Coffee

Kicking Horse Mountain Resort in Golden, BC, has few lifts, and it's not known for nightlife, lodging, shopping or even ease of access. What it is known for is a lot of dramatic, serious terrain. A few tips to maximize your trip.

There's caffeine and inspiration at Jita's Cafe on 11th Avenue every morning. A mix of professional ski guides, ice climbers, ski bums, and other ski town characters come by for the best coffee, espresso drinks, baked treats on the way to the hill.

Best Pseudo-Ski Movie Terrain

(Kicking Horse Resort)

Now that ski patrol is bombing Superbowl, it's officially got the best cliffs. From multiple five footers to massive double stagers, you can find all that you need to pretend you are in a ski movie, or go 30’ past Terminator summit and drop right for a cliff-free run. Want to explore? Do not follow tracks. Sidecountry here is seriously big and avy prone. Hire these guys and ski safe http://adrenalindescents.com

Libations Near The Lifts

Even if you are down to your last pocketful of toonies, spend some at an apres session at one of the sickest ski hill watering holes ever. The Eagle Eye at the top of the Gondola is surrounded by glass and mind boggling views. Grab a couple of beers at the gorgeous bar, ogle all the lines you'd ski if you had your own helicopter, and eat some of the best poutine around. At the base, hit up Local Hero or Peaks Grill.

Party Like a Local

Golden can be a little sleepy, but if you can still make it out after skiing the hill all day, rage at the Rockwater in downtown Golden. Or, according to Golden-based skier and founder of Biglines.com Tim Grey, drink like the locals at Riverhouse Tavern. Order a round of Shafts and the last person to finish buys the next round.

Feeling Strong?

(Kicking Horse Resort)

On a powder day, head out on CPR ridge, and go far, far down (you may think you’ve gone too far, but when a local blows by you at full speed, keep following her direction). Drop to your right for steep, soft trees, and at the bottom, keep heading right, waaay right, for soft snow all the way down. At the bottom you will funnel back to the base.

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