The Skiers' Guide to Kimberley

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).

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.

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.

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 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."

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.

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.