Hidden between beautiful mountains and a scenic route away from the trans-Canada highway, is Kicking Horse Mountain Resort. Close to six of the most stunning National Parks in Canada, Kicking horse is the fourth highest peak in all of North America. This stunning Canadian Ski Resort has been beautifully maintained as a serene area, and so well hidden that most ski travellers drive right past it.
• Skiable Terrain: 3,486 acres
• Number Of Runs: 120+
• Summit: 2,505m
• Vertical: 1,315m
• Ski Season: December to April
• Annual Snowfall: 7.3m
• Longest Run: 10km
• Average Temperature: -10C
• Trail Difficulty: 20% Beginner, 20% Intermediate, 45% Advanced, 15% Expert
• Lift System: 5 Total Including 1 Gondola, 2 4-Person Fixed Grips, 1 2-Person Fixed Grip and 1 Surface Lift
• Tubing
• Snowshoeing
• Orientation Tours
• Telemark Skiing
• Snowmobiling
• Gondola Sightseeing
• Heli Skiing
• Hot Springs
• Ice Skating
• Dog Sled Adventures
Offers 4 alpine bowls, 85 inbound chutes and over 2,825 acres
Rated as one of the top ski areas in Canada and America
Semi-remote location makes for a relaxing stay
Many activities on mountain to keen skiers and snowboarders busy all day
A: The easiest way to get to Kicking Horse is to fly into Calgary, then take a pre-booked shuttle or private transfer through the Canadian Rockies to Golden and Kicking Horse Mountain Resort. AMPED can organise your flights, transfers, accommodation and any Banff or Lake Louise stopovers so the journey works smoothly with ski gear and luggage. The resort is around 2.5 hours west of Calgary and around 1.5 hours west of Banff.
A: AMPED recommends staying on the mountain at Kicking Horse if you want the easiest access to the slopes, lifts, rentals and resort dining. Golden is another option for travellers wanting more town services, local restaurants and a broader accommodation choice, but it does mean extra transport to the ski area each day.
A: Yes, Kicking Horse has ski-in ski-out and slope-side accommodation options at the mountain base. AMPED recommends staying on mountain if you want maximum convenience, especially for shorter stays, families, or travellers focused on skiing as much of the resort’s big terrain as possible.
A: Kicking Horse is known for dry Rocky Mountain snow, strong alpine conditions and excellent powder days, especially in the upper mountain. The resort reports average snowfall of up to 750 cm at summit snow stations and has 3,486 acres of skiable terrain, making it a strong choice for skiers and snowboarders chasing a more adventurous Canada snow holiday.
A: The best time to ski Kicking Horse is usually January to March, when snow coverage is stronger and the alpine terrain is more likely to be skiing well. AMPED recommends February and early March for travellers wanting a good balance of snow quality, daylight and access to the resort’s bowls, chutes and longer advanced terrain.
A: Kicking Horse suits a range of skiers and snowboarders, but it is strongest for confident intermediates, advanced and expert riders. Beginners and families can still enjoy the learning area, lessons and lower mountain terrain, but AMPED will usually recommend Kicking Horse most strongly for travellers who want steep terrain, bowls, chutes and a more adventurous mountain experience. The resort’s terrain mix is weighted heavily towards advanced and expert skiing.
A: Yes, AMPED recommends pre-booking ski or snowboard lessons at Kicking Horse, especially for beginners, children, or anyone wanting confidence before exploring steeper terrain. The resort offers lesson options for first-time skiers and snowboarders, and booking ahead helps secure the right lesson type, timing and ability level.
A: Yes, AMPED can pre-book your ski or snowboard rentals at Kicking Horse so your equipment is organised before you arrive. Pre-booking helps save time on your first ski day and ensures the right gear is arranged for your ability level, children’s needs and the type of terrain you plan to ski.
A: Yes, AMPED can organise your Kicking Horse lift passes as part of your Canada snow holiday package. We can help choose the right pass duration for your ski days, rest days and wider itinerary, while also checking pre-purchase options that may help save time and money.
A: Most travellers do not need a car at Kicking Horse if transfers and accommodation are planned in advance. AMPED can organise airport shuttles, private transfers or a wider self-drive itinerary, depending on whether you are staying only at Kicking Horse or combining it with Banff, Lake Louise, Panorama or Revelstoke. The resort also notes winter shuttle options from Calgary and local connector transport between Golden, accommodation and the slopes.
A: Kicking Horse has good resort dining, including the famous Eagle’s Eye Restaurant, on-mountain food stops and relaxed village options such as Peaks Grill. Nightlife is more laid-back than big resort towns, so AMPED recommends Kicking Horse for travellers who want big ski days, mountain dining and casual après rather than a busy party scene.
A: Yes, Kicking Horse works very well in a multi-resort Canadian Rockies itinerary. AMPED can combine Kicking Horse with Banff, Lake Louise, Panorama or Revelstoke, arranging the right transfers, car hire, accommodation, lift passes and pacing so you get the best mix of steep terrain, scenery and resort variety.
A: Kicking Horse is unique because it combines one of North America’s biggest vertical drops with huge alpine terrain, 5 bowls, more than 85 inbound chutes and a quieter mountain village feel near Golden. AMPED recommends Kicking Horse for confident skiers and snowboarders wanting a more adventurous Canada ski holiday with serious terrain, strong snow and fewer crowds than the major resort hubs.
