Your Pre-Season Checklist for Kicking Horse
Snow is whispering its return across the peaks above Golden, BC! If you want your 2025-26 ski season at Kicking Horse Mountain Resort to be legendary, now is exactly the time to get your plans set.
From gondolas spinning again, to early-bird perks for pass holders, here’s your full pre-season checklist to maximize your time on snow and minimize your stress.
Lock in a Season Pass + Early-Bird Perks
- The sale for 2025-26 Winter Season Passes ends October 17, 2025. After that, regular pricing kicks in. For example, the Adult pass is $1,899 during the Fall/Early Bird Sale — that’s $530 off the regular price.
- RCR Rockies Card Access: As a pass holder, you get discounts on full-day, full-mountain lift tickets at other RCR resorts — awesome if you plan ski trips to Fernie, Kimberley or Nakiska.
- Discount “Friends & Family” lift tickets (think RCR 4-Area lift ticket at ~$129 with no blackout dates).
- Gear & tune-ups: Pass holders get deals like Buy 2 Get 1 Free Tune Up for full tune-ups (edges/base, stone grind, hot wax), and 10% off tune ups.
- Other Discounts: Retail, food & beverage, lockers, priority parking, etc. All of which add up over the season.
2. Book Lodging That Puts You on the Mountain
You don’t want to spend your winter mornings wishing you were closer. Base lodging = better first tracks!
- Glacier Mountaineer Lodge and Palliser Lodge are on-mountain accommodations you’ll love: full kitchens (great for meals or warming up late), fireplaces or scenic balconies, ski-in/ski-out access, hot tubs, ski storage, etc.
- For something uniquely special: Eagle’s Eye Suite is perched up high at ~7,700 ft; it includes a private chef, dinner + first-tracks lift ticket, views that stop you in your tracks!
- Central Reservations through RCR is the go-to place for lodging packages. Call 1-800-258-SNOW (7669) or visit the https://skircr.com/contact-us/ Mention that you have (or plan to buy) a season pass—it sometimes unlocks lodging discounts or perks.
3. Travel, Access & Logistics
- Kicking Horse Mountain Resort is located in the Town of Golden, BC and is accessible via the Trans-Canada Highway. Check Alberta and British Columbia road reports, especially for weather or potential closures. Winter tires will be mandatory or highly encouraged. Check out the “Getting to Kicking Horse” page for details.
- If flying, book earlier—Golden is remote; flights into Calgary + drive. Also reserve rental vehicles ahead.
- Consider a car-free trip and use the Champagne Powder Shuttle.
Photo: Tourism Golden
4. Gear, Tune-Ups & Safety Prep
- Book your tune-ups now: edges, base, wax. Pass holders: don’t miss the Buy-2-Get-1-Free offer, and 10% off tune-ups.
- Double-check bindings, get boots fitted, make sure your helmet is in good shape.
- If renting, reserve the size/brand you love ahead of opening — demand spikes fast.
5. Lessons & Guided Tours
I’m a believer: no matter how many seasons you’ve got on snow, riding with a pro or taking a lesson changes everything.
- For first-timers or little shredders, instructors help you start smart — Catamount chair greens become fun, not frustrating.
- Intermediates get tips and confidence for blues and entry into alpine terrain.
- Experts: guided tours get you to the best stashes and safest lines in bowls and ridges you might not otherwise find.Here’s where everyone fits in:
Ability Level What You’ll Want Why It’s Great Here Beginner / family Beginner area & green runs off Catamount Chair (~20% of terrain) Wide, gentle slopes for learning; easy transitions. Intermediate Mid-mountain lifts, blue runs (~20%) Scenic groomers, rolling terrain, confidence builds. Advanced / Expert Golden Eagle Gondola + alpine bowls (Crystal, Bowl Over, Feuz, Rudi’s, Super Bowl) Big lines, steep chutes, breath-taking terrain. Even if the bowls intimidate you now, season pass holders can gradually step up — and one day, those panoramic views from the top will be totally worth it!
Pre-Season Checklist for Kicking Horse
✅Buy Your Pass Before October 17 – Save $530 on Adult Season Passes + get perks (Friends & Family tickets, tune-up deals, food/retail discounts).
✅Book Lodging Early – Secure ski-in/ski-out at Glacier Mountaineer Lodge or Palliser Lodge, or splurge on the Eagle’s Eye Suite.
