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.
