6 breathtaking views and awesome adventures you won’t believe are less than a days drive from Calgary
If you live in Calgary, you’re actually pretty lucky to! Being able to live in a beautiful urban area surrounded by gorgeous mountains is certainly something to be thankful for. On top of the views, being so close to seemingly endless outdoor adventure and activities are an accolade many cities don’t have to brag about. If you’re looking for outdoor fun while maintaining social distance, here are a few suggested short staycations to consider.
Golden, B.C
Hiking & Via Ferrata at Kicking Horse
Let’s start with Golden, B.C, home to Kicking Horse Mountain Resort and just a 2.5 hour drive from Calgary’s north side. One of the unique aspects of Kicking Horse is the view of 6 National Parks from the peak of the mountain. And guess what, the peak of the mountain is easily within your reach! Kicking Horse has gondola accessed hiking and dining that offer some of the most stunning views you’ll find. And if you’re looking for something a little more to get the adrenaline pumping, the views from Via Ferrata are intense not just due to the views but due to the fact that you’re dangling off the side of a mountain or the suspension bridge (all while harnessed in of course).
Fernie, B.C
Views from town and the top of the mountain
Continuing onto what is already many Calgarians’ favourite short trip to make is Fernie, B.C. An easy 2.5/3 hour drive from the south end of Calgary along the Cowboy Trail you’ll drive right into Fernie’s town site, where you are literally surrounded by mountains on all sides. Continue through the town to Fernie Alpine Resort and you will not be disappointed. The views of the Lizard Range from the base of Fernie Alpine Resort are breathtaking enough, but by taking a ride on the Elk Chairlift you’ll get a view of the valley of Fernie, B.C that can’t be matched.
Kimberley, B.C
Hiking & Biking
People love to describe Kimberley as a hidden gem in the rockies – and that’s exactly what it is. You’ll need to turn off the main highway to find this town but trust us, it’s worth the time. Not only can you hike up the ski hill at the resort to take in some of the gorgeous views of the town from the top of the mountain, but Kimberley, like the others above have an array of trail networks in and around the towns. One of the places that is a must do while in Kimberley is the short walk to the Marysville waterfalls, it’s another one of those hidden gems you don’t expect to find so easily and is definitely worth the short trek out to it!
Places to stay along the way
Even though you can easily visit any one of these towns and get back to Calgary in a day, staying overnight is always a nice option to have!
✅ Gorgeous slopeside mountain views
✅ Outdoor patios & in hotel restaurants offering take out
✅ Outdoor pools & hot tubs
✅ Close to all activities & adventures
✅ Convenient and safe – all our suites have full kitchens
Both of our feature properties at Fernie Alpine Resort and Kimberley Alpine Resort feature all of the above, making either location a great basecamp for your quick getaway or longer staycation.
See special offers at Lizard Creek Lodge
See special offers at Trickle Creek Lodge
We realize this can be a difficult time to consider travelling, before heading out on your trip check on the Alberta & British Columbia government website for any guidelines or restrictions at your time of travel. To see what safety procedures and routines we have put in place visit our resort or hotel websites.
Kicking Horse Mountain Resort COVID information.
Feature Photo by Powder Matt
Mountain Bike Preview Weekends – Two Opportunities to get on the Trails Early
June 5, 2019 – Can’t wait to get on the mountain and do some biking?
We’ll be open for TWO special preview weekends before our full time opening – June 8th & 9th as well as June 15th & 16th.
Riders can enjoy 11 runs accessed off the Catamount Chair, open from 10am – 4pm. Mountain Bike rentals will be available from the Performance Rental Centre.
Full opening is on June 22nd – get more information on our website.
Mountain Bike Trails Open on Preview Weekends;
#1 – It’s a Ten
#4 – Superberm
#2 – Lower Pioneer
#17 – LYM
#8 – Trapper Trail
#10 – Claim Jumper
#11 – Easy Rider
#5 – Buffalo Jump
#7 – Devil’s Disco
#20 – Swamp Donkey
#32 – Jump Zone
Upcoming Summer Events;
Canada Day Trail Race – July 1st – Ring in Canada’s birthday with us at the top of Kicking Horse Mountain Resort! This family-friendly alpine race course will start and finish at the top of the Gondola. There will be a 10K and a 5K race. The course will be a mix of single-track and double track. More details on the specific course routing will be release in mid-June. More information.
