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Kimberley Alpine Ski Resort
| Mountain Statistics |
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| Longest Run |
6.4km / 4.0mi |
| # of runs |
67 |
| Skiable Terrain |
1,800 acres |
| Ave Annual Snowfall |
4.0m / 13.1ft |
| Top Elevation |
1982m / 6500ft |
| Vertical Rise |
751m / 2465ft |
| Lift Capacity |
10,000/hr |
| % runs (beginner / intermediate / advanced) |
20/45/35 |
| Full Ski Rentals |
yes |
| Day Care |
yes |
| Ski School |
yes |
| Food Service |
Restaurant, Night Club, Cafeteria, Coffee Shop, Cafe, Bar & Grill |
| Season |
early Dec - mid April |
| Standard Rates (based on 2 days min)* |
Adult - $48, Senior - $38, Youth - $34, Child - $16 |
* Adult: 18-64, Senior: 65+, Youth: 13-17, Child: 6-12
Ski Resort Overview
Coined the Bavarian City of the Rockies, Kimberley, British Columbia has been developed with a European flair. It’s a mélange of Bavarian lederhosen and Canadian cowboy hats - odd, very unique, but it works! Kimberley is one of Canada’s quirkiest ski towns and best kept secrets.
You’ll find this peculiar city and its ski resort tucked quietly into the Purcell Mountains, home of the BC Bugaboos. Kimberley is located about 20 minutes from the Cranbrook Airport in British Columbia, and about three and a half hours in drive time from the international airport in Calgary, Alberta.
The resort itself isn’t big by Western Canadian standards, nor is it imposing to look at. Its terrain rolls gradually away from its base, and until you ski the area you cannot appreciate its scope. Primarily a locals’ haunt until 1998, Kimberley slowly gained international recognition once purchased by Resorts of the Canadian Rockies (RCR), which also owns nearby Fernie and Alberta’s Lake Louise. RCR has been working on a series of upgrades at Kimberley, including new lifts, new hotels and infrastructure for a new base village. A $250-million master plan is now in effect.
With 2,465 feet of vertical, Kimberley is not one of BC’s giants, but its varied terrain and proliferation of trails keep things interesting. There are nine lifts, including one high-speed quad called The North Star Express, two triples, two doubles, two T-bars, a magic carpet and two handle tows. The terrain stretches from east to west, with the lowest regions made especially for intermediate cruising and beginners. Surprisingly, Kimberley Alpine Resort also blesses skiers and boarders with some of the longest runs in the Rockies.
The upper Maverick T-bar is one of the longest in North America, and leads adrenaline junkies straight onto some wide-open runs. It’s also the main access for Kootenay Haus, a slopeside restaurant reminiscent of delightful on-mountain eating in Europe. Head to the Easter triple for steep, short-shot skiing. Beginners can get their fill on the handle tows, and there’s night skiing on The Main, just off the Maverick T-bar. Kimberley receives about 150 inches (400 cm) of snow annually.
There are plans to expand ski area’s base, but for now, the main action takes place in the small city of Kimberley, about 1.5 kilometres from the ski area. Kimberley started as a mining town, then added Bavarian architecture and traditions for the sake of the tourists. There’s a platzl (pedestrian-only town centre), Tyrolean-style chalets, pubs, gift shops, restaurants and plenty of accordion music.
Where to Stay
Kimberley Alpine Resort and the surrounding area have world class accommodations with a variety of options to meet everyone's needs. There is everything from luxurious on-mountain lodging, condo style living with convenience of ski-in/ski-out access to economy rooms for those on a budget.
The Trickel Creek Residence Inn by Marriott is a ski-in/ski-out hotel in the heart of Kimberley’s Alpine Village. Features include an outdoor heated swimming pool, two outdoor hot tubs, a fitness room and a restaurant. The Polaris Inn is also ski-in/ski-out and there are a number of other condos and hotels both near the alpine village, as well as in the city.
Regardless of your budget, Ultimate Rockies offers numerous lodging options in Kimberley and the Columbia Valley that will keep you warm and cozy at a cost that will keep you smiling the whole trip.
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