Every ski day at a new resort starts with possibility. It can also start with questions. Where should we ski first? How do we get back to the front side? Which runs work best for everyone in our group?

A day at Kimberley Alpine Resort is about more than snow conditions and mountain views. It’s about feeling welcome, supported, and confident from the moment you arrive. That’s what makes this ski hill a good place to be.

Follow the Yellow Jackets

If you’re ever unsure where to go or need a hand, follow the yellow jackets.

Kimberley’s Snow Hosts are easy to spot and intentionally positioned where guests spend most of their time skiing and riding. They’re there to answer questions, offer guidance, and help guests navigate the mountain with ease. For first-time visitors and returning guests alike, they provide a friendly, knowledgeable point of connection throughout the day.

Support When It Matters Most

Sometimes guests need more than directions.

Snow Hosts are trained to recognize when someone may be struggling or in need of assistance. If a guest is injured or shaken after a fall, hosts provide calm reassurance and quickly connect with ski patrol, helping direct them to the correct location while staying with the guest. They also assist with equipment, help guests get sorted after a tumble, and offer support until additional help arrives.

It’s all part of ensuring guests feel cared for and safe while enjoying their time on the mountain.

Local Knowledge That Makes the Day Easier

Kimberley’s terrain offers variety, flow, and stunning views, but knowing how the mountain connects makes all the difference. Snow Hosts help guests move around efficiently, avoid unnecessary flat sections, and choose routes that match their energy level and ability.

Long-time Snow Host Bradley Woods explains that small adjustments often lead to much better days.

“If you’re new to a hill like this, knowing how to get from place to place comfortably changes everything. We help guests enjoy the mountain without unnecessary frustration.”

For families, snowboarders, or anyone feeling tired late in the day, that guidance can be the difference between finishing strong or struggling back to the chairlift.

Not Lessons, Just Better Days on Snow

Snow Hosts are not ski instructors. Their role is to help guests feel confident and relaxed as they explore the resort. They recommend runs, suggest the easiest ways around the mountain, and adapt tours based on what guests want from their day.

“We don’t replace ski school. What we do is help you enjoy your day as much as possible, whether that’s finding the right run, the easiest way home, or just skiing with a friendly face.”

Free Snow Host tours run daily at 10:30 a.m. and 1:00 p.m., departing from the trail map at the base of the Quad Chair. Guests are also encouraged to approach Snow Hosts anywhere on the mountain, even outside of tour times, for quick advice or directions.

The Mountain Feels Smaller and Friendlier

On foggy days, guests follow yellow jackets through flat light. On busy weekends, Snow Hosts help ease congestion by steering visitors toward quieter areas. On calmer days, they’re often found near trail maps, watching for that familiar look of hesitation before a wrong turn.

But the experience goes beyond skiing.

Snow Hosts regularly share local recommendations, including dining options, après spots, Nordic trails, fat biking routes, hot springs, and community events. It’s another way they help guests connect with Kimberley beyond the chairlift.

“It’s not just about skiing. We live here, we play here, and we love sharing that with people.”

They even make for pretty good photographers!

Planning a Visit or Group Tour?

Guests are welcome to call ahead if they’re planning to visit and would like to join a Snow Host tour. This is especially encouraged for larger groups, as it allows the resort to ensure proper staffing and deliver the best possible experience.

A quick call helps the team prepare and makes your visit even more enjoyable 1 (250) 427-4881.

A Good Place to Be

From the first chairlift to the last run of the day, it’s the people on the mountain who help shape the experience. Their presence, care, and local knowledge are a big part of what makes Kimberley Alpine Resort feel welcoming, supportive, and worth returning to.

Next time you’re here, follow the yellow jackets and settle into what makes this a good place to be.

Words & Photos by Sophia Gould

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.