Kicking Horse

Canada Ski Resorts, British Columbia Ski Resorts

A couple stands on a wooden walkway at Kicking Horse, enjoying the scenic views around them.

About Kicking Horse

If you’re an admitted powder hound with a craving for deep snow and adrenaline-pumping terrain, then a Kicking Horse ski vacation should be your next winter getaway. Not only is Kicking Horse considered one of North America’s best places to score some pow, but it’s also home to one of the highest vertical drops on the continent—a staggering 4,314 feet.

Located along British Columbia’s iconic Powder Highway, just outside of Golden, Kicking Horse Resort is blessed with an average of 23 feet of some of the lightest, driest and deepest powder on the planet.

Off the slopes, Kicking Horse has eight on-mountain eateries serving everything from French cuisine to Japanese delicacies. The nearby town of Golden provides even more dining options. With its convenient location just over an hour and a half from Banff and two and a half hours from Calgary, getting to Kicking Horse is as easy as it is rewarding.

5 best things about Kicking Horse according to our Mountain Travel Experts

Heli-Skiing AccessLarge vertical drop"Champagne Powder" and Steep TerrainMountain Top DiningAuthentic Wilderness Experience

MOUNTAIN STATS

Number of runs: 129

Beginner runs: 20%
Advanced runs: 45%
Intermediate runs: 20%
Expert runs: 15%

Skiable acres: 3,486

Base elevation: 3,900 ft
Summit elevation: 8,218 ft
Vertical drop: 4,314 ft

Average snowfall: 295"
Terrain park: YES

Where to stay in Kicking Horse

Experts' Pick

Experts' Pick

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Kicking Horse Trail Maps

How to get to Kicking Horse

The resort is just a quick 1.5-hour drive west of Banff (90 miles), 2.5 hours west of Calgary (168 miles), and if you’re up for an adventure, it’s a 7-hour trek east from Vancouver (435 miles) along the Trans-Canada Highway. Trust us—it’s totally doable and worth every mile!

To book your Kicking Horse vacation or to learn more, call or chat with one of Ski.com's Mountain Travel Experts.

Getting around

Getting around Kicking Horse Mountain Resort is simple, with everything conveniently located near the village and gondola. The resort offers ski-in/ski-out accommodations, making it easy to hit the slopes. For exploring nearby Golden, it’s just a 15-minute drive, offering additional dining and shopping options.

Skiing in Kicking Horse

Like its namesake, Kicking Horse packs quite the punch, even for the most seasoned skiers and snowboarders. With 60 percent of its terrain designated as black and double black, it’s easy to see why this mountain has earned its fierce reputation. Despite its repute, Kicking Horse also offers plenty of terrain for beginners, and the Learning Center provides the perfect setting for learning to ski or ride. After all, if you learn to ski at Kicking Horse, you’re destined to be a skier for life.

Beginner Skiing in Kicking Horse Mountain Resort

Early beginners will love Kicking Horse’s gentle green runs located at the base of the resort, while more seasoned beginners will love skiing and riding longer runs from top to bottom.

Expert Skiing in Kicking Horse Mountain Resort

Advanced intermediates will especially love Kicking Horse’s many “dark blue” pistes, offering a perfect challenge with a taste of the resort's renowned terrain. It’s an ideal place for intermediates to push their limits, with several un-groomed blue runs that provide a great introduction to powder and variable snow conditions.

For those seeking more of a challenge, Kicking Horse delivers in spades. This resort isn’t called Kicking Horse for nothing—it truly packs a punch with some of the most hardcore skiing and snowboarding terrain around. Powder-seekers will be thrilled to know that much of the resort’s best expert terrain lies in north-facing pockets, where fresh tracks can be found days after a storm. Kicking Horse has abundant inbound chutes and steeps, perfect for experts to stay happy for days to come.

Ski Schools & Tours

At Kicking Horse Mountain Resort, you’ll find everything you need to take your skiing and riding to the next level. Beginners and intermediates can choose from private or group lessons designed to build skills and confidence, with options ranging from half-day to multi-day packages. Brand new to skiing and riding? Special clinics offer lessons, gear and lift tickets in small, personalized groups—perfect for easing into the sport.

For kids, there are age-specific programs that start with fun, relaxed sessions for the youngest skiers and progress to more advanced skill-building as they grow. Full-day programs even include a supervised lunch, so parents can enjoy the mountain worry-free.

Advanced and expert skiers can take advantage of guided sessions that focus on modern techniques, powder skiing and safety. Plus, specialized camps for women and seasonal youth camps challenge skiers to reach new heights. Whether you’re just starting out or aiming to master the mountain, Kicking Horse has you covered.

Family vacations in Kicking Horse

Kicking Horse Mountain Resort is the ideal family ski destination, offering terrain for all skill levels, from gentle beginner slopes to more challenging runs. The resort’s central village, conveniently located by the gondola, provides family-friendly amenities like daycare, snow school, a tube park and a skating rink, ensuring everyone is entertained and cared for.

After a day on the slopes, families can enjoy a meal at the summit restaurant, where stunning views and a kid-friendly menu set the stage for sharing stories. A visit to Boo, the resident grizzly bear, adds a memorable touch of adventure that will leave a lasting impression on both kids and adults.

Useful links

Kicking Horse Gears Up for “Miracle March”

Where to Ski in British Columbia | A Ski.com Guide

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