Kicking Horse Mountain Resort https://kickinghorseresort.com Mon, 04 Mar 2024 17:07:02 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.4.3 https://kickinghorseresort.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/cropped-KHMR-favicon-512x512-32x32.png Kicking Horse Mountain Resort https://kickinghorseresort.com 32 32 A Kick Ass Day https://kickinghorseresort.com/blog/a-kick-ass-day/ Sat, 03 Feb 2024 22:34:28 +0000 https://kickinghorseresort.com/?p=25980 Steep & deep: the first two words that come to mind when I think of our day at Kicking Horse. We weren’t expecting a pow day while visiting Golden in mid-March, but when we woke up to bluebird skies and 25 cm of fresh snow, we had to check out the local Rocky Mountain Resort.

Our quick stop at Ethos Café for morning coffees, almond croissants and avocado toast wasn’t quite quick enough and we got “trained” — stuck behind a passing train — for about 20 minutes. Apparently this is one of Golden’s endearing inconveniences. When the tracks were finally cleared, we continued up the hill to lay some fresh ones of our own. 

Before long, we found ourselves flying up the mountain in the Golden Eagle Express, watching skiers and boarders slash and spray their way across the slope. The gondola let us off at 2,346 metres (7,700 feet) and I was slightly overwhelmed by the impressive peaks surrounding us and the seemingly limitless options for getting back down. 

Riding over to the ‘Stairway to Heaven’ chair, we had our first taste of that famous champagne powder. Light, fast and fluffy as a cloud, we practically floated down to the lift. There was no lineup — a common theme for the day — and I began to wonder if all that glitters is gold in Golden. 

The official ‘Stairway to Heaven’ opened and we couldn’t resist seeing where it led. When we reached the summit, we followed tracks along the edge of Feuz Bowl until we were ready to strap in. I attempted to pick a friendly line off of ‘Whitewall’ but a vertical drop-in was my only option (hence the name). We each took a leap of faith and didn’t stop until we’d reached the base. 

A few top to bottom laps later, and our legs started to feel like they’d taken the stairmaster to heaven. Eagle’s Eye Restaurant was the perfect spot to rest up and enjoy some panoramic views. Once we’d recharged, we spent the afternoon riding Bowl Over to Terminator, where there was still plenty of untracked terrain.

 

The four o’clock call signaled the end of the day and although we wanted to keep going, I don’t know how much more my body could’ve handled. I was so covered in snow by this point I had a liftie ask me: “Faceplant or faceshot?”. Both, I told him. I managed to make it to the parking lot without collapsing but I can’t say the same about my partner.

 

No day up the mountain is complete without après, so we headed to Riverhouse Tavern for tacos and pints on the patio. With the warm, spring sun shining down on us, we re-lived the highlights over some much needed sustenance. Kicking Horse may have kicked our asses, but as I sat there basking in that post powder day glow, I couldn’t wait to do it all over again.

 

Words & Photos by Ruby Woodruff
https://www.instagram.com/rubywood/

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It’s SNOW TIME! – Kicking Horse Mountain Resort opening for ski season this Friday! https://kickinghorseresort.com/blog/its-snow-time-kicking-horse-mountain-resort-opening-for-ski-season-this-friday/ Tue, 05 Dec 2023 19:00:10 +0000 https://kickinghorseresort.com/?p=26819 Golden, B.C – “Mother Nature has been delivering the snow storms and we are excited to see the flakes falling this week at Kicking Horse Mountain Resort,” says Matt Mosteller. ‘It is time to wrangle your crew, get your gear and load your ski rack, as we welcome you this Friday to kick-off the 23/24 ski season at Kicking Horse Mountain Resort,” added Mosteller.

Our incredible team is hard at work getting the mountain ready for you all to enjoy. We also want to give a big shout out to the community of Golden and thank you in advance to all who plan to ski and ride with us this winter!

Important – please note that early season conditions exist and make sure that you take it easy and start slow this winter, ski and ride cautiously, watch for natural hazards, and please ensure a safe start to the ski and ride season for you and for those skiing and riding around you.

Our First Gondola Raffle will raise funds to donate to the Golden Food Bank.  Read more about it and how to get your ticket on our website.

Need a Holiday gift? The RCR Rockies Card makes a perfect stocking stuffer for the skier on your list. Buy before December 24th to save, now available at www.rockiescard.com.

