Kicking Horse is famous for its hardcore expert terrain, of which there is much, with nigh on 100 of the 128 runs being either black or double black. There are areas for intermediates too, and a good beginners’ area, so Kicking Horse is not just the domain of the power rider. The ski resort is made up of four large bowls – Bowl Over, Crystal Bowl, Feuz Bowl and Superbowl. The lift system is a little limited with just six lifts serving the whole mountain, meaning that experts have to do quite a bit of up and down, and hiking, to fully explore the magnificent range of terrain. Beginner skiers will stay around the base of the mountain, where there’s plenty of space to practice, while intermediates can venture a little higher up to Grizzly Paw and Wiley Coyote.
Snow parks in Kicking Horse
There is a small terrain park at Kicking Horse ski resort, but it is limited and offers few real challenges for experts.
Off-piste in Kicking Horse
It is possible to access some great backcountry skiing relatively easily at Kicking Horse. However, with such steep terrain it is quite avalanche prone and the powers that be are understandably strict on making sure off-piste skiers are properly prepped. For cross-country skiers, the world-class Dawn Mountain Nordic Centre just north of the resort provides 30 km of groomed trails, as well as a cosy hut complete with a wood burning stove to warm up in.
Lift passes in Kicking Horse
The Kicking Horse ski lifts open in early December through to April and prices are on a par with the rest of Canada – a three day adult pass will set you back $228. Kids and youths (6-17) ski for free in the Learning Zone, but there is a charge for children and youths of all ages if skiing on the mountain.
Ski hire in Kicking Horse
Ski and snowboard equipment rentals, including cross-country skis, are available at the Performance Rental Center in the Kicking Horse Resort Plaza. The Glacier Lodge’s Canyon Creek Outfitters also provides good quality rentals.
Ski schools in Kicking Horse
The Kicking Horse ski school teachers are excellent and offer private, group or family lessons for all ages and abilities. You can take half day or full day lessons and there are various useful packages, such as Discover Snow for absolute beginners, which features small class sizes, and has equipment hire and lift passes included in the price. The Big Mountain Centre provides lessons in how to handle the further reaches of the mountain, as well offering heli-skiing prep classes and private guiding for advanced skiers and snow boarders. Packages vary and the multi-day programs include lift priority and lunch at the excellent Eagle’s Eye restaurant.
