Discover the Best Skiing Golden, BC: A Winter Wonderland Guide with Yoho Chalets

Are you seeking the thrill of skiing in the Canadian Rockies? Golden is a premier Canadian Rockies skiing destination with diverse terrains catering to all levels, highlighted by the renowned Kicking Horse Mountain Resort and the scenic Lake Louise Ski Resort with unrivalled powder and slopes for every level. Our guide strips away the fluff, giving you the essentials on what to expect from Golden’s peaks, ski culture, and amenities as you plan your snowy getaway.

Golden offers abundant ski gear rental services, elevated dining experiences such as Canada’s highest restaurant, and a wealth of winter activities beyond skiing, ensuring a comprehensive winter holiday experience.

Nestled amidst the Canadian Rockies’ spectacular scenery, Golden offers many incredible ski destinations. At the heart of this winter wonderland is the Kicking Horse Mountain Resort, the ‘Champagne Powder Capital of Canada.’ Its diverse terrain caters to all skill levels, Boasting unmatched vertical drops, various terrains, and beginner-friendly zones, making Kicking Horse an extraordinary skiing adventure at one of the largest ski resorts in North America.

Just a short distance East of Golden and Yoho Chalets lies the world-renowned Lake Louise Ski Resort, part of the Banff National Park & Lake Louise ski destinations, including Mt. Norquay and Banff Sunshine Village. Nestled in the picturesque village of Lake Louise, these resorts offer breathtaking scenery, including the stunning Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise, expansive terrain, an awe-inspiring backdrop of the Canadian Rockies, and the warm hospitality of the locals.

Turning our attention to the crowning glory of Golden’s ski destinations, we find the Kicking Horse Mountain Resort. Known for its impressive vertical drops, diverse terrain, and beginner-friendly zones, Kicking Horse is a top choice for skiers of all levels. Even with lower-than-usual snowfall this winter, the conditions at Kicking Horse outshine many other locations in the West.

Skiing down the north face of Kicking Horse Mountain in Golden, BC

The unmatched vertical drops of Kicking Horse are among its most exhilarating features. With a vertical drop of an impressive 1,315 metres (4,314 feet), Kicking Horse boasts one of the longest in North America, offering stunning views of the surrounding Ten Peaks mountain range.

These long vertical drops offer skiers extended periods of excitement and thrill, thanks to the longer runs and sustained descents along the breathtaking mountain faces. And for those seeking extra adrenaline, proper skiing techniques can significantly enhance the experience when tackling these steeper slopes.

An array of terrain options at Kicking Horse guarantees a fantastic skiing experience for all skill levels. With an impressive 3,486 acres of skiable terrain and a thrilling vertical drop of 1,315 meters (4,314 feet), the resort offers an exhilarating mix of challenging terrain, from steep couloirs and large bowls to tree glades.

The resort boasts over 128 runs, offering everything from groomed courses to backcountry areas. These unique terrain features, including the legendary Ozone South face, set Kicking Horse apart from other resorts, making it a must-visit destination for any ski enthusiast.

Newcomers to skiing need not worry. Kicking Horse provides an accommodating environment with dedicated learning zones and gentle slopes below mid-mountain.

The beginner ski slopes at Kicking Horse offer:

• Wide, easy slopes perfect for practicing and mastering turns
• A variety of ski lessons, including children’s programs and the Telus Winter Snow School program for adults
• Amenities such as equipment rentals, ski shops, and skilled instructors

This makes it the perfect place for beginners to build confidence and improve their ski snowboard skills.

Golden ensures your gear and equipment needs are well-catered for. The town offers a wide range of ski and snowboard rental options, including:

• Children’s full packages start at $23
• Adult full packages start at $33
• Individual skis
• Boots
• Skis with poles

This ensures you have the right gear for your adventures.

Renting equipment is easy and hassle-free, with top ski rental shops available at:

• Higher Ground Sports
• Selkirk Ski and Bike
• Golden Nordic Ski Club
• Derailed Sports
• Darkside

Simply start the process online and pick up your gear when you arrive.

A satisfying meal is integral to a day on the slopes, and there’s no better dining spot than above the clouds. You’ll find Canada’s highest-elevated restaurant at Kicking Horse Mountain Resort, the Eagle’s Eye Restaurant. Located at 7,700 feet, the restaurant provides breathtaking panoramic views of five national parks, offering a dining experience like no other.

The resort also boasts a variety of other dining options, each with its unique charm and menu. Here are some of the dining options available:

• Whitetooth Grill and Heaven’s Door Yurt on the mountain
• Winston Bar & Bistro
• Peaks Grill
• Double Black Cafe in the village

With options ranging from quick bites at slope-side cafés to leisurely multi-course meals overlooking the majestic peaks, every meal complements the day’s adventures. It becomes a memorable part of your ski experience.

Beyond skiing, Golden is a treasure trove of alternative winter activities for those desiring a break from the slopes. For a change of pace, why not try cross-country skiing or dog sledding? Golden offers several exciting trails, including those in Lake Louise accessible through Parks Canada and the famous 4.1 km Lake Louise Loop near Deer Lodge.

If you’re up for more adventure, Yoho National Park offers a variety of thrilling winter activities, such as ski touring, snowshoeing, snow tubing, and ice climbing. With backcountry lodging available in areas like Lake O’Hara and Yoho Valley and cross-country skiing equipment near Emerald Lake Lodge, you’re all set for a day of winter fun.

To further support your winter adventures, Parks Canada’s website offers resources such as the Yoho National Park Cross Country Skiing and Ski Touring Map and the Ski Here blog, which provides up-to-date information on cross-country skiing and terrain park features.

Armed with excitement for your Golden ski adventure, the next step is to start planning. From trail maps and lift ticket information to accommodation options, you’ll find everything you need to plan your trip.

Lift tickets for Golden’s resorts can be purchased online, typically between $58 and $169 CAD, depending on the day and the resort. You can also find Golden’s most recent ski trail maps on the Kicking Horse Resort website, which provides a detailed map with run and lift information.

Ensuring safety is crucial while indulging in ski adventures in Golden. Here are some guidelines to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience:

• Look uphill and avoid others before starting downhill or entering a trail
• Prevent runaway equipment
• Read and obey all signs, warnings, and hazard markings

In addition, Golden’s ski resorts take safety measures seriously. From following the 10 Golden Rules, which include communicating meet-up points with your group and being aware of your speed, to ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience for all visitors, Golden’s resorts are committed to providing a secure environment for all skiers.

Golden, BC’s ski culture and community vibrancy is as captivating as its slopes. The town is filled with passionate skiers and snowboarders who live and breathe the sport. Local events, such as the annual Snow King’s Masque Parade and the Freeride World Tour, are a testament to this enthusiasm, bringing together locals and tourists to celebrate winter sports. The community is welcoming and warm, always ready to share tips about the best runs or to recommend the coziest après-ski spots. Whether you’re a seasoned skier or a first-timer, you’re part of the ski family in Golden.

Golden, British Columbia’s winter wonderland, is a paradise for skiers and snowboarders. From the breathtaking slopes of Kicking Horse Mountain Resort to the stunning scenery of Lake Louise, Golden promises an unforgettable winter adventure, not to mention the diverse winter activities, high-altitude dining, and vibrant local ski culture.

Book your stay with Yoho Chalets today, start planning your Golden ski getaway, and experience the thrill of skiing in one of North America’s premier destinations.