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

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

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

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

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

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