Western Open Canada Cup – July 19th – 21st – Kicking Horse Mountain Resort is proud to be the host site for the Dunbar Series Kicking Horse Western Open Canada Cup Downhill Race on July 21, 2019. Kicking Horse Mountain Resort has a long history of hosting great downhill events including BC Cup races from 2012-2017 and is looking forward to finally hosting Canada Cup competitors! Registration information.
For more event information see our online events calendar.
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
Twitter, Facebook & Instagram – @PowderMatt
Powder Matt’s Blog
- Published in Press Release
The Largest Terrain Expansion in Canada is Open to the Public
Golden, B.C – Hot off the heels of a successful Freeride World Tour event, the revered Ozone face has now opened to the public. This marks the completion of the new terrain expansion for the 2018-19 season, adding over 600 acres of incredible big mountain lines.
To access, hike up to Whitewall, ride down the ridge and then hike to the top of Ozone reaching the new high point of the resort at 2,505 m (8,218 ft), then drop into some of the rowdiest in-bounds terrain you can imagine. Ride it like the pros in the Freeride World Tour!
‘This is a one-of-a-kind skiing and riding experience’, says Matt Mosteller, ‘combine the best of Mother Nature’s wildest terrain with the incredible Champagne Powder of Kicking Horse Mountain Resort and you have a real treat’, he added.
This is big! In fact so big, it’s the biggest terrain expansion in Canada this winter, so give yourself some time to learn the lines, scope out entry points, take it easy on the first go, and make sure you check in with Ski Patrol and/or Winter Sports School for the best tips on how to ski it and or for your own skill enhancement to take it on!
*Ozone is double black extremely advanced terrain, we advise anyone to ride with caution and only enter with appropriate ability level.
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
Twitter & Instagram – @PowderMatt
Powder Matt’s Blog
- Published in Press Release
Kicking Horse to open for winter season on December 7th
Golden, BC – We’re kicking it up at Kicking Horse Mountain Resort, with our opening date this Friday, December 7th. As always we will be running our popular First Gondola Raffle with all proceeds going to the Golden Food Bank. Visit Guest Services to purchase your first Gondola raffle ticket to support a great organization and for the chance to be the first on the slopes for the season!
‘Plan ahead for your riding tradition this winter so you don’t miss out – you’ll want to check out later this winter the new terrain- in fact the largest terrain expansion in Canada this winter. More terrain to go around here’, says Powder Matt Mosteller, Senior VP of Marketing & Resort Experience at Resorts of the Canadian Rockies.
Please note, we will be opening with early season conditions and limited terrain, to see all the details please visit our Snow Report on our website.
What makes this season the season to visit Kicking Horse? Check it out on our featured blog post by Matt Cote.
NEW this season at Kicking Horse Mountain Resort – the Horse is back with more kick than ever! With our recent expansion in Rudi’s Bowl. ‘Bigger is sometimes better. This massive terrain expansion also made the vertical change. Don’t hold back on the reigns, Kicking Horse Mountain Resort is now the 5th biggest vertical in North America’, said Powder Matt.
Book your vacation to Kicking Horse Mountain Resort this winter, with great places to stay on mountain including everything from cabins and private homes to ski in/ski out condo lodges. Don’t forget the whole array of awesome options in the community of Golden. For more information and to book your ski vacation visit www.skircr.com/vacations.
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
Twitter & Instagram – @PowderMatt
Powder Matt’s Blog
- Published in Press Release
Winter is most certainly on its way with the announcement of The Freeride World Tour (FWT) 2019 calendar.
Lutry, Switzerland– October, 2019 – As autumn begins to quickly spread through the high mountains, the moment to announce the FWT19 calendar has finally arrived. In 2019, FWT athletes will return to five of the most challenging and pristine freeride venues the globe has to offer.
