Kicking Horse Resort ski | ski holidays in Canada

Afbeelding - Kicking Horse Resort — © Michael Strum/Resorts of the Canadian Rockies

Kicking Horse Resort in short

Height: 1190 metres
Authentic and down-to-earth village scene
Amazing views of the surrounding mountains
Fairly easy to access from Calgary Airport

The ski resort at Kicking Horse grew out of a local ski hill after the overwhelming majority of local residents voted to develop the terrain. A few decades after its inception, the resort is still very much up-and-coming. If you visit now and don’t mind the limited infrastructure, you’ll be rewarded with a dearth of terrain that you’ll have practically all to yourself. This exciting and challenging ski area is particularly suited to expert skiers, although beginners and intermediates will find some worthy options as well.

Kicking Horse has a small base area with a few restaurants and general amenities. You can stay at the mountain itself or in the nearby town of Golden, which has a very local vibe. The town has its roots as a pit stop during the construction of the Canadian Pacific Railroad in the late 1800’s. Not yet as trendy as most ski towns, this is a welcome break from more touristy resorts. To get here, take a flight into Calgary; the resort is a further 3-hour drive away. However, Kicking Horse is not too far from Jasper and Banff and there is a shuttle that runs from Banff, making it possible to take a day trip.

Review of Kicking Horse Resort

Winter hiking
Cross-country skiing
Aprés-ski
Family/children
Price level

Restaurants and bars

The Eagle’s Eye restaurant at an altitude of over 2300m is the highest restaurant in Canada and boasts stunning panoramic views of several different mountain ranges and five national parks. Indulge in a gourmet meal or have a pint or two for après-ski. The more casual Whitetooth Grill has lively après-ski and live music at weekends. For an alternative experience, try out the Heaven’s Door Yurt at the base of the Stairway to Heaven chairlift.

Alternate activities

Kicking Horse offers a full range of winter activities including ice skating, snowmobiling, cross-country and telemark skiing, tubing, snowshoeing, ice skating and even heli-skiing.

Families

There is daycare for the tiny tots, as well as specially adapted lessons for children. Some hotels have indoor swimming pools; unfortunately the public outdoor pool is closed in winter.