✅Plan Your Travel – Winter tires, check road reports, book flights/cars ahead, and look into shuttle/lodging transfer options.
✅Prep Your Gear – Wax, tune, check bindings/helmets, and reserve rentals early.
✅Lock In Lessons – Ski School pros build skills + confidence. Guided tours unlock the best lines safely.
Make This Season Legendary
Snow is coming fast. Don’t wait — secure your pass, lodging, and lessons now so you’re ready for first tracks.
👉 Call RCR Central Reservations at 1-800-258-SNOW (7669), email information@skircr.com, or book online here to lock in your 2025-26 winter.
- Published in Winter
A Beginner’s Path to Progression at Kicking Horse
Think Kicking Horse Mountain Resort is only for expert skiers and snowboarders? Think again! With beginner-friendly zones, progressive terrain, and family-focused activities, Kicking Horse is the perfect winter destination for visitors of all levels, especially those looking for a multi-day adventure packed with value.
Start Small: Learning & Adventure Centre
Begin your journey at the Learning Centre, where the Jelly Bean Express magic carpet makes learning a breeze. Beginners can practice their “pizza” or heel-side stops on the gentle slope. It’s a fun, stress-free way to build confidence before hitting the chairlifts.
Book daycare and adventure lessons (video link) for the little shredders to help with their progression and get some adult runs in!
Progress to the Catamount Chair
Once you’ve mastered the basics, head to the Catamount chairlift. Take it step by step:
- Mid-Way Stop: Get off halfway to practice on a mellow, shorter run with a few hundred feet of vertical.
- All the Way Up: Ready for more? Ride to the top of Catamount and enjoy longer, easy-to-intermediate runs. Keep an eye out for the Secret Kid’s Entrance—a playful trail with big berms and animal signs that’s just as entertaining for adults!
Take It to the Top
For those seeking breathtaking views and a gentle ride, hop on the Eagle Eye Express gondola. The panoramic scenery at the summit is heavenly, and “It’s a Ten” offers a 10-kilometer-long beginner-friendly cat-track run all the way to the base.
Dining with a View
Fuel up at the Eagle’s Eye Restaurant, perched at the summit with jaw-dropping views, or enjoy hearty meals at the Whitetooth Grill, located at the base area. For a unique experience, don’t miss the cozy Heaven’s Yurt – next to the Stairway to Heaven chairlift (on your way down on “It’s a Ten”).
Expert Tips, Faster Growth
To accelerate your learning and make the most of your time at Kicking Horse, consider taking a lesson with a certified instructor, or join in on a guided mountain tour – available daily at 10am and 1pm. These options provide personalized tips, expert insights, and a supportive environment to help you build confidence and master your skills while exploring the resort’s best beginner-friendly terrain.
Family Fun Beyond the Slopes
After a day or two of practicing your turns and building confidence on the slopes, your body might appreciate a break. Kicking Horse isn’t just about skiing and snowboarding. You can book snowshoe tours, sightseeing gondola rides, and the Tube Zone provides hours of thrills for all ages.
Ready to create lifelong memories? Book your ski-and-stay package through Central Reservations to get the best deals and access to shuttles, accommodations, multi-day lift tickets, rentals, daycare, and lessons.
Feature photo credit © Maur Muzza Mere
- Published in Winter
Three Generations, One Chairlift: Making Family Memories at Kicking Horse
They say the mountains bring people together—and after an unforgettable opening day at Kicking Horse Mountain Resort’s bike park, we can officially confirm it! With our toddler leading the charge, Nanny riding her first-ever chairlift, and mama and dada sneaking in some sweet bike laps, our multi-generational crew found the perfect mix of adrenaline, connection, and ice cream.
Day-Tripping from Calgary
Just a few scenic hours from Calgary, Alberta, this day trip turned into one of those rare, golden family experiences we’ll be talking about for years. We rolled out early, coffee in hand and all the toddler snacks onboard, ready to chase a sunny spring day in the Rockies. The drive itself set the tone—winding through towering peaks (literally) and lush valleys, it already felt like an adventure before we even pulled into the parking lot.
Base Area Activities
Our first stop? To the Adventure Centre to collect our passes and hit the restrooms, while Nanny ventured inside to Whitetooth Grill for some caffeinated bevies.
