Located in the Canadian Rockies with some of the driest and most abundant champagne powder in Canada, Kicking Horse Mountain Resort (KHMR) is a paradise for the seriously skilled riders. With long steep chutes, impressive vertical drop, and short lift lines, the resort is a haven for ski and snowboard enthusiasts seeking adrenaline-pumping experiences. Renowned for it's panoramic views, legendary terrain, and arguably the best snow in Canada, Kicking Horse not only offers super riding, but is a gateway for year-round mountain adventures and exploration.

Kicking Horse Mountain Resort

Above the town of Golden, British Columbia, Kicking Horse Ski Resort, your ultimate winter wonderland adventure in Canada, emerges as a premier skiing destination. Spanning over 3,486 acres of skiable terrain, KHMR offers an exhilarating experience with a vertical drop of 1,314 meters (4,314 ft), ranking as the fourth largest among North American ski resorts. Dubbed "The Champagne Powder Capital of Canada," KHMR boosts an annual average snowfall of 730 cm (290 feet) and 129+ named runs. Situated in the Purcell Mountains, overlooking the Rocky Mountain Trench, Kicking Horse is aptly named after the nearby Kicking Horse River and Kicking Horse Pass.

Mountain Statistics:

• Vertical: 4314 feet (1314 meters)
• Terrain: 3486 acres of skiable terrain
• Top Elevation: 8218 feet (2504 meters)
• Alpine bowls: Crystal Bowl, Bowl Over, Feuz Bowl, Super Bowl, and Rudi's Bowl  
• Named Runs: 129+
• Inbound Chutes: 85+

Kicking Horse's continuous commitment to growth is evident in the 2018 addition of the Ozone area, further increasing the skiable terrain by 660 acres. The Ozone South face is legendary, known for its role as the venue for the Freeride World Tour event, and offers epic turns into Feuz Bowl and Rudi's Bowl. Accessing Ozone requires a hike up to Whitewall (via the "Stairway to Heaven"), followed by a descent to the saddle and another hike up to the top of the face. For Middle Ridge, a bootpack leads from the bottom of Feuz Bowl.

Kicking Horse Ski Resort, Canada History

Kicking Horse is located on the traditional unceded territory of the Ktunaxa and Secwepemc peoples which is also home to the Metis Nation. The first notable mention of Europeans in the area was in 1858, during an expedition led by John Palliser to chart a route through the Rockies. Geologist James Hector, found himself in a dramatic encounter. While retrieving a loose pack horse, Hector was knocked unconscious by a kick to the head during a brawl between the horses. Mistaken for dead, Hector awoke in the arms of his Indigenous guides, en route to his own grave. Upon regaining consciousness, he explored the valley and river, eventually immortalizing his ordeal by lending his name to the mountain pass and river—a tribute to resilience and adventure.

In 2011, Resorts of the Canadian Rockies (RCR) acquired Kicking Horse Mountain Resort from the original developer, solidifying its position as a key player in the Canadian skiing landscape. The resort's history traces back to Whitetooth Ski Area, founded in 1986, and its subsequent transformation under the visionary leadership of Vancouver architect Oberto Oberti and the investment of developer Ballast Nedam. The addition of the Eagle Eye Gondola and Catamount fixed grip chair in 2000 marked a significant expansion of the resort, enhancing accessibility and providing breathtaking views.

Geographic Location

Located 6.4 kilometers west of Golden, British Columbia, Kicking Horse Ski Aread is conveniently positioned with the Calgary International Airport just 2.5 hours away. If you’re driving into alpine areas in British Columbia, local enforcement requires that all vehicles carry snow chains.

Winter Operations

To make the best of your time at Kicking Horse Ski Resort, hire a snowboard/ski instructor for the day, or join in on a mountain tour to help you explore the best of terrain. One of my favourite things to do on resort is to do a Early Tracks session, meaning you get to ride up the gondola before the general public and get first tracks.

For non-skiers and snowboarders, Kicking Horse offers adventures for all. From heli-skiing to snowshoeing, or a gondola sightseeing tour—a must-do in British Columbia. Your Golden getaway isn't complete without it!