50 of the world’s best freeriders in four categories – ski men, ski women, snowboard men, and snowboard women – will face-off in big mountain arenas spanning across three continents for their chance to be Freeride World Champion. Following the fourth stop in Vallnord-Arcalís, Andorra only riders holding enough points will have the opportunity to compete in the final stop in Verbier, Switzerland in March.
With an incredible lineup of riders already confirmed – from hungry rookies, hard charging veterans and legendary wild cards such as Tanner Hall (USA) and Victor De Le Rue (FRA) – the FWT19 is shaping up to be an epic show.
And without further ado, the FWT19 calendar:
1) HAKUBA, JAPAN – THE WINTER BEGINS
JANUARY 19-26, 2019
2) KICKING HORSE GOLDEN BC, CANADA – TIME TO GET ROWDY
FEBRUARY 02-08, 2019
3) FIEBERBRUNN, AUSTRIA – HOLD THE LINE
FEBRUARY 22-28, 2019
4) VALLNORD-ARCALÍS, ANDORRA – CRUNCH TIME
MARCH 02-08, 2019
5) VERBIER, SWITZERLAND – THE GRANDE FINALE
MARCH 23 – 31, 2019
Don’t miss any rider news and competition information. Follow FWT social media channels and stay tuned to www.freerideworldtour.com as the competition season approaches!
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
Twitter & Instagram – @PowderMatt
Powder Matt’s Blog
Photo: Andrew Chad
- Published in Press Release
What’s New? Mountain Improvements & Upgrades for the Upcoming Ski Season
Golden, B.C – Kicking Horse is well known as being the Champagne Powder Capital of Canada and each ski season we make various improvements, upgrades and program changes in order to keep providing out guests with the world class experience they are accustomed to at Kicking Horse Mountain Resort. Some highlights for this season are;
The Epic Pass
Resorts of the Canadian Rockies’ Fernie Alpine Resort, Kicking Horse Mountain Resort, Kimberley Alpine Resort, Nakiska Ski Area, Mont-Sainte-Anne, and Stoneham will join the industry-leading Epic Pass in a long-term alliance beginning with 2018-19 winter season, bringing the total to 61 mountain resorts around the world for skiers and snowboarders.
Major Terrain Expansion
‘Yee-Haw’ winter with the addition of new terrain being added! In fact, over-time this will be the biggest new terrain expansion in Canada. This year, potentially, a stomping 660 acres could open up, starting with the famous Ozone (featured on the Freeride World Tour last year) and Middle Ridge offering skiing into both Fuez Bowl & parts of Rudi’s Bowl. Increases the epic vertical to 4,460 feet and the area to 3,500+ acres of total terrain. This would not be possible without the tremendous support of Purcell Heli Skiing.
Freeride Events
Kicking Horse is excited to be the only North American stop on the Freeride World Tour yet again this coming winter. Some of the most exciting big mountain action can be witnessed in person during the week of Feb 2 to 8, 2019. This is the ultimate compliment to other freeride events we host annually – Jeep Junior Freeski series – Feb 7-10, 2019 and Wrangle the Chute 2* and 4* Freeride World Qualifier – March 6-10, 2019.
New Equipment
We’re adding 1 new grooming cat to our fleet! Plus our new cats are ‘Tier 4’, innovative technology from Pinroth, meaning they meet the new emission standards.
Best Family Ski Resort
We’re proud to have been named the in the Top 5 Family Ski Resorts in Canada by the publication ‘Ski & Snowboard with Kids’. Ski & Snowboard with Kids is Australia’s only ski magazine for families.
More fun for Families
We have extended our Horse Play Corral, giving families a longer experience through the forest and it will also be great for our beginner Winter Sports School lessons.
New Shuttle Service
Getting to Kicking Horse is easier than ever. A shuttle service connecting Calgary International Airport to the resort will run twice a week, via the Banff Brewster Airport Express. Service runs Wednesday and Saturday from December to March.
Some information is subject to change.