Plan ahead; this is the time to book your ski vacation this winter to ensure you get the lodging you want when you want to go. View our Hot Deals & Packages page to see all offers.

Check our Snow Report for the most up-to-date information on what runs/lifts will be open. Lift Tickets will be available for purchase on our website soon.

Kicking Horse Mountain Resort • Facebook • Twitter • Instagram

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For more information, please contact:
Matt Mosteller
Senior VP Marketing & Resort Experience, Resorts of the Canadian Rockies
media@skircr.com
TwitterInstagramFacebook – @PowderMatt

 

Photo from December 2023

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Scalli Mag Rebuild Announcement https://kickinghorseresort.com/blog/scalli-mag-rebuild/ Sat, 12 Aug 2023 19:45:01 +0000 https://kickinghorseresort.com/?p=26482 The new section of Scalli Mag trail is open! Scalli Mag serves as the connector trail between Kicking Horse Mountain Resort and the CBT and Moonraker Trail networks. Prior to the recent work, the trail was around 2.5km of single track linked with a 2km double track section which made for a fun and fast pace downhill ride but a tough climb back up. Thanks to the vision and fundraising of a group of homeowners from the Kicking Horse community and in collaboration with other key stakeholders, the trail got some welcomed enhancements and now makes for a great climb and descent for bikers of all abilities.

 

 

The new build is comprised of multiple single track sections that weave across the old double track. With nice open berms and a winding trail through the trees, the pedal back up is no longer so daunting!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Scalli Mag can be accessed from the resort just off Palliser Trail, directly across the street from Parking Lot 1. The trail finishes at the Cedar Lake turn off on Tallis Creek FSR making for an easy connection to Twisted Sister, Hemiptera, or Odonata.

 

The new trail work on Scalli Mag could not have been done without the support from all those involved. We would like to give a huge thank you to John Parry and friends from the community at Kicking Horse, the Golden Cycling Club, the Golden Community Foundation, and Brady Starr and Steve Crowe from Starr Trail Solutions.

 

 

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RESORTS OF THE CANADIAN ROCKIES JOIN THE EPIC AUSTRALIA PASS https://kickinghorseresort.com/blog/resorts-of-the-canadian-rockies-join-the-epic-australia-pass/ Wed, 05 Apr 2023 21:14:14 +0000 https://kickinghorseresort.com/?p=26039 STARTING WITH THE 2023/24 SEASON, EPIC AUSTRALIA PASS HOLDERS WILL RECEIVE FIVE COMBINED DAYS AT THE RESORTS OF THE CANADIAN ROCKIES
  • Epic Australia Pass Holders will receive five combined days at the Resorts of the Canadian Rockies – including Fernie Alpine ResortKicking Horse Mountain Resort and Kimberley Alpine Resort in British Columbia, Nakiska in Alberta, and Mont-Sainte-Anne and Stoneham in Quebec – starting with the 2023/24 Northern Hemisphere winter season.
  • 19 April is the last chance to purchase the 2023 Epic Australia Pass for AU$1,049 before prices increase.

5 April 2023 – Epic Australia Pass Holders will now have more access to world-class resorts in Canada, starting with the 2023/24 Northern Hemisphere winter season. Vail Resorts announced today that the expansion of its long-term alliance with the Resorts of the Canadian Rockies (RCR) will include five combined days of skiing and riding for 2023 Epic Australia Pass Holders. Pass Holders can use the five combined days across any of RCR’s six resorts — Fernie Alpine Resort, Kicking Horse Mountain Resort and Kimberley Alpine Resort in British Columbia, Nakiska in Alberta, and Mont-Sainte-Anne and Stoneham in Quebec.

“Get ready to experience the ultimate snow adventure as we welcome Epic Australia Pass Holders to the majestic Resorts of the Canadian Rockies,” said Rob Lloyd, Director of Sales & Marketing – Australia, Vail Resorts. “With the addition of Kicking Horse and Fernie, your bucket list just got bigger and more exciting. The Epic Australia Pass gives you unlimited access to Perisher, Falls Creek, Hotham, and a chance to carve your way through the breathtaking slopes of Whistler Blackcomb and beyond.” Lloyd continued, “Don’t miss out on this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to make unforgettable memories in some of the world’s most awe-inspiring destinations!”

