Few people know a ski destination better than someone who has experienced it firsthand. We asked Krysten what makes Kicking Horse so memorable—and what skiers should know before planning their trip.

Here’s Krysten’s take:

"Kicking Horse is the kind of mountain that stays with you. It’s big, adventurous and a little wild, with incredible terrain, spectacular views and the relaxed atmosphere of a true mountain town.

I’ve spent plenty of time skiing here, and these are a few of the reasons I keep coming back."

Kicking Horse Has Serious Big-Mountain Terrain

If you love steep skiing as much as I do, Kicking Horse belongs on your list.

Hike up Stairway to Heaven, follow the ridge and drop into one of the many runs along Whitewall and Ozone. Ozone is the legendary terrain that previously hosted the Freeride World Tour—which tells you something about the skiing you’ll find here.

There’s a real sense of adventure at Kicking Horse, with a new challenge waiting around every corner.

The Snow Holds Up Beautifully

When fresh snow arrives, you can find the light, dry champagne powder the Rockies are famous for. Between storms, the snow often stays chalky and holds up beautifully, so there is usually great skiing to be found throughout the season.

And it isn’t all steeps. Kicking Horse also has long, satisfying groomers that let you cruise from the alpine all the way to the base.

The Mountaintop Views Are Hard to Beat

On a clear day, the scenery from Eagle’s Eye Restaurant is spectacular.

Located at the top of the gondola, it offers sweeping mountain views in every direction—and a pretty unforgettable place to stop for lunch.

You May Meet a Very Special Local

Visit in the spring and you may even spot Boo, Kicking Horse’s resident grizzly bear, after he wakes from hibernation.

Boo lives in the mountain’s protected grizzly bear refuge, which you pass over while riding the gondola. It’s one of those experiences that makes Kicking Horse feel completely different from anywhere else.

Golden Is Part of the Experience

Kicking Horse may be the reason you come, but Golden is part of what makes the trip so memorable.

For breakfast, I recommend the BLT bagel and a coffee at Double Black Café at the base of the mountain. It’s also a great place to return for an après-ski drink.

In Golden, Reposados is my pick for Mexican food. I also make a point of visiting Bacchus Books & Café, a cozy independent bookstore and coffee shop that I return to every time I’m in town.

Golden has the welcoming feel of a real mountain town. You’ll find independent businesses, local restaurants and relaxed ways to spend an evening off the slopes, including a movie theatre and bowling alley.

The Best Intro to the Powder Highway

Kicking Horse is one of eight alpine resorts along British Columbia’s legendary Powder Highway—a route known for deep snow, authentic mountain towns and some of North America’s most exciting ski terrain.

You can make Kicking Horse the focus of your vacation or connect it with other mountains for a multi-resort road trip through the Kootenay Rockies. Golden is also an excellent starting point if you want to explore adding a bucket-list heli-skiing experience.

There are plenty of ways to build the trip, and that’s where firsthand advice matters. Skican can help you choose the right route, coordinate the details and decide how much to include without making your vacation feel rushed.

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