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
Twitter & Instagram – @PowderMatt
Powder Matt’s Blog
- Published in Press Release
Kicking Horse Mountain Resort recently named in Top 5 Best Family Ski Resorts in Canada
July 31, 2018 – We’re proud and honoured to be named in the Top 5 Best Family Ski Resorts in Canada by the Australian publication Ski & Snowboard with kids magazine!
At Kicking Horse Mountain Resort we put an emphasis on family bonding and fun and offer a variety of family oriented events, programs and activities throughout the winter. Some of the family friendly activities we feature are a slopeside skating rink, tube park and snowshoeing. Noto nly do we also have fun and informative ski school programs for kids and families, we also have events throughout the winter family focused including The Sugar Shack (Quebec’s maple syrup tradition), Easter Egg hunts, 50% off tickets for family days and family friendly concerts.
Book your family winter getaway
Book early and save big! There are winter vacation packages for next season available online to purchase, by booking early you ensure you get the date and location you want and can take advantage of early bird savings. Visit our website for all the options and to book today.
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
Twitter, Facebook & Instagram – @PowderMatt
Powder Matt’s Blog
- Published in Press Release
NEW at Kicking Horse Mountain Resort – Disc Golf Course
June 15, 2018 – Try out our new 18-hole disc golf course at Kicking Horse Mountain Resort this summer, the course overlooks the Columbia River Valley and Rocky Mountains and scheduled to open on June 30th. The course will be accessed by riding the Catamount Chair to mid-station and then playing/hiking back down to the base. The course features holes ranging from 80m to 200m and provides a fun introduction to the sport as well as a challenge for experienced players.
What is disc golf?
Disc golf is played much like traditional golf. Instead of a ball and clubs, however, players use a flying disc or Frisbee®. The sport was formalized in the 1970’s and shares with “ball golf” the object of completing each hole in the fewest strokes (or, in the case of disc golf, fewest throws). A golf disc is thrown from a tee area to a target which is the “hole”. As a player progresses down the fairway, he or she must make each consecutive throw from the spot where the previous throw has landed. The trees, shrubs, and terrain changes located in and around the fairways provide challenging obstacles for the golfer. Finally, the “putt” lands in the basket and the hole is completed. Disc golf shares the same joys and frustrations of traditional golf, whether it’s sinking a long putt or hitting a tree halfway down the fairway.
– Professional Disc Golf Association
To play Disc Golf on our course, purchase a ticket and pick up a map/score card from the Outfitters Store or Guest Services (or use your summer season pass). Discs can also be purchased for use. The course will be open from 9:45am – 4pm (last chair ride) daily until September 4th after which hours will change. More information will be posted to our website.
Alpine Hiking NOW Open!
Hiking in the Alpine at Kicking Horse Mountain Resort is now open for the summer season! Our trails can be accessed by riding the Gondola, with good early season conditions, trails currently open are It’s a Ten, Terminator 1 & Terminator 2. For more detailed information on hiking trails and to download our trail map, visit our website.
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
Twitter, Facebook & Instagram – @PowderMatt
Powder Matt’s Blog
Photo | The Outbound Life
- Published in Press Release
Go Where the Bear Sighting is Guaranteed (hint: it’s not Banff)!
Did you know, the best opportunity to see a bear is actually outside of Banff National Park? Kicking Horse Mountain Resort is the best place to see a Bear, in fact, it’s guaranteed! Not only can you visit Boo, the resident bear at Kicking Horse there are a variety of other activities that will make you wondering why you didn’t plan your whole trip to Kicking Horse and plan a day trip to Banff instead of vice versa! But don’t worry, if you already have your trip planned to Banff this summer, Golden is just a hop, skip and a short car ride away!
