Kicking Horse Mountain Resort, nestled in the heart of British Columbia, remains a favorite among those seeking challenging terrain and deep powder. A recent visit to the resort provided an opportunity to re-evaluate its offerings and assess any changes since previous trips.
Located a short drive from the Alberta border, Kicking Horse is easily accessible. The resort is known for its steep chutes, wide-open powder bowls, and well-maintained groomers, catering primarily to intermediate and expert skiers and snowboarders, according to planetski.eu.
Terrain and Lifts
The Golden Eagle Express gondola is the primary lift, transporting guests from the base at 1,190m to near the summit at 2,346m. From the top of the gondola, adventurous skiers can boot-pack to Terminator Peak (2,410m) and access numerous black diamond and double black diamond runs. The resort's management team, including Toby Garrett, highlights the challenging nature of this terrain, noting that entry can be tricky, particularly at the very top. The Stairway to Heaven chair provides access to groomers, bowls, and tree skiing.
Snow Conditions
Kicking Horse boasts an average annual snowfall of 7.5 meters. As of early February, the resort had already received 6.5 meters this season, thanks to a record-breaking December, planetski.eu reports. However, more snow would be welcome to refresh the slopes.
Dining
Unlike many North American resorts, Kicking Horse offers quality on-mountain dining. Eagle’s Nest is a standout, especially during whiteout conditions. At the base, Black Diamond serves fresh, local food at reasonable prices.
Master Development Plan
A Master Development Plan was unveiled in 2009, outlining ambitious plans for 13 new lifts, an 18-hole golf course, and increased bed units, with the goal of transforming Kicking Horse into a destination resort. However, according to planetski.eu, much of this plan remains unfulfilled. While some terrain and property development have occurred, the 13 new lifts have not materialized. The resort considers the plan a statement of possibilities rather than a concrete roadmap.
Boo the Bear
No discussion of Kicking Horse is complete without mentioning Boo, a rescued grizzly bear. Orphaned in 2002, Boo resides in a 20-acre protected habitat in the middle of the ski slopes. He is a popular tourist attraction during the summer months and hibernates during the winter. Boo's presence adds a unique element to the Kicking Horse experience.
Overall, Kicking Horse Mountain Resort maintains its appeal as a destination for serious skiers and snowboarders. While some aspects of the resort, such as the unfulfilled development plan, remain unchanged, the challenging terrain, deep powder, and unique character continue to make it a gem in the Canadian Rockies.
