If leg burning vertical and champagne powder is on the wish list, then Kicking Horse Mountain Resort in the heart of the Canadian Rockies is where it’s at. There’s bountiful terrain for every level of skier and boarder across 5 alpine bowls and more than 120 runs. This resort has reputation for its gnarly black diamond runs, and hard core junkies will revel in the steep chutes and the 1315 metres of vertical drop. The back country terrain is a playground for riders who want to explore beyond the margins.

The Golden Eagle Express Gondola reaches the summit in only 12 minutes and at the end of the day visitors can take the gondola again to indulge in Canada’s most quintessential culinary experience. The Eagle Eye restaurant is perched 2346 metres on the pinnacle of Kicking Horse Mountain. The food and the views combine for an unmatched and unforgettable dining treat.

Kicking Horse is not only for lovers of winter. In summer the mountains become Mother Natures’ theme park with mountain biking, sightseeing and outdoor rocking climbing. The Grizzly Bear Refuge is the largest enclosed grizzly bear habitat in the world and is home to Boo, the resident bear.

Whether it’s luxury ski-in ski-out accommodation or more modest digs, Kicking Horse Resort has got everyone covered. This uncrowded, vivacious resort is without doubt an experience like no other.