Kicking Horse Mountain Resort
A premier mountain resort offering challenging skiing, exhilarating biking, and breathtaking alpine vistas, home to a unique grizzly bear refuge.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fresh powder awaits!
Kicking Horse Mountain Resort
Best Time
Fresh powder awaits!
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A premier mountain resort offering challenging skiing, exhilarating biking, and breathtaking alpine vistas, home to a unique grizzly bear refuge.
"Some of the best and most memorable skiing I’ve ever done happened on this hill."
🦟 Pack Serious Bug Spray
Mosquitoes are intense in summer. Use copious amounts of bug spray to avoid dozens of bites.
⏰ Check Operating Hours
Summer lift and shop hours can be limited, especially mid-week. Verify schedules before you go.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Stunning Mountain Vistas
Summit
Experience panoramic views of snow-capped peaks that make you feel on top of the world.
Grizzly Bear Refuge
Mid-mountain
See Boo, a rescued grizzly bear, in his natural habitat and learn about his story.
LYM (Love You Man) Trail
Mountain Biking Trails
Ride an exhilarating trail made almost entirely of elevated wooden bridges.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Summer Operations & Mosquitoes
Gondola & Bear Refuge Timing
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🦟 Pack Serious Bug Spray
Mosquitoes are intense in summer. Use copious amounts of bug spray to avoid dozens of bites.
⏰ Check Operating Hours
Summer lift and shop hours can be limited, especially mid-week. Verify schedules before you go.
🐻 Bear Tour Timing is Tricky
Website info on bear tours can be confusing. Arrive early and confirm start times to avoid missing Boo.
🥾 Hiking & Biking Paradise
The resort is excellent for summer activities with stunning views.
Tips
from all over the internet
🦟 Pack Serious Bug Spray
Mosquitoes are intense in summer. Use copious amounts of bug spray to avoid dozens of bites.
⏰ Check Operating Hours
Summer lift and shop hours can be limited, especially mid-week. Verify schedules before you go.
🐻 Bear Tour Timing is Tricky
Website info on bear tours can be confusing. Arrive early and confirm start times to avoid missing Boo.
🥾 Hiking & Biking Paradise
The resort is excellent for summer activities with stunning views.
❄️ Unforgettable Skiing
Many consider the skiing here among the best they've ever experienced.
🚫 No A/C in Rooms
Rooms lack air conditioning. Keep patio doors open for cooling, but beware of mosquitoes.
♨️ Hot Tub Booking Required
Hot tub access requires booking a time slot, which some find inconvenient.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about Kicking Horse Mountain Resort's stunning mountain vistas and challenging ski terrain, often calling it some of the best they've ever experienced. The unique Grizzly Bear Refuge and exhilarating mountain biking trails are also major highlights. However, some find the resort's amenities limited compared to larger resorts, with issues like confusing website information, required hot tub bookings, and intense summer mosquitoes being noted drawbacks.
"The resort is great for biking and hiking . Winter sports should be excellent.
However the chairlift only opens 0945 to 3.30 so if you are hiking high you would have a time restriction if you used the lift . This may mean you miss seeing the bear enclosure. The chairlift does need more time especially in summer when the Gondola is not operational.
However the views are stunning"
Lee James
"Smaller resort so a lot less to do. If I was there for mountain biking or snowboarding I would probably give it a higher rating. I was there for an event and there was not much to do besides the event I went for. The gondola was closed, so that didn't help either. I could not find a pool and for the hot tub you had to book a time to go in, this was very strange, I could understand this maybe during COVID but on the regular. Hot tubs are for relaxing not a scheduled time in my opinion.
The views are amazing, the food was decent. I was lucky enough to see Boo the Grizzly bear half way up the mountain. That was easily the best part of the resort.
The mosquitoes are next level bad, if you go there in the summer just take a shower in bug spray before going outside, I went through almost a whole can over the weekend and walked out with about a dozen or so bites, way better then my friends who had forgot big spray for an afternoon and got dozens of bites each in a few hours. Again big spray, lots of it is a must.
Overall worth a visit if you are in Golden or passing through for a night just don't expect it to have the amenities of a bigger resort. Last off the website does say this as well but there is no A/C, I didn't find this a problem but if A/C is a must for you, then keep looking for a different place. Don't think you will just keep the patio door open to cool off the room either, again the mosquitoes are next level and they will get past the screens."
Josh
"Great place to visit as we were staying just down the road in an Airbnb. Be aware that in summer (we visited in September), the shops and lift do not operate on Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday. The area however is very beautiful, even if you don't go in the ski season."
Samantha Platt
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Kicking Horse Mountain Resort is about a three-hour drive from Calgary International Airport. The drive offers scenic views as you approach Golden, BC, part of the famed Powder Highway.
Yes, Kicking Horse Mountain Resort is conveniently located just a 15-minute drive from the town of Golden, British Columbia.
Driving is the most common and flexible way to reach Kicking Horse Mountain Resort, especially if you plan to explore other areas along the Powder Highway.
While direct shuttle services might be limited, many visitors opt for rental cars or private transfers from Calgary or nearby towns. Check with local Golden tourism operators for potential options.
Road conditions can vary, especially in winter. Always check DriveBC for current road reports and ensure your vehicle is equipped for mountain driving, including winter tires if traveling during ski season.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Kicking Horse lift tickets can be purchased online through the official Kicking Horse Mountain Resort website or at the resort's ticket office. Booking in advance is often recommended, especially during peak season.
