A hidden gem, that’s the phrase often used to describe Kimberley –  a ‘hidden gem’ in the Canadian Rockies.  It’s one of those ski resorts that is slightly lesser known to the world, however anyone who visits is almost guaranteed to fall in love.  Even if you are a frequent visitor to Kimberley, there’s a good chance you don’t know about those ‘hidden gems’ on the mountain – runs, certain spots and powder stashes only our staff and locals tend to know about.  Well, we think it’s about time we let the secrets out and tell everyone about our hidden powder stashes, covert runs and secluded favourite spots for all to enjoy (sorry locals).

Flush
#44 – Black
Flush is one of our staff’s favourite spots, it’s been the site for our JEEP Junior Freeski comp for the last few season as it’s got plenty of playful terrain, lots of little hits and bumps.  The first part of the run is mellow, tree skiing and often home to late stashes of that perfect purcell powder Kimberley is so known for.  Much of Kimberley’s history is owed to mining, being home to at one time, the largest producing zinc mine in Canada, therefore a lot of the runs in Kimberley lend their name to that legacy, Flush is no exception as it’s named after a mining claim.  (Plus there’s a natural half pipe at the bottom)!

Sending it on Flush!

Dreadnaught
#4 – Blue
Also, named after a mining claim, Dreadnaught offers great variation, with wide open meandering groomers at the top to fun rolling terrain near the bottom.  The Kootenay Haus, located at the top of the run offers some of the best views of the valley and entire run.  Dreadnaught is the dedicated race run for Nancy Green and other race training and race events.
Locals Tip – The front side is THE perfect intermediate terrain, long fall-line cruisers on corduroy groomed softpack (typically).   Kimberley has the best cruisy groomers in the Kootenays hands down.

 
(View from the top of Kootenay Haus)

Geneva
#59 – Black
One of our locals’ favourite run is called Geneva, it’s located in the gladed area known as The Black Forest, the largest tree skiing area in North America.  Geneva is a long leg burner with very interesting and variable terrain and is always the first stop after a large overnight powder dump (and you can see why from this picture).

Untouched pow on Geneva

Dorval
# 50 – Black
Our next undisclosed spot is also located in the Black Forest.  Another one named after a staked mining claim, Dorval is a forever favourite of our staff as most people ride right on by it!  Our theory is everyone is too busy making their way to the Easter chair to notice this spot and pass it by, but next time we suggest you try it out!  To get to Dorval, ski right of the intersection to Dean’s Right and Ridgeway, some of the best attributes of Dorval are – it’s one of the steepest runs on the hill and is only groomed once a week.  One of the rarest experiences you’ll have on this run is actually seeing another soul riding near you and if you do, there’s a safe bet they work at the resort or grew up skiing there.

Tamarack
#28 – Black
Tamarack AKA the ‘show off’ run because; top to bottom, Tamarack runs fully below the chair of the same name.  Since many people don’t like to ride right under the lift and be exposed to chairs and chairs of onlookers, there are often fresh tracks to be found here!  Tamarack’s fall link is top to bottom with a vertical rise of 1182 ft, making it a real thigh burner to ride and get that heart rate up.  Hit up Tamarack, then it’s time hit up the hot tub!

Need to look any of these spots up?  View and download our trail map online.

See you out here!