Kicking Horse Golden BC Pro: FIS FWT by Peak Performance Returns to Canada for Stop 3 of the 2025 Season
Press Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
The world’s best freeriders take on Kicking Horse Mountain Resort from February 7-13, marking the eighth edition of this iconic stop.
- Event Dates: The Kicking Horse Golden BC Pro runs from February 7-13, 2025
- Fan-Favorite Stop: Back for its eighth year, this iconic event is a season highlight
- Event Wildcard: Parkin Costain joins as a wildcard, bringing his big-mountain expertise
KICKING HORSE GOLDEN BC, Canada – February 3, 2025: After two intense European stops, the FIS Freeride World Tour by Peak Performance now heads to Canada for the Kicking Horse Golden BC Pro. This marks the eighth edition of this legendary freeride event, where athletes will battle on some of North America’s most dynamic and challenging terrain.
With a weather window from February 7-13, organizers will select the best competition day to ensure optimal conditions. This stop is a key moment in the 2025 season, with riders looking to lock in crucial points before the Tour moves into its final stages before The Cut.
A True Big-Mountain Freeride Destination
Nestled in the Purcell Mountains of British Columbia, Kicking Horse Mountain Resort is one of North America’s premier freeride destinations. Known for its steep chutes, deep snowpack, and natural features, the resort provides the perfect canvas for world-class freeriding. Its rugged terrain offers a mix of technical descents, massive airs, and high-speed open faces, testing the skills of even the most experienced athletes.
Since first hosting an FWT event in 2018, Kicking Horse has earned a reputation as one of the most exciting and demanding stops on the Tour. The mountain consistently delivers prime freeride conditions, drawing riders and fans alike to witness the sport at its highest level.
Beyond the competition, Golden, BC, serves as the perfect freeride hub, with a strong local ski and snowboard community and breathtaking backcountry terrain. The town’s passion for freeriding creates an electric atmosphere, making this stop a highlight of the season for both athletes and fans.
Rankings Update: The Battle for the Golden Bib
With two stops completed, the 2025 FWT rankings highlight a season full of impressive performances as athletes head into Stop 3. In Ski Men, Austria’s Valentin Rainer leads with 16,000 points after a commanding start to the season, with Switzerland’s Martin Bender close behind at 15,520 points, making every run count. In Ski Women, the competition is incredibly tight, as France’s Astrid Cheylus and Canada’s Justine Dufour-Lapointe are tied at the top with 18,000 points. Italy’s Arianna Tricomi remains in the mix, determined to gain ground in the next event.
In the Snowboard Men category, France’s Enzo Nilo leads the way with 15,120 points, but Switzerland’s Rémi Benamo and France’s Victor De Le Rue, tied with 12,095 points each, will be looking to close the gap at the Kicking Horse Golden BC Pro. In Snowboard Women, France’s Noémie Equy has been dominant with 18,000 points, while Canada’s Audrey Hebert and France’s Anna Martinez are eager to capitalize on the North American leg of the Tour.
With the Kicking Horse Golden BC Pro’s challenging terrain and high stakes, fans can look forward to standout performances as the world’s best freeriders continue to push their limits.
Event Wildcard: Parkin Costain Joins the Roster
The Freeride World Tour is thrilled to announce Parkin Costain (USA) as the event wildcard for the Kicking Horse Golden BC Pro. A true product of the mountains, Costain was raised in a family of accomplished riders and spent his early years immersed in the backcountry. By the age of seven, he was already competing in big mountain events, developing the skills and confidence that have defined his career.
Over the years, Costain has expanded his freeride repertoire through groundbreaking film projects with Teton Gravity Research (TGR), establishing himself as one of the most creative and versatile big-mountain skiers of his generation. Known for his bold lines, technical precision, and a unique ability to blend style with control, he is poised to make an unforgettable debut on the FWT stage.
Fans can expect Costain to bring his signature flair to Kicking Horse, adding another layer of excitement to an already action-packed competition.
Don’t Miss the Action
Fans can watch the Kicking Horse Golden BC Pro live on www.freerideworldtour.com, with the competition day confirmed 48 hours in advance. Follow @freerideworldtour on social media for exclusive updates, behind-the-scenes content, and all the latest news from the Tour.
About the FWT
FWT Management SA is based in Verbier, Switzerland, and has been organizing premier sports events globally in mountain resorts since 1996. The company founded the Xtreme Verbier, an iconic event in freeride skiing and snowboarding and, in 2008, it turned this single competition into a prestigious series of worldwide events, called the Freeride World Tour (FWT). The company has since grown to include multiple competition series that fall under the FWT brand – including FWT Challenger, FWT Qualifier and FWT Junior – with events across all formats taking place in Europe, North America, South America and Oceania. Since December 2022, FWT is part of the International Ski and Snowboard Federation (FIS). Discover more at www.freerideworldtour.com
About Peak Performance
Born in the Scandinavian mountains out of a love for skiing in remote, untouched terrain, our passion for adventure and nature runs deep. Our purpose is simple: we bring the freeride spirit to the world. As for our products, they all have the same purpose – empower the freedom to be adventurous and follow your own line. Whether it be horizontally or vertically, on skis, by bike, or on foot, they offer a balance of style and performance. Our Scandinavian heritage is ever present and our commitment to doing better things in a better way is our never-ending responsibility. For more information, please visit www.peakperformance.com.
