Kicking Horse Mountain Resort stands out for its challenging terrain, spectacular scenery, and a laid-back, authentic Canadian vibe. Often praised for steep chutes and deep powder, Kicking Horse now boasts 4,314 ft (1,314 m) of vertical—the fifth-largest drop in North America—and over 4,100 acres (1,659 ha) of skiable terrain following recent expansions into Ozone South face and Middle Ridge. It consistently draws advanced and expert skiers looking to test their mettle on big-mountain lines once reserved only for heli-skiing.
But it’s not just for adrenaline junkies. Beginners can still find user-friendly slopes near the base, while intermediates enjoy a well-rounded selection of groomed runs and off-piste options around the resort’s four main alpine bowls. This guide covers everything you need to plan your ski holiday—where to stay, what to ski, and how to experience Kicking Horse’s small but lively après scene.
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Kicking Horse Mountain Resort is located 14 km (9 miles) outside Golden, a small logging town in southeastern British Columbia, Canada.
For a detailed view of Kicking Horse's location, you can explore it on Google Maps.
Nearest airport
Transfer time
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| 4,314 ft (1,314 m) vertical | Nightlife is minimal |
| Ski-in/ski-out lodging | Some black runs may be too challenging for some |
| Champagne powder | Not many mid-mountain lifts |
| Authentic small-resort vibe | Gondola queues can be long on powder days |
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Compared to some larger resorts, lift infrastructure here is minimal. Aside from the Golden Eagle Express and the Stairway to Heaven chair, you’ll often ski right down to the base to ride back up. On powder days, gondola queues can build early on—yet once the crowd disperses, fresh tracks linger in the vast alpine bowls. Known for its light, dry powder, Kicking Horse sees regular snowfall throughout the season. On clear days, you’ll enjoy panoramic views of the Rocky, Selkirk, and Purcell mountain ranges.
Despite its reputation for tough terrain, Kicking Horse does provide for beginners. The lower mountain has gentle, learner-friendly slopes and a separate beginner lift. Once novices feel comfortable, they can take the gondola to the summit for an epic top-to-bottom green run (It’s a Ten, ~10 km / 6 miles long), soaking in panoramic views and finishing at the base.
Intermediates will find plenty of groomed runs in the middle-lower sections of the mountain and around Crystal Bowl. Not all intermediate routes are perfectly manicured, but that’s part of the appeal—slightly steeper pitches and occasional off-piste sections let you challenge yourself. Laps off the Stairway to Heaven chair are a favourite, including runs like Cloud Nine.
Kicking Horse is a haven for advanced riders, with an abundance of black and double-black diamond lines that often exceed the difficulty ratings found elsewhere. Standout runs such as Terminator, Unnecessary Roughness, and Valhalla deliver chutes, cliff drops, and wide-open bowls reminiscent of heli-ski terrain. Keep in mind that even single-black runs here may feel like double-black in other resorts, so approach with caution.
For experts seeking a true big-mountain experience, Kicking Horse’s off-piste scene is where the resort truly shines. The Ozone and Middle Ridge expansions offer additional steep lines and rugged terrain, accessible via short bootpacks. Avalanche safety is paramount, so these areas open only after thorough control work. When conditions align, you’ll find some of Canada’s most thrilling inbound terrain—ideal for confident skiers and snowboarders looking to push their limits.
Snowboarders thrive on Kicking Horse’s steep bowls, natural hits, and powder-filled glades. While traditional terrain parks are limited, the mountain’s gullies, cornices, and wind-lips allow for creative freeriding. Powder hounds especially appreciate Kicking Horse’s famously dry “champagne” snow, which can remain untracked in the hike-to areas.
The 2024/25 ski season at Kicking Horse is scheduled to start on 13 December and is expected to run until 20 April, although these dates may vary depending on snow conditions. If you're planning a ski holiday this season, be sure to explore our Kicking Horse deals for the best ski offers available.
Kicking Horse offers optimal snow conditions from December through April. December and January consistently bring about 23 cm (9.05 in) and 21 cm (8.26 in) of snow respectively, dispersed across roughly 4.7 days each week, ensuring regular fresh snow. February's snowfall slightly decreases to 22 cm (8.66 in) but occurs more frequently, averaging 4.8 days per week. The pinnacle of snowfall arrives in the third week of November, traditionally the snowiest week in Kicking Horse, with an impressive 30 cm (11.8 in) of snow over 4.6 days, making it a paradise for those who cherish Bluebird Powder Days—when sunshine and light winds follow fresh snowfall. The season stretches into April with enjoyable conditions, accumulating 17 cm (6.69 in) of snow over 4.6 days, perfect for softer snow under brighter skies.
| Month | Snow amount (week) | Snow days (week) |
|---|---|---|
| December | 23 cm (9.05 in) | 4.7 days |
| January | 21 cm (8.26 in) | 4.7 days |
| February | 22 cm (8.66 in) | 4.8 days |
| March | 23 cm (9.05 in) | 5.3 days |
| April | 17 cm (6.69 in) | 4.5 days |
(Ref: snow-forecast.com)
From quick snacks to fine dining at altitude, Kicking Horse’s culinary scene has something for most tastes. On-mountain options are limited but memorable, while the nearby town of Golden provides more variety. Highlights include:
Après-ski at Kicking Horse is conveniently funnelled into the base area, where a handful of bars keep things lively right off the slopes. The vibe is relaxed and relatively quiet compared to larger resorts like Whistler. If you’re looking for a more extensive nightlife scene, consider heading down to Golden, where you’ll find additional bars, restaurants, and occasional live music. Après-ski highlights include:
Download Kicking Horse resort map here