Boo’s afternoon swim
Peek at Boo
See a Bear up close, living his best life at the largest enclosed Grizzly Bear habitat in the world at Kicking Horse. Boo was rescued as a cub after his mother was killed by a poacher, through growing up at Kicking Horse we’ve had the unique opportunity to observe a Grizzly Bears life and learn a whole lot about them. When you visit Boo you’re likely to see him following one of his rangers (who serve as tour guide) as they pace besides his enclosure and lead you along with them or you might catch him lazily lying around his very own pond on a warmer day. Boo has been known to desire a rendezvous with the ladies and one time even managed to get out of his enclosure to find himself a girlfriend. Alas, Bears are solitary creatures and only interact with others typically during mating season, so Boo came back on his own to live his life of luxury at his forever home on the Kicking Horse slopes.
Yep, there’s that epic Caesar I mentioned
Mountain Top Dining
There’s almost nothing that comes close to comparing the experience of dining at Eagle’s Eye Restaurant at Kicking Horse Mountain Resort. It’s the highest elevated restaurant in Canada, located at the top of our Gondola at 7,700 ft! Not only can you see the view of 6 National parks, you can enjoy amazing Canadian dishes and drinks with a fancy flair (you don’t want to miss the poutine or the Caesar’s here, promise).
Not only is Eagle’s Eye open for lunch during the summer, it’s also open for a special night of stargazing during the Perseid Meteor shower, can be booked for weddings and special events and even has exclusive suites you can stay at with a 24-hour butler on hand.
Via Ferrata
If you’re looking for a real adventure in the mountains, the Via Ferrata is for you! You don’t have to be an experienced rock climber to complete this 
incredible expedition, in fact, you don’t have to have any experience at all! To conquer the Via Ferrata you just need to have desire for a fun challenge (mixed in with a bit of bravery as well). Don’t be intimidated by the pictures or even when you’re on the way up the Gondola and can see the course, literally on the side of the rock face looming in the distance. The Via Ferrata is perfectly manageable, using fixed iron rungs to guide you along. Not only will you feel an amazing sense of accomplishment when you finish this trek you’ll also have some serious bragging rights when you tell your friends and family you’ve hung off the side of a rock (plus photo proof if you dare take out your phone at those heights). If I can do it, you can do it!
This still isn’t all there is to take in at Kicking Horse Mountain Resort and Golden, B.C. this summer, there’s also breathtaking ridgewalk hikes and sightseeing (see main photo), an award winning mountain bike park (downhill and cross country trails available), pop up farmers markets, fly fishing, horseback riding or kayaking (to name just a few).
To see what other Parks and activities surround Kicking Horse, see our previous blog post; ‘Golden – The Basecamp for 6 National Parks’ or check out the full activities list on our website.
Photos:
Boo | Kyle Edworthy
Drink | Emile Lavoie
Via Ferrata | Lisa Roddick
- Published in Summer
Summer Preview Weekend – May Long
May 14, 2018 – Skip camping and sleeping on the ground this May Long Weekend! You can get in all the sightseeing and outdoor adventures you need at Kicking Horse Mountain Resort during our Summer Preview Weekend (yes, you can even see a Bear). In fact, did you know the early part of the season is the best time of the year to visit Boo, it’s one of his most social and active cycles of the whole year and he’s always looking forward to making new friends!
Kicking Horse Mountain Resort will be open Saturday May 19th – Monday, May 21st. Offerings will include lunch at Eagle’s Eye Restaurant, Sightseeing & Grizzly Bear Interpretive Centre (Bike Park & Via Ferrata open on June 23rd). See the hours section on our website for more information.
Upcoming Summer Events;
Community Day – if you are a resident of Golden or Area A we invite you to come out and sample what our summer has to offer at Kicking Horse Mountain Resort. Show your ID (or bill with address) and receive a free lift ticket for the day for sightseeing, to visit Boo or take a spin down the bike park. Community Day is on Sunday, June 24th.
Perseid Meteor Shower; Stargazing at 7,700 ft – Kicking Horse Mountain Resort is pleased to announce the return of the Perseid Meteor Shower viewing at the award winning Eagle’s Eye Restaurant (located at the top of Eagle Express Gondola). Further details will be posted soon.
For more event information see our online events calendar.
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
Twitter & Instagram – @PowderMatt
Powder Matt’s Blog
- Published in Press Release