Contact Information
Marianna Dallabetta Armani
Communication Manager
marianna@freerideworldtour.com
+39 392 3254391
- Published in Press Release
One of North America’s biggest ski resorts is opening this Friday, December 13th
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- Published in Press Release
What’s New at Kicking Horse Mountain Resort This Winter
Golden, B.C – Kicking Horse Mountain Resort is getting ready to open with it’s tentative opening date scheduled for December 6th!
Ski Like a Pro (and with one)
This season, we’re debuting new programs and experiences for adult skiers and snowboarders with our Winter Sports School including First Tracks, Trees and Skis Eco Tours, Mogul Mondays clinics, Training Thursdays clinics and will continue our popular programs like Rippin Betties Camps and Big Mountain Camps.
The Cedars
Live here, play here. The exciting Cedars housing development has just released new units for sale. Find out more on our website.
New Rail Park
Last year saw the development of a new rail park, located on the lower mountain so easily accessible to all. Its small but mighty and the crew has some creative plans cooked up for this coming season.
YYC Shuttle Connector
Leave the driving to us and enjoy the newly finished Hwy 1 section through the Kicking Horse Canyon. This winter catch the Champagne Powder Shuttle from YYC direct to Golden and Kicking Horse Mountain Resort. And once you have made it there is another shuttle connecting town and the resort so you can take advantage of all that Golden has to offer! Find more information at www.goldenshuttle.ca.
Freeride World Tour
We are excited to once again be the only resort in North America to host the Freeride World Tour! The tour will be stopping by Kicking Horse in February 2025, stay tuned for more details.
‘Our team has been working hard getting the mountain ready to ride, with our summer brushing doubling compared to last year, we have also added a new snow cat to our grooming fleet’, says Toby Barrett, Manager of Revenue and Guest Experience at Kicking Horse Mountain Resort. ‘If you’re up for it, check out my personal favourite lap this season, bootpacking up Terminator Peak, heading down T1 South, then down to Double Header. Your legs and lungs will be screaming by the time you hit the groomed Big Ol Bear to cruise back to the base,’ he continued.
Early Booking Vacation Specials are on now, book early and save!
See Available Packages
The RCR Rockies Card is available at the sale price of $139 until December 24th, grab yours online or at the resort.
Purchase RCR Rockies Card
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 • Facebook – @PowderMatt
- Published in Press Release, Winter
The Freeride World Tour Returns to Kicking Horse Mountain Resort in 2025
Golden, B.C – We are stoked to have the Freeride World Tour (FWT) return to Kicking Horse Mountain Resort this winter! Bar none; this is one of the biggest snow events in North America and certainly the most exciting, as it pits athletes against some of the toughest terrain at any ski resort in North America. “We are grateful for the support of the Golden community & Tourism Golden and so fortunate to have incredible support from the FWT team, athletes and all supporting partners.’ says Matt Mosteller, Senior VP at Resorts of the Canadian Rockies, ‘a big shout out to the Kicking Horse Mountain Resort team who dedicate tons of professional support to make this event possible”, he continued.
The FWT will return to Kicking Horse Mountain Resort in February 2025 and remains the only North American stop of the 2024.2025 world tour. Stay up to date with information on the Freeride World Tour 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, Instagram, Facebook – @PowderMatt
- Published in Press Release
Farmer’s Almanac Agrees, it’s a La Niña Winter
Environment Canada and the NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration) have already declared the upcoming 2024.2025 winter season a La Niña phenonmenon and now Farmer’s Almanac agrees.
According to the Almanac; ‘La Niña, which refers to the periodic cooling of ocean surface temperatures in the central and eastern equatorial Pacific, is expected to develop and hang on through the season. Taking into account the effect La Niña has on the weather, along with our long-standing formula, we anticipate the winter of 2024-25 will be wet and cold for most locations.’ Which is music to winter sports enthusiasts ears. Read more on the Farmer’s Almanac website.
Get ready for winter, it could be really snowy on the Powder Highway of British Columbia! It’s time to get your ski gear ready & plan your winter ski vacation. Winter Early Booking offers are on now.
Book Fernie Alpine Resort
Book Kimberley Alpine Resort
Book Kicking Horse Mountain Resort
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For more information, please contact:
Matt Mosteller
Senior VP Marketing & Resort Experience, Resorts of the Canadian Rockies
media@skircr.com
Instagram, Facebook & Twitter – @PowderMatt
- Published in Press Release
Will it be another La Niña Winter? What is Environment Canada predicting?
Canada – We interrupt your summer with a snowy update. La Niña winter is in the forecast!