Next stop was to base area pump track which Sylas crushed like a tiny pro, while Nanny cheered us on between sips of iced coffee.
Ride Time for Mom and Dad
With Nanny and Sylas happily wandering off to the Kicking Horse playground, we set off for some laps on Catamount Chair, which gives access to fun, flowy trails perfect for all types of bikers, including noobs. Superberm was a highlight—a bit of a challenge (for me), some baby airs, and exactly the kind of trail that reminds you why mountain biking is such a rush.
A Lift Ride to Remember
Once we reunited, it was time for the main event: Nanny’s first-ever chairlift ride! She clutched Sylas’s hand with excitement as we floated above the trees, headed toward Boo the Bear’s sanctuary.
Seeing Boo, a real-life grizzly up close, is an unforgettable experience for anyone—especially if you’ve never seen a real-life griz! Sylas hasn’t stopped talking about Boo since, and we’re pretty sure this outing has earned a top spot in the “best family memories” vault.
Before hitting the road back to the city, we took one last walk around the base area to check out the retail store for toddler-approved stickers and ice cream (a non-negotiable mountain treat).
Reminiscing, it was the kind of day that reminds you how special it is to share the outdoors with the people you love—no screens, no rush, just real connection.
Make Your Own Memories
Want to simplify your planning? Call RCR Central Reservations to inquire about all-inclusive packages, overnight stays, and family-friendly itineraries. Let them take the guesswork out of your Kicking Horse mountain getaway so you can focus on what matters: more laughs, more firsts, and more time together.
📞 Call: 1-800-258-7669
📧 Email: information@skircr.com
- Published in Summer
A First-Timer’s Guide: One-Day Itinerary at Kicking Horse Bike Park
Summer has arrived, ushering in long, sun-drenched days ideal for outdoor escapades. For those near Calgary, Alberta, a day trip to Kicking Horse Bike Park in Golden, British Columbia promises not just feasibility, but an exhilarating adventure. With the extended daylight, you can enjoy a full day of biking and still make it back to the city with daylight to spare. The scenic drive itself is an added bonus, offering classic Rocky Mountain vistas and a straightforward route.
Our Action-Packed Itinerary
6:45 AM: Depart from Calgary. 9:30 AM: Arrive at Kicking Horse Mountain Resort and kickstart your day with a delicious latte from Double Black Café.
10:00 AM: Start your biking adventure on the Catamount chairlift. Early season conditions may leave some snow at the top, closing certain trails, but the Catamount runs are long and
exhilarating, perfect for warming up. Remember, don’t get off at the grizzly refuge; continue straight to the top where your bikes will be waiting. Begin your biking with Trapper’s Trail (the gravel road) to Easy Rider for a warm-up, green run.
10:45 AM: Next, pre-ride Superberm. This mix of machine-built trail and single track will give you a preview of the big mountain experience at the top. All features can be rolled, so take it easy and enjoy the ride.
11:30 PM: Head up the gondola and have lunch at Eagle Eye Restaurant. Enjoy the phenomenal 360-degree views while refueling for the afternoon ahead.
12:30 PM: Take your time cruising down the gravel road to the top of the green run, Dragon Chaser. Connect with the green run, Training Wheels, and then transition onto Magic Carpet, a blue trail with a nice mix of technical and flowy sections. Cross the road to the newest section of the trail, then drop into Road Runner and hit the wall rides on Trappers Trail. Continue on Trappers Trail to take your re-ride run on Superberm, or challenge yourself with Swamp Donkey, which offers a rollable jump line. The entrance to Swamp Donkey might be intimidating, but the trail is well worth it!
2:00 PM: At this point, you may be exhausted as these are big mountain runs. If so, opt for a visit to Boo the grizzly bear, who lives in a 20-acre refuge right on the resort. There’s a daily guided tour at 2 PM, and if you’re lucky, you’ll see Boo soaking in his cool pool and dancing around.
Screenshot
If you opt for more biking, you can either head back to the top of the gondola for another run or two, or aim to squeeze in a few more runs from the Catamount chair. Free ride Superberm because it’s just that fun but hit the jump zone on the final descent.
3:30 PM: When the lifts stop spinning, head to Peaks Grill for a well-deserved après-bike reward.
5:00 PM: Hit the road for a smooth ride back to the city, arriving home before dark.