Discover the Resorts of the Canadian Rockies

The 2023 Epic Australia Pass access begins with the 2023 Australian snow season and concludes following the 2023/24 snow season in the Northern Hemisphere. It provides:

  • Kicking Horse and Fernie: Located in the southeast corner of British Columbia on the legendary “Powder Highway”, Kicking Horse and Fernie are consistently ranked among the top 10 Canadian resorts with abundant annual snowfall and big mountain skiing and riding.
  • Kimberley Alpine Resort: Boasting the most sunshine of any resort in Canada, Kimberley Alpine is in the Purcell Range of Southeast British Columbia, with two thirds of its 80 runs and glades rated beginner or intermediate in addition to expert terrain on the back side.
  • Nakiska: A family-friendly resort offering a variety of terrain including perfectly groomed runs and a very popular learning area, Nakiska is positioned in Kananaskis Country in the front range of the breathtaking Canadian Rockies.
  • Mont-Sainte-Anne: An ideal year-round destination, Mont-Sainte-Anne is situated near beautiful Quebec City within the Laurentian Mountain chain.
  • Stoneham Ski Resort: Offering an incomparable free-style area, Stoneham has Canada’s largest illuminated ski centre for night skiing.

LEARN MORE

Purchase Now Before Prices Rise

Skiers and riders have until 19 April to get their Epic Australia Pass before prices rise. The Epic Australia Pass offers unlimited days at Perisher, Falls Creek, Hotham and more, and benefits including six Bring-A-Mate tickets, 20% off lessons and rentals, 15% off retail and more.

Currently priced at AU$1,049 for adultsAU$599 for students (five to 17 years) and AU$799 for seniors (65 years and over), 2023 Epic Australia Pass lift access starts with the 2023 Australian snow season and concludes with the 2023/24 snow season in the Northern Hemisphere. Find out more here.

The Epic Australia Pass is non-refundable except through Epic Coverage, which provides refunds for certain qualifying events and is provided at no additional cost. Refunds are subject to eligibility and based on Epic Coverage elections. Pass Holders should review the Epic Coverage Terms and Conditions.

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ABOUT VAIL RESORTS, INC. (NYSE: MTN)

Vail Resorts is a network of the best destination and close-to-home ski resorts in the world including Vail Mountain, Breckenridge, Park City Mountain, Whistler Blackcomb, Stowe, and 32 additional resorts across North America; Andermatt-Sedrun in Switzerland; and Perisher, Hotham, and Falls Creek in Australia. We are passionate about providing an Experience of a Lifetime to our team members and guests, and our EpicPromise is to reach a zero net operating footprint by 2030, support our employees and communities, and broaden engagement in our sport. Our company owns and/or manages a collection of elegant hotels under the RockResorts brand, a portfolio of vacation rentals, condominiums and branded hotels located in close proximity to our mountain destinations, as well as the Grand Teton Lodge Company in Jackson Hole, Wyo. Vail Resorts Retail operates more than 250 retail and rental locations across North America. Learn more about our company at www.VailResorts.com, or discover our resorts and pass options at www.EpicPass.com.

ABOUT RCR

Proudly Canadian, Resorts of the Canadian Rockies Inc. (RCR) is the largest private ski resort owner/operator in North America, owning six ski resorts across Canada including: Nakiska Ski Area in Alberta; Fernie Alpine Resort, Kimberley Alpine Resort and Kicking Horse Mountain Resort in British Columbia and Mont-Sainte Anne and Stoneham in Quebec. In addition to the company’s ski resorts, RCR also owns and operates a number of accommodation properties, golf courses and a central reservation agency. The consumer website is www.skircr.com.

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Triple Dip: Why You Want to Make It to Kicking Horse This Winter https://kickinghorseresort.com/blog/triple-dip-why-you-want-to-make-it-to-kicking-horse-this-winter/ Wed, 31 Aug 2022 20:15:33 +0000 https://kickinghorseresort.com/?p=25283 They call it the jet stream—a narrow band of wind high up in the atmosphere that blows from west to east. It’s what brings us most of our weather in North America. During years when the Pacific Ocean is warm, the jet stream veers south and B.C. gets less storms. On years when the Pacific Ocean is cold, however, the jet stream juts north, soaking up Arctic air before dumping loads of snow on the Pacific Northwest and Interior B.C. We call those La Niña years, and to a skier or snowboarder, it’s the best thing ever. Part of that is because they deliver the driest most consistent powder on earth, but it’s also because La Niña winters usually only come around once or twice a decade.

