|
Kicking Horse Mountain Ski Resort
| Mountain Statistics |
|
 |
| Longest Run |
10km / 6mi |
| # of runs |
96 |
| Skiable Terrain |
2,750 acres |
| Ave Annual Snowfall |
7.0m / 23.0ft |
| Top Elevation |
2450m / 8033ft |
| Vertical Rise |
1260m / 4133ft |
| Lift Capacity |
n/a |
| % runs (beginner / intermediate / advanced) |
20/20/60 |
| Full Ski Rentals |
yes |
| Day Care |
no |
| Ski School |
yes |
| Food Service |
Eagle Eye Restaurant, Day Lodge - Indoor / Outdoor Food Court |
| Season |
early Nov - mid April |
| Standard Rates (based on 2 days min)* |
Adult - $53, Senior - $43, Youth - $43, Child - $23 |
* Adult: 18-64, Senior: 65+, Youth: 13-17, Child: 6-12
Ski Resort Overview
Kicking Horse Mountain Resort, 2.5 hours west of Calgary, is the first ski resort to be built in Canada in 25 years. Construction of the resort began in fall of 1999 and Kicking Horse opened its doors December 8, 2000. An 8 passanger state-of-the-art gondola, the Golden Eagle Express, takes skiers from the village to the top of the mountain and a mountain top restaurant called the Eagle's Eye.
Kicking Horse Mountain has been transformed from heli-skiing heaven to the newest shining star in the North American ski resort scene. Still relatively unknown on an international field since opening in 2000, Kicking Horse Mountain is blessed with vast terrain, heart stopping vertical, and unbeatable snow conditions.
Kicking Horse's secret is now out of the bag though. In an on-line special report called ‘Adventures on the Edge’, CNN.com asked Travel + Leisure Magazine to name the ten best and most challenging snow destinations for 2004, and the magazine identified Kicking Horse Resort as the top spot for powder.
“If you'd rather pass on climbing out of a helicopter or a giant tractor, but still seek deep, luscious powder, Kicking Horse, Canada, may have the answer. You can be assured there will be nice fluffy conditions. It's dryer, and there won't be icy or wet patches,” said Travel + Leisure’s associate editor Heather Mitchell. Visitors should look forward to “waist high drifts, big wide open bowls and ungroomed back county chutes.” The CNN.com listing is the second major honour Kicking Horse Mountain Resort has received for its legendary powder this year. In its November, 2003 issue, Skiing Magazine named Kicking Horse Mountain Resort number one for powder in North America.
Where to Stay
While the village is still in its infancy, there is plenty of excellent accommodation at or near the base of Kicking Horse Mountain Resort and the nearby town of Golden.
Whispering Pines offers ski-in / ski-out townhome accommodation at the base of Kicking Horse Mountain Resort. They feature large 3 bedroom, elegant stone and timber construction complimented by modern amenities including full kitchen and private outdoor hot tub.
Your entire family can stay right at the resort in one of a fine selection of the mountain Resort Homes. Architectural masterpieces, these exclusive residences are located just steps from the Gondola. The first of many homes were completed for the 2003/04 snow season.
Looking for the ultimate in luxury and a completely unique experience? At 7700 feet above sea level, perched high on a rugged summit overlooking the Town of Golden, Columbia Valley, Rocky, Purcell & Selkirk Mountains, sits the Eagle’s Eye. Nestled within the timber, rock and glass structure are the Eagle's Eye Suites. Tastefully appointed with a Rocky Mountain flare, these exclusive suites offer a sanctum of luxury and solitude.
Kicking Horse is also set to feature several excellent lodges at the base of the resort. Located across from the Golden Eagle Express Gondola, Vagabond Lodge (open March 1, 2004) offers the warmth and character of a Rocky Mountain Lodge, along with the charm and service of a fine European pension. 10 lodge rooms each with private bathroom, some with balconies and lofts, all tastefully decorated with natural earth tones. On-site bar, lounge areas with wood burning fireplaces, games and media room and outdoor hot tub are just some of the amenities.
Though lacking in charm, budget minded travelers will find excellent deals in the town of Golden about 20 minutes outside of Kicking Horse Mountain Resort.
Regardless of your budget, Ultimate Rockies offers numerous lodging options in Kicking Horse Resort and Golden that will keep you warm and cozy at a cost that will keep you smiling the whole trip.
Recommended Ski Packages
|
Other Ski Resorts (within 1 hr drive)
|
| Golden Ski Weekend |
Lake Louise |
| Columbia Valley Ski Escape |
Panorama Mountain Village |
| Ultimate Canadian Rockies Ski Expedition |
|
| Canadian Pacific Ski Week |
|
|
|
|
|
|
