Read skier and snowboarder-submitted reviews on Kicking Horse that rank the ski resort and mountain town on a scale of one to five stars for attributes such as terrain, nightlife and family friendliness. See how Kicking Horse stacks up in the reviews, on and off the slopes, from skiing and family activities to the après scene. Read up on pros, cons and other comments in reviews left by fellow skiers and riders. Don't forget to submit your own Kicking Horse review! Scroll to the bottom of this page to let other travelers know about your skiing and resort experience.
Reviews for Kicking Horse
Total (3.5)
A ski resort's overall star rating displayed here is not calculated based on a simple average but takes several factors, including the age of a review, into account.
Unlucky didn't have to much snow but absolutely incredible still
Chuck McDonald
Pros: Golden is a lovely mtn town. The people are friendly. It is easy access from Calgary on the TC 1. But it is a big mountain, best for strong skiers. Cons: Those just beginning need to take lessons before taking on this mountain and lift access is limited, which is disappointing.
lname
I am not sure how this resort received a 3 for expert terrain. This mountain has a ton of terrain and is by FAR the most challenging ski hill in Western Canada. There's so much terrain, you really need to know where to go. It's hardcore. The locals are friendly and it rarely gets super busy so you are less likely to get accidentally nailed by an out of control snowboarder. Snow coverage is generally good at the top but it does get icy on the way down. On the downside, the lift system is terrible but in an ironic kind of way this adds to its appeal. Highly recommended if you like challenging yourself while skiing.
Jackson T
Really long runs that will punish your legs, but you'll have a lot of fun along the way!
Colin
This is one of the best ski areas in North America. Amazing terrain, spectacular views. Lots of steep challenging terrain, and some great cruising as well!
Stephen Jenkins
I love this resort!!! There's just so much challenging terrain (generally under-graded:compared to many places the blues here = blacks elsewhere, the blacks = double blacks). In good snow periods, it's simply epic; and they get lots of snow. I don't mind hiking up to Ozone, Middle Ridge, T1 or T2... it's pretty much a compulsory part of the experience, and brings so, so much more terrain. Even when not hiking there's so many chutes to choose from. The locals say you have to pass the entry test to get into the chutes i.e. not be intimidated from going in. There's a reason why this place is on the Freeride Wold Tour!
If there's been a drought, it still may be good skiing on chalky snow, but some of those tight chutes get monster moguls and pretty scraped. On Alberta holidays, like Alberta Family Weekend in mid Feb. it's not worth going...it may take 45+ min just to get on the gondola.
erin butler
Kicking horse has the best, most challenging terrain in eastern British Columbia /Alberta area. Steep chutes that holds powder, drop ins, bowls, glades-awesome... Kicking horse limitation, one gondola, is also the best part. Yes, you need to hike to get to a lot of cool terrain (terminator one and two, Rudy's), so you can't do as many runs in one day as other places. And the top of the hill has the more interesting skiing vs the bottom. So long traverses... However, the fact that there is only gondola and you need to hike, means the good lines get skied less and the snow lasts longer and there are fewer people! So... I think it's awesome. Also golden is full of nice people and it's less expensive than golden because it's not fancy. Come here for the skiing and you will be happy. Beginner / low intermediate-not recommended! Even the blues here would be black at other mountains. Much better to go to Revelstoke or louise or sunshine
Nicholas Gobel
Great terrain Locals are friendly, Steep skiing interesting hiking hard core skiers are rewarded for days after a dump You must hike to reach untracked powder. Top of mountain can only be accessed by base lift at mountain. On weekends this could entail slightly long lift lines. Couldn't find much good tree skiing forest is young and trees are tight. Grooming is almost non existent. Town of Golden is rough but interesting. Minimal night life and shopping Hotels are relatively cheap for a ski town. Locals are friendly.
Nicholas Gobel
Having skied Whistler, Revelstoke, and all the Rocky Mountain Resorts This mountain has some of the best accessible steep terrain ( upper bowls w/ chutes) with less crowds due to its remote location and mostly expert terrain. Colder temps means less snow but less likely hood of rain. The limited lift service makes the hard core work for the powder turns and keeps the snow longer for those who are fit and don't mind small hikes to get the snow. The upper mountain can only be reached by one lift at the base of the hill. Making the Gondola lift a choke point when busy on the weekends. Golden is a working class town with a transient population that is rough but the long term locals are the best people. Hotels are affordable. Eating out is basic. Shopping minimal. Its all about the skiing! Incredible Terrain everywhere! For a strong skier this place is legitimate.
I have skied all over the states and the Horse and Rev in BC. I am always looking for powder and steep terrain. I have skied 4 days at kh. Every day excellent dry snow at top to mid. Mid down can get funky in the trees. But when it is good, it is excellent all the way top to bottom with pow all the way. If not, you ski the top 2500 feet in the pow and then take a cruiser down the rest of the way. The amount of inbounds steeps is nuts. Everything is 35 degrees and up
the hike to terrain is what makes this place awesome. Finding deep powder 5 days after snow is huge. One day, we hiked T1 and T2. That was all we did. 2 runs. 2 + hours each with hike and ski. 4000 + feet each of powder top to bottom. T2 was the best run I have had in 20 years.
I will take KH over Rev. Rev is good too. But twice, it has frozen overnight on us and it sucked hard. KH is higher and does not get the freeze or rain as often as Rev.
Rate this Resort
Share your experience at resort Kicking Horse to help other skiers.