We’ve been lucky enough to have La Niña stick around for the last two winters in B.C., and oh my has it made this horse kick. It snowed 66 days during the 2021/22 operating season, which is four months long at Kicking Horse. Do the math on that, and it was storming more than half the time—piling up to eight metres total. That’s over 26 feet, surpassing even the 24 feet from the season before!

Photo from the 2021.22 Season

And guess what, it’s still here. Climatologists are predicting an unprecedented third winter of La Niña this winter: a never-before-seen “triple dip.” That means if you’ve been trying to pick a perfect season to visit Kicking Horse, this is it. Not only is it going to puke coldsmoke all winter, but the pandemic is finally over. Covid restrictions have all but vanished in B.C. (though we need to be vigilant), and this will be the first “normal” season in three years. High-fives in the lift line? Check. No more masks? Check. No more distancing in gondola cabins? Check. That all means getting up the mountain faster, and getting more of the fluffy white stuff in your face on the way down.

Plus, if you’re visiting from the U.S., you’ll be getting an especially hardy discount courtesy of the exchange rate. The U.S. dollar has been outpacing the Canuck coin by a solid 25 to 30 percent for the last six months, and there’s no signs of that changing. Kicking Horse also just updated its grooming fleet with a new, state-of-the-art, environmentally friendly cat to help boost your experience on corduroy—because, let’s be fair, it won’t snow every day… just most.

Photos by Tim Grey & Aiden Trudel

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Spring – Summer Boo Update https://kickinghorseresort.com/blog/spring-summer-boo-update/ Thu, 07 Jul 2022 22:21:23 +0000 https://kickinghorseresort.com/?p=25106  

 

Before spring turned into summer, Boo awoke from his den to a chilly start on March 20th. This spring had a generous amount of rainfall which gave him a break from the insects while nourishing all of the vegetation and other life within his habitat. Boo spent much of his time foraging within his enclosure, eating up horsetails, roots, sedges, dandelions, and grasses.

On the other end, our team members were hard at surveying vegetation to see what food was growing inside the habitat. Some of the species within his enclosure include Mountain Ash, Western red-cedar, Wild raspberry, Thimbleberry, and Common horsetail. Summer is the season for bear food! Soon there will be a large verity of berries produced at the elevation of the Bear Refuge, but not quite yet. The staff has slowly started introducing berries into Boo’s diet because these plants are beginning to be productive at the bottom of the valley.

Golden has started to see some hotter days for the summer. Unlike humans, bears cannot thermo-regulate, so, Boo will avoid the sun by resting in his ponds and under trees to combat the heat. Our staff will also make him “Bear Popsicles” to help him cool down. This is usually composed of fruit or meat frozen in a broth and then dropped into one of his pools or shaded areas. Now, if Boo is not foraging, he is napping in daybeds, relaxing in his pools, or playing enthusiastically with hiding enrichment.

Boo is 20 years old as of this winter, officially a senior bear. Grizzly bears have an average life expectancy of 20 – 25 years in the wild, depending on where they live. Even in his older age, Boo is still spry and playful, and we expect him to be at the refuge for a long time. To celebrate his life and Grizzly Bear research and rehabilitation in BC, we will celebrate his 20th year on July 9th and 10th. Kicking Horse Resort will host fun educational workshops, activities, and presentations. Please see our website’s Events & Activities section to learn more about this celebration.

-Grizzly Bear Refuge Staff

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New season, new systems https://kickinghorseresort.com/blog/new-season-new-systems/ Mon, 22 Nov 2021 22:08:25 +0000 https://kickinghorseresort.com/?p=24367 New season, new systems!
How to smooth out your first day on the slopes.

Well, here we are! 

We’ve made it to another ski season during a pandemic, and while some regulations will stay the same as last season, we are also dealing with a few new ones. Here are some guidelines to help make your first day out in the mountains as smooth as possible for you and your family.

Request your Season Pass or Direct to Lift Card in advance

If you have purchased a season pass, you should have received an email requesting your upload your QR code/proof of immunization online. Please upload your information and request your pass be sent to you as soon as possible. Ensuring your pass gets into our printing queue as soon as possible allows you the best chance of receiving your pass ahead of your first visit. If you have not received your email requesting proof of immunization, please feel free to reach out to our guest services team to request one by emailing information@skircr.com. If you have requested your pass but have not received it before your first day, you will need to visit the resort Guest Services building to receive a day ticket and show proof of immunization.  If you are having problems with our system accepting your Proof of Immunization please refer to our FAQ’s to find out why.

