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!
- Published in News
Mountain Rail Jam – Feb 13th
Come show you skills at the Mountain Rail Jam presented by The Choice
This event takes place at the bottom of the quad and is open to skiers and boarders ages 12 plus.
Register in the plaza at 4pm
Cost: $10
Practice Runs: 4-6pm
Competition Starts: 6pm
Music from Mr. Diggler
Fire Spinners, Outside BBQ and Beer Garden, Awesome Prizes, 50/50
After Party: 9pm at Stemwinder Bar and Grill
*participants under 16 must have a parental consent*
- Published in News
It’s not just about skiing, it’s about the experience.
Morning was a bad time to write this….
As I’m reliving my trip to Kimberley and reviewing pictures, I’m realizing morning was a bad time to write this. Recently, I spent time in Kimberley in what we refer to as ‘the off season’, meaning we’re a hot minute away from winter and being a popular ski base for skiers and snowboarders travelling here from all around the county and the world. As my last visit was in the off season, a lot of time was spent eating out since many of the towns attractions are in between their summer and winter seasons, which made me realize, a ski vacation isn’t just about skiing, food (just like skiing the exhilarating slopes) is good for the soul and a ski vacation is about the whole soul soothing experience.
While visiting Kimberley on your vacation, staying on the mountain to eat is easy to do with so many options, however if you do decide to venture into town, it might not look like it as first, but it’s home to lots of delicious food. And, no we don’t mean schnitzel (although that’s good here too).
The heart of Kimberley is the Platzl. A pedestrian street – park your car in the nearby free lot and enter in the centre to find a variety of places to eat day or night.
Sullivan Pub (and drive thru liquor store!!)
Ross Street
One of my personal favourites (seriously, I can’t visit Kimberley and not eat here, sometimes it’s even more than once in one trip). The Sullivan Pub 
looks unassuming from the outside, you may be tempted to think its menu follows the generic pub menu format, well, it doesn’t. It’s actually a hidden gem of delicious dishes. This menu presents not only indulgent options like Lobster Tacos, Wild Boar Bolognese and Roast Prime Rib – it also has a whole Poutine section. For a fun meal, try going full on Canadian trying a few poutines – none of which will disappoint in the least.
Did I mention the drive thru liquor store? Even if you’re just stocking up to hole up at the resort and not come back to town, the drive thru liquor store is the novel place to stock up.
Stonefire Pizza
In the Platzl, 136 Deer Park Ave.
Stonefire is the perfect place to eat with a family or a group of friends. The large restaurant is comprised mostly of large tables, while there is also a bar to sit at. The bar is situated right in front of Stonefire’s wood fired pizza oven which was hand built in Naples, at the bar you can watch as the busy (pizza master chefs) assemble and toss the pizzas in the oven and then out to the tables at lightning speed. http://stonefirepizzeria.ca/
Pedal & Tap
In the Platzl
The name is meant to encourage people to bike to the restaurant and offers free locks as an added incentive, the inside of the restaurant offers a vintage feel with interesting decorations and awesome bartenders who base your drink off your personality and mood. My first visit to Pedal and Tap was later at night after already eating dinner earlier. This was definitely a mistake. The ‘Alba (hard)core Tuna we had was so delicious it made it difficult to watch other extremely appetizing looking meals come out of the kitchen while being too stuffed to try any of them. The Carbonara looked particularly popular and delicious, with at least half the restaurant seeming to have ordered it. Pedal and Tap is arguably one of the most famous restaurants in Kimberley, it was featured on The Food Networks You Gotta Eat here in 2013 showcasing its care and attention to the food it produces using locally sources ingredients (you can still watch the episode featuring Pedal and Tap on the Food Network’s website). On the wall are Pedal & Tap tshirts, which are in high demand, if your size isn’t available it gives you another incentive to return (if the food wasn’t enough). http://pedalandtap.com/
Eating On Mountain
***Update – Montana’s Grill is now Buckhorn & Main – get more information on Buckhorn & Main Mountain Eatery here.***
Montana’s Grill & Cookhouse
Located in Trickle Creek Lodge
Montana’s offers some of the best comfort food you’ll find at a ski resort, just look at the mac and cheese! Plus new this season, they’re open for breakfast. Visit the family friendly restaurant portion of Montana’s, where the extensive menu will please the pickiest of little (and big) eaters or après in the lounge and enjoy the comfortable seating (don’t miss trying the bacon caesar for a truly Canadian experience).
Stemwinder
Located in the plaza
The Stemwinder is the most popular Apres spot in Kimberley! With live bands every weekend and theme nights like local jam nights and college nights, the Stemwinder is definitely the place to be. Stemwinder also offers a full menu with daily specials, stop in to see what they are and for a great time.
Meanwhile, please excuse me, I’m off to eat lunch…
Looking for more to do in Kimberley? Check out “The Top 6 Things to do in Kimberley this winter (aside from skiing)”.
- Published in News
Fly & ski in one day! With the new Integra Air service from Calgary International Airport (YYC) to the Canadian Rockies International Airport (YXC) 6 times each week starting this month! Get more information, the schedule or book your flight from the Integra Air website.
Want us to do all the work for you? Give one of our reservation agents a call at 1-800-258-7669 to book your flight, hotel and tickets all at once!
- Published in News
Kimberley Alpine Resort Community Appreciation Day – Jan 10
KIMBERLEY ALPINE RESORT CELEBRATES OUR COMMUNITY WITH FREE SKIING/RIDING
COMMUNITY DAY IS Sunday, January 10th
Kimberley, BC – Continuing with the tradition of thanking our community, the resort will offer a FREE day of skiing/riding to locals on Sunday, January, 10, 2016.
