How about a trip to the Canadian Rockies? Beautiful views over the mountain tops allow for a superb setting for some awesome riding. Sounding good? Here’s what we found in Kimberley 2008.
Kimberley is situated in the south east corner of British Colombia and it can be accessed by a 4 hour drive from Calgary or a ½ hour drive from Cranbrook. Transfers are available from various operators that can be found on the internet. There is a good selection of excellent chalet style ski in ski out accommodation, so getting to and from the slopes couldn’t be easier. We stayed in the Northstar Village which was situated right at the top of the beginner slope, this meant a T-bar ride back to the chalet at the end of the day. The resort is open from mid December to early April and has 5 lifts servicing 80 runs.
Ok now for the important bit, what is the riding like? Kimberley has one long main slope that runs straight from top to bottom, with various blue runs off the sides of it. This makes for a good beginner to intermediate and family area. From the top of the main slope other areas of the mountain can be accessed, these are the more advanced areas consisting of some good black runs and gladed areas. The glades in Kimberley range in density making it a very good resort to learn tree riding. Heading to the right near the top of the main slope will take you to a powder field and some very low density glades.
For the more advanced riders head off towards the Easter and Tamarack chairs where you will find the black runs and glades. There are a few kickers lying around if you keep your eyes open but there are none in the park. The rail park is situated halfway down the main slope and costs an extra $5 on top of your regular pass, as far as I know the park closes at 4pm and is not open for the night boarding. The night boarding is available on the main slope from 5.30 until 9pm everyday at the start of the season, then Thursday to Saturday after mid January, the price of this is included in a full day ticket.
Apart from the night boarding there is not that much to do at the resort in the evenings, the pub closes at around 6pm most nights, which leaves the Marriott bar and Kelseys restaurant. Downtown Kimberley has a Bavarian theme and is a few minutes drive from the resort, there is a regular bus service to and from the resort for a couple of dollars. There are a few shops, pubs and restaurants in town most of which are around the Platzl where the bus picks up and drops off.
In general the nghtlife here is poor, but the riding is good especially for those who like glades. I would recommend it for all levels of riders, including those with young children. However for those of you who like big jumps, plenty of vertical or a kicking nightlife this is not the place for you.
For more information on the resort of Kimberley visit their official site. http://skikimberley.com
Kimberley Powder day
Learning to ride in Kimberley (day 2)