KICKING HORSE , CANADA
Ski & Snowboard Resort Review
Previously a heli skiing and snowboarding destination, Kicking Horse Mountain Resort opened to the public in December 2000, the only new Canadian resort to open in the last twenty five years.
Kicking Horse Skiing and Snowboarding Terrain
The terrain consists of gentle beginner slopes, long groomed corduroy linking trails, open powder bowls, tight chutes and extreme steeps.
Advanced Skiing and Snowboarding
Advanced skiing and snowboarding is fantastic at Kicking Horse. In the upper mountain area there are three separate bowls with seventy black diamond steep narrow chutes leading down into them.
For a real challenge hike to the top of Terminator Peak and take the Glory chute leading into the ungroomed deep powder filled Bowl Over bowl before hitting the massive moguls on the Liberty and Double Header runs. The Terminator Peak is the only peak that requires a hike to get access it the other two peaks are accessed via lifts.
On the lower mountain the Pioneer Chairlift accesses fast steep tree lined mogul runs.
Intermediate Skiing and Snowboarding
Intermediate trails can be accessed from every lift at Kicking Horse. A very enjoyable run is the longest trail on the mountain the 10km long It's a Ten, it winds its way from the top of the mountain all the way down to the base area.
From the top of the Stairway to Heaven Chairlift turn left and take Cloud Nine trail into the Crystal Bowl for some beautiful groomed wide terrain. kicking horse skiing picture Kicking Horse Mountain Resort
Beginner Skiing and Snowboarding
The lower left hand section of the mountain is all gentle wide beginner terrain. First timers learn on the terrain in front of the Day Lodge serviced by the Magic Carpet Pony Express.
Once confidence grows catch the Catamount Chairlift up to the top for a choice of fun winding wide trails back down to the base area.
Only very confident beginners should catch the Golden Eagle Express Gondola to the top of the mountain before attempting the 10km long It’s a Ten trail back down, it is relatively steep in couple of areas.
Kicking Horse Heli Skiing and Snowboarding
Purcell Helicopter Skiing conducts skiing, snowboarding and telemark helicopter tours throughout the surrounding mountains. Expect to ski or snowboard over glaciers, on wide open powder fields and through forests. Guests can book either 3 run or 5 run day trip packages with professional guides.
Guided Tours of Kicking Horse
Kicking Horse has snow hosts providing free guided mountain tours twice daily at 10am and 12.30pm. To sign up for a free tour go to the Golden Guides desk in the Day Lodge.
First Tracks Skiing and Snowboarding at Kicking Horse
Kicking Horse offers a First Tracks program every Saturday morning at 7.30am. The $24.95 price includes a big breakfast at Eagle’s Eye before letting rip on the slopes.
Other Activities at Kicking Horse
Other activities at Kicking Horse include snow tubing, snowmobiling, snow shoeing, cross country skiing, ice climbing and scenic plane rides.
Kicking Horse Shopping
In the Kicking Horse Village the Kicking Horse Brand Store has all the Kicking Horse logo gear you could imagine while Canyon Creek Outfitters will cater for all your skiing and snowboarding equipment and rental requirements with the latest gear.
Ski and snowboards can be tuned and waxed at Selkirk Sports who also supply equipment and clothing.
The Kicking Horse General Store sells grocery products, liquor, magazines and takeaway coffees. It also has internet access and an ATM.
Kicking Horse Restaurants
Eagle’s Eye located at 7,705 feet on top of the mountain is the highest elevated restaurant in Canada. It has a cafeteria and full service fine dining restaurant serving French inspired cuisine open for lunch and dinner. The surrounding mountainous views from the outdoor deck and the restaurant are breath taking.
In the Kicking Horse Village the Japanese Sushi Kuma restaurant is very popular serving traditional Japanese meals from sushi to beef curries and tempura.
Extreme Peaks is the perfect family dining spot serving burgers, pasta and pizzas, it has big screen TVs showing the latest sporting events from around the country.
Corks Restaurant serves delicious meals in a quiet surrounds in the Copper Horse Lodge and has an extensive cocktail and wine list.
In the town of Golden, about a 20 minute drive from Kicking Horse there are more restaurants, cafes and bars. The restaurants range from fine dining to steak houses, Italian, Chinese to takeaway and fast food outlets.
Kicking Horse Nightlife
For après ski drinks don’t go past the Whitetooth Grill, they have live bands and DJs every weekend and a tasty snack menu.
The Scottish style Local Hero Pub is always busy and stays open until late every night.
The main bulk of the night life is in the town of Golden; Packers Place Inn and Pub is one of the most popular night spots serving good cheap food in a fun atmosphere.
More About Kicking Horse
Get directions to Kicking Horse
Your Kicking Horse Ski & Snowboard Resort Reviews
Gath S, Canada, April 2006 It might be a new resort but Kicking Horse totally rules. The powder is mind blowing, I've lost visual contact with my friends many times when they actually disappeared into the fresh stuff it was so deep. Big face shots awesome! It will soon be known as one of the top resort in the country. From the double black diamond chutes at the top of the Golden Eagle Express to the baby slopes leading down to the Day Lodge the meticulous design, planning and maintenance is evident. I'm saving my pennies so I can buy into a lodge/condo and retire there when I get old.
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275
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5 |
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no |
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no |
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