The Kicking Horse gondola has specific operating hours that vary by season. In summer, it may not operate on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, or Thursdays. In winter, it typically runs from morning until mid-afternoon. Always check the resort's website for the most current schedule.
Discounted lift tickets may be available through early bird purchases, multi-day passes, or special promotions. Keep an eye on the resort's website and local tourism sites for deals.
Kicking Horse ski passes are typically valid only for winter operations. Summer activities like biking and hiking usually require separate passes or tickets.
Some accommodations at Kicking Horse Mountain Resort require advance booking for hot tub access, which some visitors find inconvenient. It's best to inquire with your specific lodging provider.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
Kicking Horse offers a variety of hiking trails for all levels, with stunning alpine scenery. Trails range from gentle walks to more challenging ascents, providing access to incredible viewpoints.
Absolutely! Kicking Horse is renowned for its challenging and exhilarating mountain biking trails, including the unique LYM (Love You Man) trail made of elevated wooden bridges. 
Yes, visitors have a good chance of seeing wildlife, most notably Boo, a rescued grizzly bear at the on-site refuge. Keep an eye out for other alpine animals during your visit.
Weather can change rapidly at Kicking Horse. Expect variable conditions, especially at higher elevations. Pack layers and be prepared for sun, wind, and potentially snow, even in summer.
While known for its challenging terrain, families can enjoy hiking, scenic gondola rides, and the Grizzly Bear Refuge. Younger children might enjoy beginner ski slopes in winter.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Dining options include restaurants at the resort base and summit, offering various cuisines. The Eagle's Eye Restaurant at the summit provides a unique dining experience with incredible views.
As with most resort destinations, dining at Kicking Horse can be on the pricier side. Packing some of your own snacks or opting for more casual eateries can help manage costs.
Most restaurants at Kicking Horse Mountain Resort offer a range of options, and it's usually possible to find vegetarian or vegan dishes. It's always a good idea to check menus in advance or inform your server of dietary needs.
You can bring your own food and drinks to enjoy on the mountain, especially if you're picnicking during a hike or bike ride. However, dining facilities are available for those who prefer to eat out.
The Eagle's Eye Restaurant, located at the summit of Kicking Horse Mountain Resort, is famous for its breathtaking panoramic views and fine dining experience. It's a popular spot for a special meal.
📸 📸 Photography
The summit offers unparalleled panoramic views of the surrounding Rocky Mountains, making it a prime photography location. The scenic gondola ride itself also provides great photo opportunities.
Drone photography is generally permitted, but it's essential to check the resort's specific drone policy and adhere to all regulations to ensure safety and respect for other visitors.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive mountain vistas. For action shots of biking or skiing, a GoPro or similar action camera is ideal.
The view from the summit, the unique wooden bridges of the LYM trail, and the Grizzly Bear Refuge are all iconic photo opportunities that capture the essence of Kicking Horse.
Sunrise and sunset offer dramatic lighting for landscape photography. Mid-day can be bright, but the clear mountain air often provides excellent visibility for capturing the vast scenery.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
In winter, there are beginner-friendly slopes, and the gondola ride offers a scenic adventure. For summer visits, consider the hiking trails suitable for younger legs and the novelty of the LYM trail for older kids who enjoy biking. However, be prepared for potential limitations in summer operating hours and the need for significant bug spray due to mosquitoes.
🏂 Ski & Snowboard Enthusiasts
While the resort offers incredible skiing, it's important to be prepared for potentially variable conditions and to respect the mountain's challenges. The gondola provides access to high-alpine areas, and the resort's vast acreage ensures plenty of exploration opportunities.
🚵 Mountain Biking Adventurers
+2Be prepared for technical descents and significant elevation changes. The resort offers a thrilling experience for intermediate to expert riders. Always ensure you have appropriate safety gear and check trail conditions before heading out.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Winter Sports at Kicking Horse
Beyond groomed runs, Kicking Horse is famous for its backcountry access and steep, ungroomed terrain. Skiers and snowboarders can expect challenging descents, powder bowls, and opportunities for off-piste adventures. The resort's reputation for challenging conditions attracts thrill-seekers, and it has even hosted events like the Freeride World Tour.
While the resort is a haven for experienced riders, there are also areas suitable for intermediates. However, beginners might find the terrain more challenging compared to other resorts. It's crucial to be aware of avalanche conditions and practice safe backcountry protocols if venturing beyond marked trails.
Summer Adventures: Biking & Hiking
+2Hiking enthusiasts will find numerous trails leading to breathtaking viewpoints. The gondola ride itself offers spectacular scenery, and once at the top, you can embark on hikes that reveal panoramic vistas of the surrounding Rocky Mountains. The Grizzly Bear Refuge, home to Boo the bear, is also a popular summer attraction accessible via hiking or the chairlift.
It's important to note that summer operations can be limited, with the chairlift and some facilities potentially closed on weekdays. Visitors should always check the resort's operating schedule in advance. Additionally, mosquitoes can be a significant nuisance during the summer months, so packing plenty of insect repellent is highly recommended.
The Kicking Horse Gondola Experience
At the summit, the Eagle's Eye Restaurant offers a unique dining experience with 360-degree views. This makes the gondola ride a gateway to not just the mountain's terrain but also its culinary highlights. The accessibility provided by the gondola allows visitors of all fitness levels to enjoy the high-alpine environment.
However, the gondola's operation hours are crucial to plan around. In summer, it may have limited operating days, and in winter, its hours are restricted, which can impact access to certain areas or activities, like the Grizzly Bear Refuge, if not timed correctly. There have also been rare incidents, such as a cabin detaching, leading to temporary closures and safety reviews.
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