Winter Travel 2002: Where Next

Northern Exposure: British Columbia

Attention, powder hounds: At Kicking Horse, you don't have to be first on line to claim first tracks.

By Shyama Patel

Air apparent: Kicking Horse's new lift will take you into the backcountry.

There are two kinds of Western skiers: those who crave the chalets, duvets, and ski-toting valets at swank fly–nonstop–from– New York resorts, and those who put up with long schleps and rickety lifts to access wilder terrain. Golden, British Columbia, used to draw only the most extreme purists -- they'd ride the lift to the top and start hiking from there. Since investors bought the hill, now called Kicking Horse Mountain, you'll find the same steep, barely groomed runs -- but with the addition of a few new lifts, they're a lot easier to get to. So go ahead, ride the gondola to the peak: Take in the 360-degree views, and pick your own way down through 2,600 acres of fine powder. You won't find many people along the way -- the resort's remote enough to be a bit of a secret -- or much going on at the bottom of the hill. Situated on the eastern edge of British Columbia, Kicking Horse is closer in climate and character to Banff than to Blackcomb -- a night out's more likely to involve tossing back a couple of Kokanees at a bar full of locals than hitting a pajama party in the condo next door. But then, after a day of doing laps on the twelve-minutes-to-the-top gondola, you'll want to get in your pajamas and leave the partying to somebody else.

Where to Stay

Whispering Pine Town Homes ski-in-ski-out three-bedroom townhouses (four nights from $394 per person, including lift tickets). For lodgings, call 866-SKI-KICK.

Where to Eat

In Golden: Cedar House (250-344-4679). On the mountain: Eagle's Eye restaurant (866-ski-kick).

Serious Splurge

Mountaintop Eagle's Eye suites go for $1,000, including lessons, use of a luxe VIP gondola, and -- most important -- permission to cut the lift line.

Nearby Activities

Heli-skiing, Cat skiing, and ice climbing. Lift tickets: $31.

Getting There

Fly to Calgary, Alberta; rent a car for the three-hour drive to Golden.

Web Guide

General Information
Kicking Horse Mountain Resort
Golden British Columbia.com
Golden General Info
Rockies.net

Hotels & Restaurants
Eagle's Eye Restaurant Golden Accommodation
Golden Dining
British Columbia Accommodations

Activities
Air Tours
Local Sports
Adventures

Sights
Banff National Park
Lake Louise

* New York Metro is not responsible for the services and information provided by these sites. Sites were chosen based on the type of information provided and were not further tested.