You’ve probably heard a lot of talk about La Niña or sometimes El Niño, so what do they really mean? During El Niño, trade winds weaken, warm water is pushed back east, toward the west coast of the Americas resulting in areas in the northern U.S. and Canada are dryer and warmer than usual. Now La Niña is what we really get excited about. La Niña has the opposite effect of El Niño. During La Niña events, trade winds are stronger than usual, pushing more warm water toward Asia. The cold waters in the Pacific push the jet stream northward. This tends to lead to drought in the southern U.S. and colder events with more percipitation (snow!) in the Pacific Northwest and Canada.
Check out the Environment Canada map at the bottom of this email to see the percipitation predictions for the upcoming winter.
Now we know these are just predictions so don’t stop doing your snow dance. We sure hope the snowier than normal ski season returns this winter! Cheers to La Niña!
We have been busy doing summer grooming at Fernie Alpine Resort, Kimberley Alpine Resort and Kicking Horse Mountain Resort. We have a custom built mowers that attach to a grooming cat and can give the slopes a sweet hair-cut so they are ready for those first flakes.
Don’t forget to plan ahead if you’re thinking about booking a ski holiday or weekend getaway as space books up quickly. Book your vacation on our website or email our vacation specialists to inquire about early booking offers at information@skircr.com.
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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
Kicking Horse launches new guided hike day with Helly Hansen
May 31st, 2024 – this summer, we are thrilled to launch a brand new hiking event with our partners Helly Hansen. Join Kicking Horse Mountain Resort and Helly Hansen in celebrating Open Mountain Month with a guided hiking journey through the stunning landscapes of Golden, BC!
Led by professional guides, you’ll venture along a breathtaking trail surrounded by stunning mountain views. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or newer to the trails, our experienced guides will ensure a safe and enjoyable journey. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to explore the beauty of Kicking Horse Mountain Resort up close and personal. Lace up your boots, pack your camera, and get ready to experience the power of nature, feel a part of something special, and leave with long-lasting memories.
‘We are so excited to launch this day of hiking as we truly believe that getting the opportunity to experience the magic of the outdoors is something everyone should have the opportunity to experience’, says Powder Matt Mosteller, ‘as time outside can have such a powerful impact on your physical health and mental health’, added Mosteller.
The guided hiking event will be on June 29th, an all day event starting first thing in the morning! Mark your calendars now, more information including registration will be released 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
Instagram, Twitter, Facebook – @PowderMatt
- Published in Press Release
Summer kicks off soon at Kicking Horse Mountain Resort
May 14, 2024 – We are excited to welcome you all back for another summer here at Kicking Horse Mountain Resort!
Join us and visit Boo Grizzly at our Grizzly Bear Refuge! Take the Golden Eagle Express gondola to the top to experience the panoramic mountain views and the historic Columbia Valley! Hungry? Our Eagle’s Eye Restaurant will be open for lunch all summer long – come dine at 7,700 feet!
Disc golf is not yet available, but should be soon! Stay tuned.
Mountain biking and our Via Ferrata tours will be available June 21 (weather permitting).
Early Season | May 31 – June 20 (Open Friday – Monday)
• Activities open: Grizzly Bear Refuge, Eagle’s Eye Restaurant, Golden Eagle Express. *Book your behind the scenes Ranger Assist Program now! More information.
Core Summer | June 21 – September 2 (Open Daily)
• Bike Park & Via Ferrata Opening
Late Season | September 6 – 29 (Open Friday – Monday)
And now, we interupt our summer notice with some winter information. Kicking Horse Mountain Resort announces extensive summer slope makeover in preparation for the 2024/25 ski season. Kicking Horse Mountain Resort is focused on its commitment to providing the best skiing and riding surface possible. We have tripled the budget for summer grooming, and this will assist us in providing a better ski experience but also by doing extensive brush cutting on the lower mountain, it will make the early season opening experience more enhanced.
The plan being executed by a professional brushing crew will cover more ski runs, of which a high priority is the green and blue runs. This is part of a three year slope enhancement plan.
We had great results from last summer grooming on runs like Wiley Coyote and given the feedback and input from guests we decided that we needed to do more of this.
For the experts don’t worry, as we will also look at some of your favourites and we think you will enjoy the ones we choose!
Summer Season Passes are on sale now. Buy yours before June 23rd to save with our Early Bird Sale. Buy now.
Winter Season Passes will be on sale soon, stay tuned for more information!
For more information on all activities and sales mentioned, please 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
Instagram, Twitter, Facebook – @PowderMatt
- Published in Press Release
It’s SNOW TIME! – Kicking Horse Mountain Resort opening for ski season this Friday!
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
Twitter, Instagram, Facebook – @PowderMatt
Photo from December 2023
- Published in Press Release
RESORTS OF THE CANADIAN ROCKIES JOIN THE EPIC AUSTRALIA PASS
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 Resort, Kicking 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.
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 adults, AU$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.
- Published in Press Release