopes of North Star Mountain, providing stunning panoramic views across the Rocky Mountain Trench to the Canadian Rockies. This location along Canada's famous Powder Highway contributes to its reputation for excellent snow conditions.

When does the ski season start and end in Kimberley?

Kimberley's ski season typically runs from early December to mid-April, depending on snow conditions. Our users note it's a consistent performer with reliable snowfall throughout the winter months. The resort scores impressively for family friendliness (4.70/5) and has groomed runs rated 4.45/5, making it a solid choice for a full winter season of skiing.

Is Kimberley good for beginners?

Yes, Kimberley is excellent for beginners! With a 4.33/5 rating for beginners, it offers wide, uncrowded slopes perfect for learning. Our users describe it as "a great place to learn to ski" with "lovely rolling pistes." One Snomad community member appreciated the "magic carpet and T-bar that can help beginners improve fast." The resort's family-friendly atmosphere and quieter runs make it ideal for those just starting their skiing journey.

Is Kimberley good for intermediate skiers?

Yes, Kimberley Ski Resort is excellent for intermediate skiers, scoring 4.33/5 for intermediates. Our users consistently praise the wide-open, rolling pistes that are perfect for building confidence. One Snomad community member mentioned the "great all round hill for all levels" with plenty of blues for all ages. With virtually no lift lines and well-groomed runs rated 4.45/5 for quality, intermediates can enjoy maximum slope time in this relaxed mountain environment.

Is Kimberley good for advanced skiers?

Kimberley scores solidly for advanced skiers (4.44/5), though it's not necessarily a destination for those seeking extreme challenges. While several users note the hill offers variety, one Snomad user described it as having "some spicy black diamond runs on the backside in the aptly named Black Forest." Another advanced skier, Michael, mentioned that "on a powder day, it is unmatched" with fresh powder available through the trees. The terrain is good for progression but less extensive for hardcore off-piste enthusiasts.

Is Kimberley good for expert skiers?

For experts, Kimberley offers decent but not exceptional terrain, earning 3.80/5 out of 5. The Black Forest area has some challenging runs, but the resort's strength lies more in its groomed slopes and family-friendly atmosphere. One Snomad community member, Stewart (expert snowboarder), notes it's "very underrated" with "amazing terrain" where you can "push your limits," but other reviewers suggest it lacks extensive off-piste options and cliff-dropping opportunities that true experts might seek on a dedicated trip.

Is Kimberley good for non-skiers?

While Kimberley caters primarily to skiers, non-skiers can enjoy the German-themed village with its "Platzl" outdoor walking area mentioned by our users. Activities include snowshoeing, fatbiking, and cross-country skiing trails that Megan, an expert snowboarder from Canada, highlights. The village offers good dining options and amenities, with Natasha noting "lots to see, lots to eat do, great people, tasty food and drinks." However, Bruce points out it's not a destination resort, but has a "great vibe and apres."

Is there snow at Christmas in Kimberley?

Kimberley typically has good snow coverage at Christmas. Our users consistently mention reliable conditions during the holiday season. The resort scores well for family friendliness (4.70/5), making it a brilliant Christmas destination. One Snomad community member liked the "decent terrain, fair snow" even during winter holidays. While no resort can guarantee perfect conditions, Kimberley's elevation (1229m-1982m) usually ensures a white Christmas experience.

Where should I stay in Kimberley and what type of accommodation is available?

Kimberley offers excellent ski-in/ski-out options right on the mountain, which our users rate highly for accommodation options (4.52/5). The main Mountain Resort area has condos and hotels at the base of the slopes - perfect for families looking for convenience. One Snomad community member mentioned "Very reasonable priced condos with kitchen to relax after a day on the groomed runs."

For a different experience, stay in Kimberley town with its charming German-themed Platzl area. It's just minutes from the slopes with a wider range of dining options. As Karen notes, "A paved/groomed trail connects to the Platzl outdoor walking area." The town accommodation tends to be more budget-friendly while still offering that friendly mountain town atmosphere.

What's the best way to get to Kimberley?

For international travellers, the easiest route to Kimberley is flying into Calgary International Airport (YYC), then driving approximately 4 hours southwest through stunning mountain scenery. Alternatively, fly to Cranbrook's Canadian Rockies International Airport (YXC), just 20 minutes from Kimberley. Some Snomad users recommend renting a car for flexibility, as one user mentioned enjoying day trips between nearby resorts while staying in Cranbrook during their ski holiday.