Dreamscapes Travel & Lifestyle Magazine
Issue link: http://read.dreamscapes.ca/i/586302
DREAMSCAPES FALL/ WINTER 2015 50 KICKING HORSE MOUNTAIN RESORT A two-hour drive from Panorama, the town of Golden is home to Kicking Horse Mountain Resort. From here, we're closer to Calgary, three hours away, than from Fernie. First off, Kicking Horse terrain is pretty hard core. The majority of its visitors are strong skiers and riders drawn to its chal- lenging domain. Sixty per cent comprises single or double black diamond runs, the most difficult rating. The resort features tremendous verticals and no less than 85 chutes. Needless to say, on your first visit, take a complimentary guided tour with a Snow Host. After experiencing a couple of fairly intimidating descents in the Redemption Ridge sector, trail map in hand, I do some exploring on my own. I discover a few fast cruisers and then spend some time honing my mogul skiing skills on a moderately steep run covered with fluffy, car-size bumps. A ski resort can't survive on just tough terrain. Although not usually mentioned, there are green and blue runs too, and always a cat walk available to bail out or change runs. Fine dining at Kicking Horse is some- thing I wasn't expecting. That was before the night we rode the gondola to the top and experienced stylish Eagle's Eye Restaurant. Perched at 2,347 metres, this is literally haute cuisine like no other. The food is nicely prepared with fresh ingredients and delicious. Just what you might expect from a high-end restaurant. It's very popular so reservations are recommended. T R A V E L P L A N N E R A road trip like this involves a fair amount of packing and unpacking. Should you bring your own skis or snowboards? Certainly not, if renting a mid-size car. Resorts offer high-end ski and snowboard rentals. You'll sample newer models and save on baggage fees at the airport. But do take your own boots. For more information, visit: Destination British Columbia: hellobc.com Fernie Alpine Resort: skifernie.com Kicking Horse Mountain Resort: kickinghorseresort.com Panorama Mountain Village: panoramaresort.com Ski the Powder Highway: powderhighway.com DS FROM TOP TO BOTTOM: Perched at 2,347 metres, the Eagle's Eye Restaurant at Kicking Horse Mountain Resort literally features haute cuisine like no other. Kicking Horse Mountain Resort features tremendous verticals and some very challenging terrain, so taking a complimentary guided tour on a first visit is highly recommended. The Elkhorn Cabin restaurant high on Panorama's slopes offers views of the distant peaks.