Tips for a Safe Day
● Pre-Ride, Re-Ride, Free Ride: Take your time, especially on your first day of the season and your first runs on unfamiliar trails. Your body and brain need time to adjust to your bike and assess your abilities.
● Safety First: Always wear protective gear and stay hydrated.
● Know Your Ability: While challenging yourself is the name of the game in action sports, don’t hesitate to walk sections that are beyond your technical prowess.
● Build the Skills: If you’re still feeling intimidated, build upon your skills with a lesson from the experts at the mountain bike school.
Ready to ride? Grab your bike gear, rally your buddies, and hit the trails at Kicking Horse Mountain Resort for an epic adventure!
*Disclaimer: This itinerary is intended for beginner to intermediate riders. If you’re an advanced or expert, head straight to the top and rip it up on the many black and double black runs that makes Kicking Horse legendary!
- Published in Summer
Exploring Daycare & Adventure Lessons at Kicking Horse
As a young family living just outside Calgary, we crave convenient experiences that complement our outdoor lifestyle. Kicking Horse’s big mountain slopes offer some of my favourite style of terrain to ride, but managing with a little one can be tricky. So, when we planned a day trip to Golden, arranging daycare and an adventure lesson for our little dude, Sylas, was a no-brainer to ensure that we had the ultimate mountain day date.
From the initial phone call to our arrival at the resort, every moment along the way exceeded our expectations. Since this was our first experience with booking Sylas into a mountain resort daycare, I had lots of questions! The winter sports school navigated me through the process with finesse and grace, building trust and enriching the entire experience.
Thanks to the recent upgrades on Highway 1, the commute from Calgary was a smooth ride. If you’ve never experienced this drive, it is a must! From the iconic Cascade mountain backdrop as you drive past Banff to the remarkable engineering feats showcased in the bridges and roadways, this drive alone is worth the adventure. With upbeat tunes from the Disney Cars soundtrack filling our vehicle, our day date was off to a great start!
Reaching the resort on a snowy Sunday, we geared up in the parking and loaded up the essentials in the wagon for a smooth 3 minute walk to the daycare centre. Conveniently located inside the Mountaineer Lodge and next to the Learning & Adventure Centre, it was easy to find.
Welcomed warmly by the attentive mountain school staff, we confirmed the details for Sylas’s snowboard lesson before settling him into the daycare.
First impressions inside the daycare immediately assured us of Sylas’s safety and comfort. With his name welcoming him on his locker and an array of toys and engaging activities awaiting him, we filled out the paperwork, snapped a quick pic for security, and hugged him good-bye knowing he was in good hands.
Opting for the lunch package relieved us of the worry of timing and rushing back for Sylas’s lunch hour. Josephine, Sylas’s lovely daycare host, brought him over for lunch at Whitetooth Grill. She later shared with me that he couldn’t get enough of the hot chocolate and fruit, and ate his entire cheese quesadilla. It was such a relief knowing he was not only well-fed but also enjoying himself during our mountain adventure.
We returned for Sylas’s afternoon adventure lesson but made a conscious decision to observe from a distance. Recognizing the importance of allowing kids to thrive independently under the guidance of skilled instructors like Kurtis, our best bet was to discreetly observe the lesson without interfering.
Calmly, Kurtis began the lesson by kneeling down to Sylas’s level and communicating directly with him. Miraculously, he somehow got Sylas’s goggles on, a task that often proves to be our biggest challenge!
As they ventured out to the beginner area hand-in-hand, it quickly became evident that Kurtis was fostering an environment where growth and learning would flourish.
With every run, Sylas remained fully engaged, actively participating in the lesson under Kurtis’s patient guidance. This level of involvement from Sylas was truly the best possible outcome, reflecting the effectiveness of Kurtis’s teaching approach.
The lesson concluded with high-fives and smiles, leaving everyone stoked with Sylas’s progress.
As our day came to an end, we reunited with a content and exhausted Sylas. After swiftly returning to our vehicle and loading up, we hit the road, with our baby snowboarder peacefully dozing for most of the journey home.
Looking back, the invaluable experience offered by Kicking Horse Mountain Resort’s daycare and adventure hour lesson went beyond simply enjoying a day of snowboarding. It was about nurturing independence, fostering growth, and creating long-lasting memories for our child.
- Published in Winter
