Insiders’ guide to Kicking Horse and Golden, Canada

To help Australian families make the most of a snow holiday at Kicking Horse Mountain Resort in British Columbia, Canada, Helen Hayes asked a local family for their tips.

Louise Vaile and her husband Parker have been living in Golden for around 15 years and have two children, Orla (seven) and Conor (four). Louise loves Kicking Horse, the ‘Champagne Powder Capital of Canada’, saying it’s the country’s best-kept secret. She says it’s the last ski town in the Rockies that hasn’t quite exploded with tourism. Quiet, with fresh lines, and friendly ‘folks’, she tells us what else makes this part of the world so special.

What do you love about living in Golden in winter?

We love going for a casual half-day of skiing. I’ll have a lazy morning with the kids, watching cartoons and eating waffles. Then we head up for some family time on the ski hill. Come home for a pre-dinner hot tub and a quiet evening at home.

I absolutely adore Dawn Mountain Nordic Centre; (it has) pristine trails. I also love Kicking Horse Culture – they offer lots of shows and independent films.

Where do you and your family love to eat at Kicking Horse Resort?

We love Double Black at Kicking Horse. I highly recommend the Maple Bacon Caesers drink – enjoyed while basking in the sun on the patio. We got married at Eagle’s Eye (the restaurant on top of the mountain) so it always has a special place in our heart.

Where do you eat in Golden?

In town, Reposados is a fantastic Mexican restaurant. Book an igloo – it is the best place to take kids. Eleven22 restaurant never disappoints, the ambience is always great and it is excellent value. For lunch in town, head to the Golden Bakery. Kids love it!

With your insider knowledge, what are the best runs for different levels?

Any trails on the lower mountain… the kids adore them. My favourite groomer is Wiley Coyote. In the Feuz bowl, my favourite run is Bareback.

When did your kids start learning to ski?

I learned to ski in elementary school and was a very casual skier until I moved to Golden. My husband ski raced competitively. His family are excellent skiers. You can find his 73-year-old father on the slopes of Kicking Horse most days. The kids have been on skis since 18 months of age. I’m sad to say I’m already the slowest skier in my family.

Keep reading:

• Why Aussie families love skiing at Kicking Horse 
• Find a winter wonderland at Golden and Kicking Horse

What do you love about Kicking Horse?

I love the relaxed vibe Kicking Horse has to offer. No one takes themselves too seriously. The ski school for kids allows my husband and I time to ski together.

I also love sipping a latte on the patio of Double Black. When Boo (a grizzly bear with his own sanctuary within resort grounds) comes out of hibernation, there is fierce excitement – we often see him from the gondola.

What are some of the things your family loves to do around Golden in winter when not skiing/snowboarding?

My family loves to cross country ski. Both kids are in Nordic lessons. We also love walking along the rotary trails in town.

Where to find Kicking Horse

Getting there: Air Canada flies from Vancouver into Calgary. Kicking Horse is less than three hours drive on TransCanada Highway 1 and Highway 95.

This article originally appeared in Ski & Snowboard with Kids magazine. Subscribe to the latest issue here.

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