Mind our Know Before you Go updates

While many of our guidelines have stayed the same, a key update this season is the requirement to be fully vaccinated to access our resort lifts and facilities. Please refer to the information above on how to provide this ahead of your visit.

Bring your QR Code on your first few visits

To ensure we have record of your information, we encourage you to have your QR Code and government-issued photo id with you on your first few trips. If you purchase day tickets, you will need to show proof of immunization when picking up your lift tickets each time you visit.

Limit your baggage and prepare for a few lineups

We will not be allowing bags to be stored unattended in our daylodge or common areas. Please ensure you’re leaving any unnecessary baggage in your car or purchase a locker. While requiring proof of immunization should help alleviate some lineups at our lifts and facilities, please note that some people may still choose to stay distanced from others; we ask you to respect the wishes of those around you.

Be kind

As always, we ask you to be kind to our fellow guests and also our staff. Please realize our front-line staff are working hard to ensure you enjoy your experience and share your passion for the mountains. Let’s all work together to make our mountain experience an enjoyable one.

Photo by Tim Grey

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Biking Trail Map https://kickinghorseresort.com/blog/biking-trail-map/ Fri, 04 Jun 2021 20:57:58 +0000 https://kickinghorseresort.com/?p=23632 KHMR_bikemap_2021

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Thank You for a Great Winter! https://kickinghorseresort.com/blog/thank-you-for-a-great-winter/ Mon, 12 Apr 2021 22:24:05 +0000 https://kickinghorseresort.com/?p=23359 Hello Everyone!

We have come to the end of our winter operations, and all of us at Kicking Horse Mountain Resort wish to extend our gratitude for being a part of the success of this unique and challenging season.

We thank you for your compliance, patience and understanding as we navigated through this pandemic winter. You were all the “reason we had a season”. It took a tremendous and collaborative effort to open our lifts for the 2020-2021 season, and it was a privilege to be open and a privilege to be able to ski and ride this winter.

Thank you for following our ‘COVID-19: Know Before You Go’ policies & procedures, which helped our ski season succeed.

This winter was one of quality! There was no shortage of epic storms delivering many Kicking Horse Champagne Powder days in one of the best winters Kicking Horse has had.

I want to extend a sincere thank you to our staff and volunteers for rising to numerous challenges throughout this winter and for acting responsibly both at and away from work. We could not have achieved the success of this season without you!

We look forward to welcoming you back next winter, or perhaps to our summer operations, which are just around the corner.

Thank you, Mike Rubenstein

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Mid Winter Check Up on Boo https://kickinghorseresort.com/blog/mid-winter-check-up-on-boo/ Wed, 17 Feb 2021 21:11:55 +0000 https://kickinghorseresort.com/?p=23236 While skiing by the Grizzly Bear Refuge this week you may have noticed some staff members around Boo’s enclosure.

This year, Boo has had the unique opportunity to hibernate in his main enclosure as opposed to his usual winter holding area. This is a first for Boo, giving him the experience to spend the winter in a den he has created on his own.

Over the past few days our team members have been working hard on extending the Bear Refuge Habitat fence by four more wires. This is to ensure that come spring time Boo and everyone around the Refuge are happy and safe with the added snowpack!

Boo’s natural den is dug into the roots of an old Spruce stump and is about ten feet into the earth.  At the den entrance is a large tunnel about 3 feet in width and 4 feet long. This entry way slants slightly to the left and has a mound of dirt at the end of it creating a windbreak. Past this windbreak you find a large, round area about seven feet in width which is used as the main “sleeping quarters”.

On warmer days, Boo may stretch out to his tunnel and create a break in the snow that has covered the den entrance. On very cold days like we have had recently, Boo will be tucked deep into the back of his den, as it is heavily insulated with the snowpack and deep earth. In the fall, Boo will prepare his den by collecting bedding such as grasses, leaves, and fireweed from the nearby areas. He will roll the bedding up into large tufts, and then proceed to roll it backwards into his den entrance, setting it up in his bedding area. This will add additional warmth and comfort throughout the winter season.

The amazing part of this process is that Boo has never been taught how to hibernate, create a den, or even collect his bedding material. This behavior is based solely on instinct.

You can visit Boo this summer!  Stay tuned for upcoming information about the day to day life of Boo the Bear and the team who care for him and get information about visiting our Grizzly Bear Interpretive Centre on our website.

Words by Catherine Cowan, Grizzly Bear Ranger

 

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