Kicking Horse, Canada
Glacier Mountaineer Lodge
Low season:£1,645per week
£165 per person

Canada
The Champagne Powder Capital of Canada with massive vertical and steep bowls.
4 properties available
About the Resort
Kicking Horse Mountain Resort, located above the town of Golden in British Columbia, is renowned for its fearsome vertical drop and incredibly steep, rugged terrain. Situated in the Purcell Mountains, it is a crown jewel of Canada's famed 'Powder Highway,' drawing thrill-seekers with its deep, dry champagne powder and expansive alpine bowls.
The Resort
While beginners will find a dedicated learning area at the mountain base, Kicking Horse's true character shines in its upper reaches. The Golden Eagle Express gondola whisks skiers from the base straight to the summit, unlocking thousands of acres of steep chutes, tree runs, and hike-to terrain across four massive bowls, making it an undisputed mecca for advanced and expert freeriders.
On the Mountain
The mountain features over 1,300 meters of continuous vertical descent, characterized by narrow chutes, gladed runs, and four massive open bowls. The upper mountain is an ungroomed playground for experts willing to hike the ridges, while intermediates can enjoy incredibly long, winding groomed descents back to the base.
Purcell Mountains, British Columbia
Part of the legendary Powder Highway, known for its rugged peaks, deep dry snow, and dramatic landscapes just west of the Rockies.
Location
Resort Details
Ideal For
Experts
Endless steep bowls, narrow chutes, and rugged ridge lines requiring high technical skill.
Freeriders
Vast amounts of in-bounds, hike-to off-piste terrain that feels like a backcountry experience.
Powder Hounds
Consistently dry, deep snow renowned as champagne powder.
Foodies
Home to Eagle's Eye, Canada's highest elevated dining experience.
Slope Access
Wellness
Full Collection
Personal Concierge
Our concierge team knows every property in Kicking Horse. Tell us what you're looking for and we'll send personalised recommendations within 24 hours.
Where to Eat
Eagle's Eye Restaurant
Mountain Summit (2,350m)
Canada's highest dining experience offering breathtaking 360-degree views of five national parks.
Peaks Grill
Resort Base
The go-to lively spot for après-ski drinks, craft beer, and casual pub fare right at the bottom of the slopes.
Double Black Cafe
Resort Base
A cozy, popular morning spot to fuel up with locally roasted coffee before hitting the gondola.
Whitetooth Grill
Day Lodge
Classic ski lodge cafeteria food, perfect for a quick and hearty mid-day lunch.
From the Journal
Common Questions
The ski season in Kicking Horse typically runs Early December to mid-April. The resort averages 7.5m per season of snowfall, so conditions are usually reliable throughout. Highway 1 closures due to avalanche control can occasionally impact travel from Calgary; check DriveBC before departing.
Kicking Horse offers 100km of pistes with a vertical drop of 1,315m. The mountain features over 1,300 meters of continuous vertical descent, characterized by narrow chutes, gladed runs, and four massive open bowls. The upper mountain is an ungroomed playground for experts willing to hike the ridges, while intermediates can enjoy incredibly long, winding groomed descents back to the base. It forms part of the Purcell Mountains, British Columbia ski area.
The Champagne Powder Capital of Canada with massive vertical and steep bowls. Kicking Horse is a off-piste paradise, known for its distinctive character and atmosphere. Key highlights include off piste, experts, advanced, extensive terrain, quiet village.
Kicking Horse receives an average of 7.5m per season of snowfall. With skiing up to 2,450m, higher altitude terrain holds snow well into spring. Recent snowfall: Consistent dry champagne powder.
Kicking Horse is well-suited for several types of visitors. For experts: Endless steep bowls, narrow chutes, and rugged ridge lines requiring high technical skill. For freeriders: Vast amounts of in-bounds, hike-to off-piste terrain that feels like a backcountry experience. For powder hounds: Consistently dry, deep snow renowned as champagne powder.
The nearest airport is Calgary International Airport (YYC), about 290km away (approximately 3h 15min by transfer). Most visitors rent an SUV or book private shuttle services from Calgary, driving west via the Trans-Canada Highway through Banff and Yoho National Parks. A local shuttle bus operates between the town of Golden and the resort base during the winter season.
Lift passes in Kicking Horse are available as Adult Day Pass (CAD 159), Adult 6-Day Pass (CAD 750). Passes often cover the wider Purcell Mountains, British Columbia area, giving access to a much larger ski domain. Book Eagle's Eye Restaurant reservations well in advance, especially for holiday periods.
Standout dining in Kicking Horse includes Eagle's Eye Restaurant (Canada's highest dining experience offering breathtaking 360-degree views of five national parks.), Peaks Grill (The go-to lively spot for après-ski drinks, craft beer, and casual pub fare right at the bottom of the slopes.), Double Black Cafe (A cozy, popular morning spot to fuel up with locally roasted coffee before hitting the gondola.). With 4 recommended restaurants in total, the resort offers an impressive dining scene for a ski destination.
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