Do you love the feeling of cold mountain air in your lungs as you “woohoo!” your way downhill after throwing the biggest spray of your life from a single turn? Or that humbling feeling of standing on a ridge, surrounded by towering peaks, just before dropping in? Maybe it’s the joy of retelling the day’s adventures with a drink in hand, the quiet glide of skinny skis along freshly groomed tracks in a pine forest or falling asleep to the crackle of a fire after a full day outside.
If you answered YES to any of the above, Golden, BC might just be your perfect winter getaway.
Tame The Horse and Shred the Slopes!
Previously a stop on the Freeride World Tour, Kicking Horse Mountain Resort is just 15 minutes from downtown Golden. If steep chutes, expansive alpine terrain, deep powder, and world-class views of the Purcell, Selkirk, and Canadian Rocky Mountains call your name, Kicking Horse is the place to be. Although known for its rugged terrain, family-friendly options are available on the Catamount and Pioneer chairlifts.
Earn Your Turns
For those who would rather leave the chairlift behind, Golden is a gateway to some seriously big backcountry. The surrounding mountains are dotted with remote backcountry lodges, where days are spent skinning through fresh snow in search of untouched turns and nights are spent tucked away in the mountains. With experienced guides, incredible terrain, and powder right outside the door, a lodge trip is a chance to slow down, unplug, and earn every turn. Just down the road from the birthplace of heliskiing, you can experience pure backcountry bliss through a variety of heli and cat skiing tour operators.
Life Beyond the Resort
Winter in Golden goes far beyond the chairlift, and you don’t need to love steep turns to make the most of the snow. Glide through 33 km of groomed cross-country ski trails at Dawn Mountain Nordic Centre, strap on snowshoes for a forest wander, book a guided snowmobile tour, or go for a scenic walk through town via the Golden Stroll. When rosy cheeks and tired legs tell you it’s time to head inside, cozy up at one of Golden’s many cafés and restaurants, or grab a well-earned drink at the local brewery or distillery, and swap stories from a day spent playing in the snow.
Where to Stay
From A-frame cabins tucked along the river, to cozy log homes with ski access to the resort, and downtown stays steps from the action, there’s no shortage of quintessential mountain retreats to call home while visiting Golden. Whether you’re chasing powder solo, gathering a big group of friends, or bringing the family along for the adventure, Golden’s accommodations offer a welcoming place to return to after a day in the mountains.
Getting to Golden
Located just three hours west of Calgary International Airport, getting to Golden is part of the adventure. The scenic drive takes you through the spectacular mountain landscapes of Banff and Yoho National Parks before arriving in Golden. Not a fan of winter driving? No problem! Shuttle options make the journey easy. Visit goldenshuttle.ca for more information.
Plan Your Trip: tourismgolden.com/peaks
