Kicking Horse Ski Holidays Canada
"Kicking Horse is a must for anyone looking for a challenge. The terrain is epic, with some of the steepest stuff I have ever ridden! There are still plenty of groomers for intermediates however this isn't a resort we'd normally recommend for beginners. Kicking Horse is only 2 hours from Banff, so it's ideal for a twin centre ski holiday."
Kicking Horse Ski Holidays
Kicking Horse Mountain Resort currently offers nearly 3,000 acres of awesome BC terrain and boasts a huge historic annual snowfall of 24 feet a year - making it the envy of many a neighbouring resort. Kicking Horse is now firmly established as a popular ski holiday destination for Ski Independence guests whether as part of a longer Canadian Rockies road-trip itinerary or as a stand-alone resort in its own right.
Kicking Horse is definitely a skiers resort with the upper mountain unashamedly stacked with countless black and double black diamond runs. You’ll find four massive alpine bowls and four ridges featuring over 85 inbound chutes. You get a sense of what the resort is focussed on by checking out some of the great trail names: Terminator, Unnecessary Roughness, Valhalla, Consequence and Prairie Oyster. For skiing enthusiasts, Kicking Horse should be on your list!
Skiing in Kicking Horse
As with most top Canadian ski resorts, novices and learners are well catered for mostly at the base of the mountain. Once they’re feeling confident learner skiers can ascend from the resort base to the summit of the mountain courtesy of the Golden Eagle Express gondola. After a quick selfie, something to eat or drink at the mountain-top Eagle Eye restaurant, and a peek at the stunning 360 degree panoramic views of the Rockies, they can gently cruise down the meandering easiest way down all the way home – a great way to end the day!
Intermediate skiers and riders are similarly well taken care of with lots of choice all over the mountain – a favourite run is to ski laps on the Stairway to Heaven lift to the 8,033ft summit down Cloud Nine trail, and repeat! Meanwhile advanced and expert skiers and riders are really spoilt for choice here – the upper mountain at Kicking Horse used to be heli-ski terrain, and it still retains that wild, airy and edgy feel. Make no mistake, this is proper full-on technical and steep terrain where you’ll find chutes, trees and drops - certainly not for the faint-hearted, but if you have the skills to pay the bills, this is the place to be.
Main Image: Destination BC/Reuben Krabbe
"Kicking Horse is a must for anyone looking for a challenge. The terrain is epic, with some of the steepest stuff I have ever ridden! There are still plenty of groomers for intermediates however this isn't a resort we'd normally recommend for beginners. Kicking Horse is only 2 hours from Banff, so it's ideal for a twin centre ski holiday."
Offers in Kicking Horse
Kicking Horse Accommodation
Palliser Lodge
The Palliser Lodge offers spacious and well-appointed condos in a...
Glacier Mountaineer Lodge
The Glacier Mountaineer Lodge is Kicking Horse's premier ski-in/ski-out property,...
Après-Ski in Kicking Horse
Kicking Horse Mountain Resort funnels you down to a fully-focussed apres area right at the base of the mountain. There's enough up in the mountain resort to keep you fully engaged, but there's a few interesting choices to apres down in the town of Golden.
Peaks Grill
Slide-to / slope-out apres bar serving jugs of local craft beer, cans, bottles and shooters - best of the bunch, a Burt Reynolds (butter ripple Schnapps + spiced Rum). Serves a great selection of quality Canadian appetizers - pulled pork poutine and nachos for example. Expect good tunes, a lively patio scene, sports on the telly and a fun vibe. What's not to like?
Double Black Cafe
Steps from the Gondola, the Double Black Cafe is a nice little spot to end your ski day at the 'Horse. Best for a quick cold beer and top foodie snacks.
Winston Bar & Bistro
A more upmarket bar with a welcoming wood-burning fireplace and great choice of malt whiskies and local beers. Relaxed ambience with spectacular food too.
Dining in Kicking Horse
Kicking Horse Mountain Resort has a culinary experience for every palate. From fine dining to a quick snack to seven course meals. Choose from eight distinct restaurants, cafés, pubs and even a mid-mountain Yurt.
Eagle's Eye Restaurant
The crown jewel of on-mountain dining. A meal at the Eagle's Eye is a must when visiting Kicking Horse, whether it is a lunch or dinner. Located at the top of the Gondola, the views from this restaurant are out of this world. Dinner is available on Friday and Saturday nights (and selected holiday dates) only. Reservations are a must.
Winston Bar & Bistro
The Winston Bar & Bistro, is an authentic pub and restaurant boasting a fine selection of malt whiskies, beer, wine and delicious pub fare as well as the delectable warmth of a wood-burning fireplace. It’s the perfect rustic and cozy atmosphere in which to relax and dine while sharing a wee dram or two with friends.
Peaks Grill
Whether it is for a quick lunch stop or for some post ski nourishment, then Peaks Grill is a great choice. You'll get a first class view of the slopes at the end of the day, as Peaks is located right at the ski base just opposite the Gondola. Burgers, pasta and pizza are on the menu and are often accompanied by a game of ice hockey on the big screen.
Eleven22 Restaurant
Original modern comfort food prepared to order are the hallmarks of downtown Golden's top-rated restaurant. Expect a seasonally inspired menu focussing on local ingredients. Expect good wine, interesting artwork and a nice local vibe.
Turning Point Restaurant
Family-owned and run downtown Golden restaurant serving well-crafted pizza, pasta and meat dishes and most Canadian classics. This is authentic local Canadian cuisine at its best.