When it comes to the perfect ski holiday, it’s all about one thing: location, location, location! And if you’re dreaming of pristine powder and an authentic mountain town bursting with charm and adventure, look no further than Golden, British Columbia.
Golden is a snow-sports paradise with five world-class ski areas within a two hour drive. Fifteen minutes from downtown, Kicking Horse Mountain Resort features five expansive alpine bowls and a fast gondola covering 1,314m of vertical rise, meaning skiers are whisked straight into alpine terrain in a matter of minutes. Outside the resort, Golden is known for its guided backcountry adventures.
Fun fact: heli-skiing was born right here in Golden’s backyard. The region is home to four heli-ski areas and one cat-ski, offering thrill-seekers some of the most exhilarating snow adventures you can find on planet earth.
Prefer something a little more grounded?
Well, Golden’s Dawn Mountain Nordic Centre and Golf Course offer 35km of serene cross-country ski tracks, and if that’s not enough snow-filled fun, you can always opt for snowshoeing, ice skating, or indulge in a little tubing adventure. Golden is a hotspot for guided snowmobiling tours (for all levels of experience) where you can explore 240km of groomed trails and four maintained areas.
But it’s not just the location that makes Golden stand out – it’s the snow. Nestled between the Selkirk, Purcell and Rocky Mountains, this place is blessed with some of the lightest, fluffiest powder you’ve ever seen, and it sticks around for longer too. So, it comes as no surprise that Golden boasts the world’s highest concentration of backcountry lodges, offering everything from rustic cabins to luxurious, catered lodges, perfect for exploring the untamed winter wilderness. Kicking Horse receives up to 750cm (yep, you heard that right: nearly 25 feet!) of snow each winter.
© Dave Best
In a world increasingly dominated by cookie-cutter ski resorts, Golden stands out as one of Canada’s last authentic ski towns. You won’t find touristy pretences here – just a tight-knit, welcoming community of winter sports lovers who embrace visitors with open arms.
After a day of adventure, where should you go apres-ski?
Perched high atop Kicking Horse Mountain Resort at over 2,300m is the Eagle’s Eye Restaurant – the highest-elevation dining experience in Canada, offering panoramic views across the national parks. Golden is home to award-winning restaurants like Whitetooth Mountain Bistro, Cedar House Restaurant, Eleven22 and The Island, where rustic meets refined for a culinary treat. There’s also plenty of cosy cafés, lively bars and unique shopping spots, where local artisans showcase their one-of-a-kind creations.
© Maur Mere Media
Golden also hosts incredible winter events, including the only North American stop of the Freeride World Tour at Kicking Horse Mountain Resort. This year, the event is scheduled for the weather window 7-13 February 2025. The same month will see the brilliant Snow King Masque Parade take place, a festival great for kids, with dancing, celebrations and incredible costumes.
So, you are thinking of planning a trip?
Golden has an amazing range of accommodation, from classic motels or quirky bed-and-breakfasts to full-service hotels with all the bells and whistles. High-quality hostel accommodation is another option, or you can even head into the backcountry to stay a world away in remote cabins and lodges. The final golden nugget (did you see what I did there?) is that getting there is also a breeze. It’s either a three-hour drive from Calgary International Airport through the scenic Canadian Rockies, which only adds to the anticipation as you approach this beautiful ski town. If you don’t like the whole driving on the right, a daily winter bus service, the Golden Shuttle, runs directly from Calgary Airport to both Golden and Kicking Horse Mountain Resort. Or, if you do want to use a connecting flight, you can opt to fly into the Canadian Rockies International Airport two and a half hours south of Golden.
This really is a truly authentic Canadian winter getaway, with world-class skiing, cosy and comfortable lodging and genuine hospitality that’s hard to beat.
To plan your winter adventure, visit tourismgolden.com or download the free Golden App at tourismgolden.com/localapp
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Main Image © Maur Mere Media
© Dave Best
