The Magic Of Ski Patrol At Kicking Horse, BC

Michael Fulton13 Oct 2021

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There are constant myths that Ski Patrol don’t open up zones so they can get fresh tracks, or they close areas to have them all to themselves. This couldn’t be further from the truth as their mission is to ensure that all visitors to the mountains have the best time possible.Whilst they do get to be the first on the mountain they are out and about deciding what parts of the mountain will be ready for riders to explore. When you throw a mountain like Kicking Horse Mountain Resort in the mix things get wild! Known as the champagne capital of British Columbia Kicking Horse is not mellow mountain. This ski resort offers up some of the most gnarly and technical terrain which can be accessed from the ski lifts. Those not looking to take on the same terrain used in the Freeride World Tour can ride the Gondola to the summit of the range and take along beginner run that gives riders access to over 4,000ft (1,247m) of true vertical. Check out who makes Kicking Horse the fantastic resort that we have come to love and admire, and when you see the ski patrol out and about – give them a smile and a nod as they are the ones keeping you safe. Kicking Horse, British Columbia. This segment from Warren Miller's "HERE, THERE & EVERYWHERE" features one of North America's largest ski resorts, and also the self-proclaimed "champagne powder capital of Canada." And if you've been lucky enough to ski there, you probably wouldn't disagree with that statement. But the real magic of Kicking Horse lies in its ski patrollers... they are the backbone of the mountain. Staring out over the vast mountain expanses, with the rising sun glistening on the crystalline snow, makes for a significantly better "view from the office" than the typical cubicle, and these ski patrollers would choose that first option, any day. Professional big mountain skiers, Kaylin Richardson, Matt Elliott, and Marcus Caston, would also all have to agree with that conclusion, especially after this epic time spent ripping around KHMR.Serving up over 1,100 hectares of rideable terrain with an exceptional array of options for all kinds of riders but a real destination for advanced riders. 5 lifts provide access to the resort with the with a single gondola soaring from the village to the summit. Once up on the mountain riders have access the 129 ski runs ranging from entry level to expert double black diamonds in complex mountain bowls. Explore Kicking Horse

Image Credit: Kicking Horse Mountain Resort

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About the author

Michael Fulton

Melbourne-based skier and snowboarder with 50+ resorts across 5 continents. Specialises in Australian resorts and international resort comparisons.

50+ resorts visited15 years skiing

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