Burgers will be available for $2.00 supporting the East Kootenay Adaptive Snow Sports (EKAS) – residents can go to Guest Services and receive a voucher that will entitle them to a hamburger for only $2.00!
TELUS Winter Sports School invites beginner skiers or snowboarders to a complimentary lesson. There will be a total of 10 ski and 10 snowboard spots available, with a 1 hour lessons starting at 10:30am. Space is limited and guests must pre-register at the Winter Sports School Cabin by calling 250.427.0315. Lessons will include a voucher for FREE equipment rentals at the Rental Shop! Please note that these lessons are for NEW skiers and snowboarders only.
Please note that Photo ID and proof of local residency (driver’s license, pay stub etc.) are required to receive the lift ticket. Complimentary tickets are available to residents of Canal Flats, Skookumchuck, Meadowbrook, TaTa Creek, Kimberley, Marysville, Wasa, Wycliffe, Moyie, and Cranbrook.
A huge thanks goes out to our BBQ sponsors including Sysco, Kimberley Alpine Resort and other food sponsors.
- Published in News, Press Releases
Thursday Night “REC RUT RUNNERS” – Race Series
Kokanee presents Thursday Night “Rec Rut Runners” – Race Series
What is Rec Rut Runners: A challenging, yet entertaining, fun and social introduction to running gates. Whether you have race experience or not, “Rec Rut Runners” is all about friends, fun and ski improvement in the gates.
When: Starts January 7th for 6 weeks. Add – on available for 2 more weeks March 3rd and 10th.
Where: On the MAIN run under the lights
Time: 6pm – 8pm each week.
***Awards, video analysis and après after 8 pm @ Stemwinder
Please note: HELMETS are MANDATORY
Who can participate: Skier/boarders/
Price – $75 for 6 nights. $15 drop-in per night
*Price does not include lift ticket. $99 Night-Ski Passes available at guest services or call (250) 427-4881 for more information*
Schedule:
Opening Night – Thursday, January 7- Brushes, Mixed Gates, Timing and Coaching
January 14- Dual Slalom Race and Coaching
January 22- Dual Glalom Race and Coaching
January 28- Dual Giant Slalom Retro Dress Race
February 11- Thigh Burning ____ Super Long GS Race. Kootenay Haus to Pump House
February 25- Dual Pro Slalom Race and Coaching
Add-On Weeks:
March 3rd – Race TBD
March 10 – Race TBD
Sign up and Info: KAR Winter Sports School – (250)-432-0315 or drop in registration the night of 5-6pm at the Rental Shop.
- Published in News
Kimberley Alpine Resort and Boulder Hut Adventures Begin Exciting New Partnership!
Boulder Hut Adventures has teamed up with Kimberley Alpine Resort to offer a unique
resort/backcountry package for their mutual guests! Boulder Hut Adventures operates one of BC’s
first privately held backcountry ski lodges and was named by Unofficial Networks as one of the top ten
backcountry ski destinations in North America.
Boulder Hut Guests will now enjoy resort service and amenities surrounding their unforgettable trip
into the Purcell Wilderness. In addition to convenient resort helicopter arrivals and departures, Trickle
Creek Lodge and Kimberley Alpine Resort together offer incredible accommodation and service,
optional resort skiing and training all at special prices.
Mark Yancey, owner and operator of Boulder Hut Adventures remarked, “We are very excited about
the synergy of this new partnership. The relationship offers opportunities to expand operations, grow
our joint business and to provide incredible experiences for both Kimberley Alpine Resort and Boulder
guests.”
Ted Funston, Area Manager at Kimberley Alpine Resort also expressed his enthusiasm for the new
partnership, “We are always looking for ways to improve the guest experience at Kimberley Alpine
Resort and our Boulder Hut partnership is a big step in that direction. I look forward to growing and
enhancing our relationship with Boulder for the benefit of our mutual guests.”
The inaugural flight and ribbon cutting ceremony from Kimberley Alpine Resort is scheduled for Sunday, January 3, 2016 at 10:00am.
For more information go to http://www.boulderhutadventures.com/
- Published in News
New Year’s Eve Family Party in the Plaza
**Please note- Night Skiing will be finishing early on New Years Eve – 8PM**
- Published in News
Are you visiting Kimberley Alpine Resort over the holidays? We have a jam packaged schedule for you and your family to enjoy magic of the holidays in the mountains and to get the very best out of your winter vacation this December!
Some of the highlights include;
– December 22 & 24: Skiing with Santa!
– Kids Korner activity nights at Trickle Creek Lodge – movie night, craft nights and more – various nights throughout December
– Family activities at the resort treasure hunts, family slalom races, scavenger hunts and more – various days throughout December
– Family New Year’s Eve party in the plaza – Don’t miss the Fireworks!
– Night skiing – various nights throughout December
Get more information on our online events calendar.
- Published in News
The RCR Rockies Card
The Best Deal in the Rockies
It’s simple – buy the card at a low cost and save all ski season long! Purchase a discount card online, by calling 1-800-258-7669 or through one of the retailers listed below – don’t forget to purchase yours before they go off sale on December 26th!
- 3 FREE Days
- 4 Great Resorts
- Up to $30 daily savings
- Direct to lift option
- FREE Kids Card (with purchase of adult)
The RCR Rockies Cards are only on sale until December 26th! Don’t miss out!
For more information and to buy online visit the RCR Webstore.
Also available at;
- Sport Chek
- Calgary Co-op
- AMA
- Sobeys
- IGA
- Ski Cellar
- Ski West
- Sundance
- Technosport
- Alpenland
- Gerick Sports
- Out of Bounds
- Published in News
