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Kicking Horse

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Kicking Horse Mountain Resort (KHMR) is located in British Columbia, Canada, and is recognized as a leading destination for winter sports and nature activities. This ski resort, which is 6.4 kilometers west of Golden, draws attention with its large terrain, panoramic views, and exciting skiing chances. Comprising more than 120 paths across 3,486 acres of skiable terrain, the resort appeals to a wide spectrum of ability levels. Attracting thrills seekers worldwide, its vertical drop of 1,315 meters ranks sixth among all the drops in North America.

The name of the resort comes from the nearby Kicking Horse River and Kicking Horse Pass, important historical and geographical sites. The easternmost slope of the Purcell Mountains provides broad views of the Rocky Mountain Trench from KHMS. Its close proximity to Yoho National Park and Glacier National Park makes it the perfect base from which to explore the many ecosystems of the Canadian Rockies.

The Golden Eagle Express, a fast gondola allowing access from the base to the summit, is the backbone of KHMS’ infrastructure. Two lesser chairlifts—the fixed-grip quad Catamount and the fixed-grip double Pioneer—the latter remnants of the Whitetooth era—add to this main conveyance. The top northern areas—including the third bowl—are served by the fixed-grip quad Stairway to Heaven. Although upward capacity is very limited, the primary way to reach the peak is still the gondola.

Among the winter sports enthusiasts that KHMS serves are skiers, snowboarders, snowskaters, and telemarkers. The resort is well known for its light, dry snow—often referred to as “Champagne powder.” At the middle-mountain station, annual snowfall averages 730 cm; larger accumulations in alpine areas. Together with varied topography, this outstanding snow quality makes KHMR a very sought-after location.

The resort runs from late June to early October for mountain biking and sightseeing; from mid-December to mid-April for winter activities. Key locations include CPR Ridge, Crystal Bowl, and Bowl Over, which are accessible by the gondola. The most easily available descent from the gondola, Crystal Bowl’s vast, wide terrain provides intermediate skiing. Bowl Over appeals to expert skiers with a higher gradient and more moguls. A path developed in 2007 let advanced intermediate skiers into Bowl Over, therefore increasing the attraction of the resort.

Located between Crystal Bowl and Bowl Over, CPR Ridge has some of the 75 incoming chutes accessible at KHMS. These chutes challenge advanced to expert levels differently. On the other side of CPR Ridge, a sequence of glades provides another skiing experience amid the woods.

Found near Crystal Bowl’s base, the Stairway to Heaven chairlift allows access to White Wall, Feuz Bowl, and Redemption Ridge. Accessible by a short climb, White Wall is set aside for experienced skiers because of its rock formations and large cornices. Feuz Bowl provides expert skiing on par with CPR Ridge; Redemption Ridge offers a mix of chutes and glades.

Located on the left side of Bowl Over, Terminal Peak and Ridge add to the appeal of the resort. Whereas the northern face has steep, tight expert chutes back to Bowl Over, the southern side of Terminator Ridge leads to Super Bowl. Popular activity taking fifteen to thirty minutes depending on physical condition, climbing to the top of Terminator Ridge pays explorers with unmatched views and thrilling descents.

With its blend of natural beauty, difficult terrain, and varied activities, Kicking Horse Mountain Resort epitomizes the appeal of the Canadian Rockies. It is a prime location in one of Canada’s most breathtaking scenery, as it provides an unmatched experience for both nature lovers ready to explore the nearby national parks and passionate skiers looking for expert-level difficulties.

CategoryDetails
LocationGolden, British Columbia, Canada
Resort Altitude1,190 meters (base)
Ski SeasonTypically December to April
Ski Pass PricesVaries; check resort website for details
Opening TimesGenerally 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM
Number of Pistes120+
Total Piste LengthApproximately 120 km
Longest RunAbout 10 km
Easy Slopes20%
Moderate Slopes20%
Advanced Slopes60%
Directions of SlopesNorth, East, South
Night SkiingNot available
Snow MakingLimited
Total Lifts5
Uphill CapacityApproximately 12,000 skiers per hour
Highest Lift2,450 meters
Gondolas/Cable Cars1
Chairlifts2
Drag Lifts2
Snow Parks1
Ski RentalsAvailable
Après-skiVarious options in the village
Canadian Dollar (CAD)

Currency

2000

Founded

/

Calling code

/

Population

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Area

English

Official language

Approximately 1,190 meters (base)

Elevation

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Time zone

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