Snowboarders Guide to Kimberley
Kimberley may have that quaint Bavarian charm, but don’t let that fool you, this place is a snowboarder’s jackpot! Long fall-line groomers, glades galore and sneaky little natural halfpipes make Kimberley an epic spot to dial in your skills and chase good times on snow.
The Stats That Matter
- Vertical Rise: 2,465 ft / 751 m
- Skiable Acres: 1,800 acres / 729 hectares
- Longest Run: Ridgeway – 3.97 mi / 6.4 km
- Number of Lifts: 5
- Terrain Breakdown: Beginner 20% | Intermediate 42% | Advanced 38%
The Lowdown on Terrain
Whether you’re just linking your turns or chasing fresh lines in the trees, Kimberley offers diverse terrain for snowboarders at every level (see trail map here).
Here’s how to make the most of it:
1. Owl Learning Area (Beginner Haven)
If you’re new to snowboarding or introducing your mini-shredder to the sport, the Owl Learning Area is the perfect starting point. Master the basics on the magic carpet (Owl Learning Area 1), then graduate to the T-bar (Owl Learning Area 2) to practice those heel-to-toe transitions.
T-Bar Survival Tips:
- Strap in your lead foot, rest your back foot near your binding, and wedge the “L” bar between your legs.
- When the lift tugs, lean slightly back for balance.
- If you bail? Pop up fast and clear the path to keep the flow going.
Bonus: Test your skills on the nearby banked slalom track for a fun challenge with quick turns and fast flow.
2. Northstar Chair (For the Flow Seekers)
Ideal for ‘beginnermediate’ riders who are linking S-turns confidently, Northstar opens a world of long cruisers and scenic descents.
Looking towards the mountains off Northstar, take rider’s left onto Run #18 (Twilight). This leads to the Kids Trails, a super fun, winding path through berms and mellow glades. Don’t miss the green-blue gladed trees near the Mambo run — a perfect introduction to riding trees.
3. Tamarack Chair (Bumps & Jumps)
Mogul-lovers, this is your playground. Tamarack’s steeper terrain is ideal for working on technical turns and leg-burning laps. Great for snowboarders wanting to improve their edge control and handling variable snow conditions.
Tamarack also ‘jumps’ you up to the frontside while descending from the backside area (Easter Chair) and helps you avoid riding the cat track the entire way. Take rider’s left off the chairlift and take Nate’s Way to cruise around to the front side.
4. Easter Chair (Advanced Riders Rejoice!)
For snowboarders craving variety, Easter offers endless options:
- Take Vimy Ridge (rider’s left coming off chair) for rolling cat tracks, green, blue and black runs.
- Opt for Black Forest (rider’s right coming off chair) for gullies that ride like halfpipes — check out Vortex for an epic natural halfpipe experience!
- My personal pick? Fuzzy — a dreamy tree run with wide spacing and knockout Rocky Mountain views (off Vimy Ridge).
Pro Tip: Flats can be tricky on a snowboard. Both Vimy Ridge and Black Forest cat tracks require some momentum to avoid getting stuck, so keep your speed up and stay light on your board to glide through the flatter sections. Even better, make friends with a skier so they can slingshot you forward with their ski pole!
Extra Perks for Snowboarders
- Two Terrain Parks: Small and large parks cater to all levels, with features designed to help you build confidence and progress your skills.
- Powder Stashes in the Glades: Don’t sleep on Kimberley’s 12 additional glade runs — they’re often overlooked and deliver incredible lines after a snowfall.
Level Up with Kimberley’s Snow School
Want to master carving, learn tree riding, or boost your confidence in powder? Book a lesson with Kimberley’s expert instructors and take your snowboard skills to the next level.
- Published in News
Kimberley is a GREAT place to be!
Nestled amidst breathtaking mountain vistas and oozing with laid-back charm, Kimberley Alpine Resort is a hidden gem for powder enthusiasts and adventure seekers alike.
What really stood out to me initially is that Kimberley isn’t just a ski resort; it’s a community. From the moment I rolled in, I was greeted by smiles all around. From liftees to the instructors to the ski patrollers, everyone’s got that Kimberley charm that’ll make you feel right at home.
Getting to Kimberley is a breeze. A smooth drive from Calgary and we were right at the base, ready to hit the slopes. Plus, the journey to Kimberley is like a scenic tour through Mother Nature’s finest work – epic mountain views for days! And if you’re flying in, Cranbrook Airport is just a stone’s throw away.
March treated us to three days straight of the lightest, fluffiest powder imaginable. Fresh lines for days, my friends! We shredded through untouched snow in the mornings. And day three, we got lucky and soaked up some spring skiing goodness in the afternoon. It was like having the best of both worlds served up on a snowy platter.
Kimberley doesn’t mess around when it comes to making your stay top-notch. Ski in/ski out accommodations? Check. Short hop to downtown for a change of scenery? Double check. The Stemwinder is where it’s at for après-ski shenanigans – killer tunes, tasty bites, and a vibe that’s as warm as the sun on a bluebird day.
Nominated by USA Today as one of the top ski schools, Kimberley’s winter sports school offers exceptional ski and snowboard lessons. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned pro, their top-notch instructors will help you elevate your skills. Plus, they offer this rad thing called First Tracks Guided Tours. Picture this: you’re up at the crack of dawn, cruising through untouched powder or freshly groomed runs with your own private guide. It’s like having your own personal snow paradise for a glimpse in time. Worth every penny.
Kimberley isn’t just about skiing and snowboarding – they’ve got a whole lineup of family-friendly activities that’ll keep everyone smiling. S’mores by the fire, fat bike tours, snowshoeing adventures – you name it, they’ve got it.
Pack your gear, grab your crew, and get ready for the adventure of a lifetime at Kimberley Alpine Resort. It’s a vibe, a community, and an experience you won’t soon forget.
- Published in News, Uncategorized