The primary access at the ski resort is through the Golden Eagle 8-person gondola lift, covering most slopes. Additional slopes are serviced by the Stairway to Heaven quad chairlift. Beginners can use the Catamount quad chairlift at the base, while the Pioneer Chair is opened during peak times. There's also a people mover for children and beginners at the base station.

Beginner Area (Learning & Adventure Centre)

The Jelly Bean express conveyor belt is the perfect space for learning those first turns.

Pioneer Chair

2-person chairlift

Catamount Chair

4-person chairlift (YOC 2000), Length: 1053m, Capacity: 1800/hour.

Golden Eagle Express Gondola

8-person Golden Eagle Express gondola is remarkable, climbing an impressive 3500 vertical in one stage.

Stairway to Heaven

4-person chairlift (YOC 2002), Length: 1400m, Capacity: 1200/hour.

Amenities

*Check the daily snow report for most up to date information on operations and amenities closures.

Parking

Guest Services

Tickets & Passes

If you live near Golden, the early bird family season sale is the best deal. Always check Kicking Horse's website for most up to date information on season passes and tickets. Buy your season pass here!

Lessons

Daycare

As a parent to a toddler, one of my personal recommendations that allows me to continue to snowboard is enrolling our kiddo in daycare and spend the day hiking for the best lines.

From the initial phone call to our arrival at the resort, every moment along the way exceeded our expectations. Since this was our first experience with booking Sylas into a mountain resort daycare, I had lots of questions! The winter sports school navigated me through the process with finesse and grace, building trust and enriching the entire experience.

Adventure Lesson & Lunch Addon

If you do the full day in daycare, make sure you opt for the adventure lesson and lunch add on so that you have the freedom to stay out riding with the kid has an amazing time!

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Rentals

Main Lodge

Whitetooth Grill

The Eagle's Eye

Warm-up Huts

Accommodations

Corporate Bookings/Events

Summer Operations

Kicking Horse mountain biking are accessible by the gondola ride, offering a variety of trails amidst stunning mountain vistas (see trail map). From smooth machine-made trails to rocky technical descents, there's something for every rider. Plus, premium downhill and cross-country bikes and gear are available for rent, ensuring an unforgettable mountain biking experience.

Here's the stats:

• 3,700 ft Vertical Drop
• Over 50 km of Trails
• 31 Trail Runs
• 120+ Drops & Jumps

Adding a unique touch to the resort, Kicking Horse is home to a fenced refuge for a single grizzly bear named "Boo." The refuge is visible from the gondola, and an interpretive centre accessible via the Catamount chair operates for tourism during the summer season. The Grizzly Bear Refuge offers a glimpse into the natural wonders of the region, enhancing the overall experience for visitors to Kicking Horse Mountain Resort.

Experience stunning vistas while hiking or dining. For an adrenaline rush, try Via Ferrata, where intense views accompany the thrill of dangling from a mountain or crossing a suspension bridge (safely harnessed, of course).

To ensure that your visit is sustainable, consider these tips:

1. Plan: Prepare in advance to minimize the impacts of your visit. Check current weather and trail conditions at location where you're travelling.
2. Keep it natural: Leave what you find, and take what you bring. Don't damage plants - observe our beautiful landscape without altering it.
3. Take your trash with you: Always carry a reusable bag to dispose of your litter and recyclables properly. Don't throw food waste away - it attracts wildlife.
4. Respect the wildlife: The Canadian Rockies are home to a diverse range of wildlife, from bears to elk to bighorn sheep. But always remember to keep a respectful distance and never feed them, as this can disrupt their natural behaviours and make them a danger to humans and vehicles.
5. Carpool: Whenever possible, carpool with your fellow adventurers to offset carbon emissions and parking spaces at trailheads.
6. Use public transportation: Use eco-friendly modes of transportation such as buses or trains, which are readily available in the Rockies.
7. Support local: Engage in activities such as sports equipment rental, local restaurants and markets, and cultural events such as museums and shows.
8. Choose sustainable accommodation: Look for eco-friendly hotels, lodges, or campsites that promote sustainable tourism practices.
9. Communication: Often overlooked as a sustainable measure, communicating with someone on your travel plans is key as it may minimize the use of emergency services, or aid for a quicker response in emergency settings.
10. Always be prepared: The Canadian Rockies are rugged and isolated. Carry enough food, water, clothing, maps, and other essentials such as bear spray and a first aid kit.