Kicking Horse Mountain Resort

Standing at the summit of Kicking Horse Mountain Resort imparts a sensation of being on top of the world. Here, civilization yields to a panorama of snow-capped rugged mountain peaks in every direction. It's astonishing to think that this earthly paradise is a mere three-hour journey from Calgary International Airport, which boasts daily flights from across Canada and the United States.

Kicking Horse Mountain Resort boasts a hundred and twenty designated runs, formidable chutes, expansive open bowls, and powdery terrain that's almost irresistible, making it a challenge to bid farewell to the mountain. As the sun begins to set behind the towering peaks, the après-ski tradition of toasting your favorite beverage at the summit's Eagle Eye restaurant becomes a celebration of yet another day of champagne powder awaiting you in the morning.

Kicking Horse Mountain Resort proudly holds the title of Canada's champagne powder capital, dominating the skyline above the Canadian town of Golden in the western reaches of British Columbia. This resort epitomizes the essence of a grand mountain resort, offering extreme riding opportunities across its five high alpine bowls and serving as a stop on the globally renowned Freeride World Tour.

With over 1,100 hectares of skiable terrain, the resort caters to a wide range of riders, but it is undeniably a mecca for advanced enthusiasts. Five lifts provide access to the resort, including a single gondola that soars from the village to the summit. Once atop the mountain, riders can explore 129 ski runs, encompassing everything from beginner slopes to expert double black diamond trails in intricate mountain bowls.

In the internationally acclaimed Canadian mountain style, accommodation options abound throughout Kicking Horse village, spanning from shared rooms to luxurious private chalets. For budget-conscious riders, just a short distance away, the town of Golden offers a variety of lodging options, along with all the amenities travelers might require. Those who opt to stay at the resort enjoy the privilege of accessing fresh tracks on those exhilarating powder-filled days.

Kicking Horse Lift System

Kicking Horse is all about the big mountain terrain, not having the most lifts in the region. With only 5 lifts riders looking at the trail map might wonder how the ski area is so big with a small lift count.

Beginner riders are well taken care of with the Magic Carpet and the Catamount quad which covers the green zones. Riders who have found their feet will likely upgrade to the Pioneer double to access a few blue runs and longer green runs.

Intermediate, Advanced/Expert and green riders looking for a challenge will all jump on the 3.4km long Golden Eagle Express Gondola and travel up over 1,000m of vertical to the second highest lifted part of the resort but also the gateway to the incredible terrain found in the high alpine bowls. The only remaining lift is the Stairway to Heaven quad chair which access some of the hardest terrain and is mostly black runs down.

Kicking Horse Resort Stats

Kicking Horse Snow

Kicking Horse carriers a reputation for having the best champagne powder snow in all of British Columbia and maybe all of Canada, this is why it’s part of the famed Powder Highway. The snow has the dryness of the famed Rockies Powder but it falls in larger quantities that other resorts higher in Banff.

Getting a decent 7.5m / 24ft of dry Canadian powder each season means the season starts early and normally into April. By mid-season and well into January the high alpine bowls are normally holding a great base and become a big mountain riding mecca where extreme alpine riders flock to challenge themselves.   

Where is Kicking Horse

Kicking Horse Mountain Resort, an adventure worth finding.

A stunning scenic drive brings you to a world-class skiing destination so well-hidden and unknown that most travellers drive right past… leaving the lucky to enjoy the many pleasures of this undiscovered paradise: Kicking Horse Mountain Resort, the best kept secret in the Rockies!

Finding Kicking Horse isn’t hard if you know where to look. The resort is just 1.5 hours west of Banff (145 km) and 2.5 hours west of Calgary (270 km) on the Trans-Canada highway.

Located just 16 minute’s drive from downtown Golden, BC this resort is easily accessed once you arrive at this true Canadian mountain town.  

By Air

The closest international airport to Kicking Horse Mountain Resort is the Calgary International Airport, a 2.5-hour drive from Golden along the scenic Trans Canada Highway. It provides multiple daily commercial flights to and from most regional, national and international destinations.

Alternate Airports

The Canadian Rockies International Airport – located in Cranbrook, British Columbia – is 2.5 hours south of Golden via Highway 95 through the heart of the Kootenay Rockies. Vancouver International Airport and the Kamloops Airport are west of Golden, located nine and five hours away respectively.

·      Canadian Rockies International Airport (YXC)

·      Vancouver International Airport (YVR)

·      Kamloops Airport (YKA)

Kicking Horse Snow News