KICKING HORSE MOUNTAIN RESORT, CANADA
Why Kicking Horse is Canada’s ski resort for dare devils
Kicking Horse lives up to its namesake – this ski resort has a rep for being the place to go if you want to ski hard core – and you might just get a kick up the butt while doing so!
Where is Kicking Horse?
The resort is located 90km to the west of Banff, and is around a two and a half hour drive – depending on weather – from Calgary.
The double black diamond chutes and astounding bowls here have been known to take the ego of many a ski dude and dudette down a few notches. But, somehow, that just makes you want to try it for yourself even more, right?
FYI, the summits at Kicking Horse, once only reached by privileged heli-skiers are now open to everyone (hooray for equality!). So, if you’re a daring Aussie skier who's spent endless nights dreaming of what it must be like to soar down the mountains of the gods (ok, perhaps a little dramatic, but just go with it), then it's time to get yourself here asap!
Kicking Horse ski runs
Kicking Horse hosts 2,800 acres of skiing terrain. The top of the mountain has four main bowls, plus loads of ridges that combine out into one main face, creating a total of 120 different runs to choose from.
The resort boasts a sheer plummet of 1,260m – which is the fourth longest run in North America – so make sure your thighs are ready for this trip!
While the resort is famed for it’s advanced terrain, there are plenty of options for beginners too. That makes it much easier to convince your beginner skier partner or friends that it's the place to be too.
Kicking Horse restaurants and nightlife
Kicking Horse has a great range of restaurants available. Be sure to treat yourself to a mountain-top meal – there a couple of special places sat atop the peak, accessible via gondola.
Après ski is fairly mellow in Kicking Horse, but there are still a few cosy options – some offering live music and great views.
Why would I want to ski in Kicking Horse?
The super dry powder, sheer sweeping bowls and epic glade skiing make Kicking Horse a perfect diamond in the rough.
And as a resort in its early stages, its budding with potential. The new lifts and snow machines to come will mean big improvements to the skiing terrain – but the time to go is now.
You'll beat the crowds, discover this intrepid mountain range before it’s taken over by the masses - and get to be that annoying traveller who reminds everyone of the good ole days and what it was like before the tourists arrived.
Getting to the slopes in Kicking Horse
There are only four chairlifts in the resort. Two of these are reserved for beginners – however the main lift from the bottom of the mountain all the way to the top is a high-speed gondola. This gives connoisseurs access to an array of runs at the top of the peak.
Kicking Horse tips
Sharpen your skills before heading to this bold mountain – you want to stride out of Kicking Horse and boast about your adventures – not hobble away with your tail through your legs!
