Ski Holidays Kimberley

Kimberley Alpine Resort, located in the Purcell Mountains of the East Kootenays, is an often overlooked gem in British Columbia’s ski landscape. With its family-friendly atmosphere, varied terrain and economical prices, Kimberley offers a versatile ski experience without the crowds.

Kimberley Alpine Resort offers a unique ski experience that combines a family-friendly atmosphere with varied terrain and affordability. While the resort may not boast the biggest snowfalls or most extreme terrain in British Columbia, it makes up for it with its charming atmosphere, short lines and a wide range of activities for all age groups and skill levels.

The resort’s strength lies in its versatility, with terrain ranging from wide, well-groomed slopes to challenging glade areas. The compact ski-in/ski-out village and nearby accommodation in Kimberley town make it an ideal destination for families and groups seeking a relaxed but complete ski vacation experience.

Kimberley Resort overview

• Skiable area: 729 hectares (1,800 acres)
• Vertical drop: 751 meters (2,465 feet)
• Altitude: 1,982 meters (6,500 feet)
• Base height: 1,231 meters (4,035 feet)
• Number of slopes: 68 marked trails plus 12 glade areas
• Lift system: 5 lifts incl. 1 high-speed quad
• Annual snowfall: 4 meters (157 inches)

Specific slope areas and trails

Front Side (North Face)

• Boundary Run:
  • Long blue trail that follows the resort boundary
  • Amazing views of the Rocky Mountains
• Stemwinder:
  • Black diamond with bumps and natural terrain features
  • Popular with local experts
• Owl:
  • Green slope perfect for beginners who want to try their hand at the main lift
  • Winding gently down the mountain

Tamarack Bowl (Black Bear Glades)

• Geneva:
  • Challenging black diamond through dense forest
  • Some of the resort’s best tree skiing
• Jackpot:
  • Blue trail with varied terrain
  • Good progression for intermediate skiers

Vimy Ridge

• Vimy Ridge:
  • Black diamond following the ridge of the mountain
  • Great views and varied terrain
• Dorval:
  • Blue track with fun rollers and banked turns
  • Popular with both children and adults

Easter Bowl

• Easter Bowl:
  • Open bowl with multiple lines of descent
  • Best powder skiing at the resort
• Maverick:
  • Black diamond through glade area
  • Challenging terrain with natural features

Unique terrain features

• North Star Glades: Extensive glade area with varied forest density
• Kimberley Kid’s Trail: Fun family-friendly trail with thematic elements
• Kootenay Haus Terrain Park: Progressive park with features for all levels

Snow quality and weather conditions

• Known for reliable snow coverage and dry powder snow
• North and northeast facing slopes preserve snow quality
• Many sunny days compared to other BC resorts

Accommodation options

• Trickle Creek Lodge:
  • Ski-in/ski-out suites at the foot of the Northstar Express quad
  • Fully equipped kitchens and on-site restaurant
• Polaris Lodge:
  • Centrally located condos with hot tubs
  • Short walking distance to lifts and village amenities
• Mountain Spirit Resort:
  • Luxurious apartments with spa facilities
  • Ski-in/ski-out location
• Kimberley town accommodations:
  • Kimberley Mountain Lodge: Rustic hotel in the city center
  • Chateau Kimberley: B&B style accommodation with local charm

On-site facilities

• Stemwinder Bar & Grill:
  • Main restaurant and bar at the base plaza
  • Casual dining and après-ski spot
• Kootenay Café:
  • Quick food and coffee in the base building
  • Popular for breakfast and lunch
• Slopeside Coffee & Deli:
  • Gourmet sandwiches and specialty coffees
  • Perfect for a quick lunch between runs
• Kimberley Alpine Sports:
  • Complete ski and snowboard rental
  • Equipment and accessories sales
• Kimberley Winter Sports School:
  • Group and private lessons for all ages and levels
  • Special programs like “Mom, Dad & Me” and “Masters’ Week”

Transport and accessibility

• 4 km from Kimberley town
• 20 minutes drive from Canadian Rockies International Airport
• 406 km southwest of Calgary International Airport
• Shuttle service available from both airports
• Local buses between resort and Kimberley town

Unique Kimberley experiences

• Night Skiing: Illuminated skiing on selected evenings (typically Thursday-Saturday)
• First Tracks Program: Exclusive early access to the slopes
• Easter Egg Hunt: Annual Easter event for kids and families
• Kimberley Winter Fest: Festival with ice sculptures, music and local food and drink

Best runs for each level

• Beginners: “Kimberley Kid’s Trail” from the top of the Northstar Express
• Intermediate: “Ridgeway at Tamarack Bowl
• Advanced: “Black Forest glade skiing in the North Star Glades
• Experts: “Kloochman” in the Easter Bowl for the best off-piste opportunities

Activities beyond alpine skiing

• Cross-country skiing: 33 km of groomed trails at Kimberley Nordic Centre
• Fat Biking: Winter mountain biking on dedicated trails
• Snowshoeing: Guided tours and self-guided routes available
• Dog Sledding: Unique winter adventure with local outfitters

Canada offers many exciting ski/snowboard opportunities, with destinations such as Fernie, Kicking Horse, Lake Louise, Apex, Big White, Cypress Mountain, Mount Washington, Silver Star and many more.

If you want to read more about Canada as a ski holidays destination, click here.