Apres Ski in Kicking Horse
The village at the base of Kicking Horse Mountain Resort is small but has some great apres ski bars and restaurants.
(Photo Credit: Kicking Horse Mountain Resort)
Kicking Horse Village
Many hotels and lodges have their signature bars located in the building, making the locals’ word of mouth the best way to find the kind of place you are looking for.
All the amenities such as supermarkets, motels and gas stations can be found in nearby Golden. Built during the industrial boom, Golden has retained much of its ‘railroad town’ image. It’s still very much a blue collar working class town.
The Trans-Canada Highway runs straight through the town, making it an easy drive from Calgary. Coming from the west from Revelstoke you can drive through Glacier National Park over the famed Rogers Pass.
Apres-Ski Bars & Restaurants in Kicking Horse
The choice of bars and restaurants in Kicking Horse may be limited in comparison to Whistler, but there’s plenty of fun off the mountain and more apres ski bars and restaurants nearby in Golden.
After a big day on the slopes head for Peaks Grill at the base, one of the most popular apres ski spots in Kicking Horse and invariably busy in a fun way. Enormous servings of nachos, tasty pizzas and a selection of micro brew beers on tap together with a sun-baked patio.
The Whitetooth Grill in the Daylodge has a bar with domestic beers on tap. Corks Restaurant has a great après selection of entrees and a comprehensive wine list. The Local Hero has a patio to enjoy one of their special malt whiskies.
In Golden you there is a selection pubs and bars, such as the Mad Trapper Pub, The Golden Taps and Packers Place Inn and Pub. All feature pub style food, pool tables and dance floors.
Restaurants in Kicking Horse
You won’t go hungry at Kicking Horse and typical of all Canadian ski resorts, prices are reasonable.
For casual yet elegant dining atmosphere, try Corks Restaurant located in the Copper Horse Lodge. With a constantly evolving menu and a comprehensive international wine list, the service at Corks is nothing short of exemplary.
If you are in the mood for a pub-style meal, the Highland Lodge features The Local Hero Pub, a Scottish-Canadian establishment with an attractive outdoor deck and great selection of malt whiskies.
Peaks Grill serves great après food and a delicious selection of pastas, pizzas and burgers. With 3 big screen TVs this is a great venue for sports enthusiasts to catch a game.
Sushi Kuma is the place for Japanese cuisine. A full menu with both Japanese and domestic beers, sake and traditional green tea make this a nice change from western foods on your holiday.
If you are looking for the high altitude dining, look no further than the Eagles Eye Restaurant at the top of the Golden Eagle Express gondola. Described as “Rocky Mountain cuisine with a French flair”, the dishes, wine and amazing panoramic views will make this an unforgettable dining experience.
Restaurants in Golden
The Whitetooth Mountain Bistro on the main street of Golden has creative dishes as well as regional favourites. Game dishes such as Elk stew are popular.
Mannie’s Curry Hut on 10th Ave offers daily lunch specials and dinner deals on Thursdays and Fridays. The restaurant is fully licensed and also offers delivery service to your accommodation.
For Italian and pizza dishes check out Panzorotties who specialise in Italian dishes but keeping to a casual North American pizza joint atmosphere, they are also licensed and offer a take-away and delivery service.
Eleven22 has an internationally inspiring menu and receives glowing reviews from locals and visitors alike. If you are looking for a steak dinner try Canyon Edge Steakhouse or the Golden Rim Gourmet & Steakhouse.
Other Activities in Kicking Horse
Kicking Horse’s winter activities are broad. There are plenty of activities for both skiers and non-skiers at Kicking Horse ski resort.
Snowshoeing, Ice Skating and Tubing in Kicking Horse
If you aren’t up for skiing some of Canada’s steepest slopes, you can try your hand at snow shoeing, ice skating or tubing. All of these activities have their facilities located in the village and can be booked by calling 1.866.SKI.KICK. If the weather is grim you can try indoor rock climbing at The Dogtooth Climbing Gym located just outside of Golden.
Snowmobiling in Golden
Snowmobiling is a popular past time in Golden and the Golden Guides (headquarters in the Daylodge) cater for all abilities. Tours are available as a half or full day. For more information call 1.866.SKI.KICK or email [email protected]
Cross-Country skiing in Kicking Horse
For skiers looking for something different, the Dawn Mountain Nordic Centre just north of the resort has a world class network of cross country skiing trails. With everything from beginner slopes to advanced climbs with amazing vistas, the Dawn Mountain Nordic Centre has it all covered. For more information go to www.goldennordicclub.ca
Heli-skiing in Kicking Horse
Skiers looking for the ultimate backcountry experience need look no further than Purcell Helicopter Skiing. A small company, the staff at Purcell look to provide a relaxed yet thrilling day of heli skiing rather than trying to break records of vertical. For more information, call 1.877.HELISKI or visit www.purcellhelicopterskiing.com
Ski First Tracks in Kicking Horse
For a more budget fresh tracks experience, the First Tracks Program runs every Saturday morning. Complete with breakfast at the Whitetooth Grill, skiers are first to load up the Golden Eagle Express.
Avalanche Safety Training in Kicking Horse
If you are looking to learn about avalanche safety, the Big Mountain Centre in Kicking Horse offers the AST (Avalanche Safety Training) Level 1 courses throughout the winter.