Summer may be holding on as long as it possibly can, but Kicking Horse Mountain Resort is already preparing for its 2011/2012 season.
Kicking Horse has announced two winter development projects, designed to improve the accessibility to some of the best snow and ski terrain in Canada.
A new groomed entrance to Feuz Bowl has been constructed on Redemption Ridge.
This 500-metre traverse trail allows easier and smoother access to classic Kicking Horse terrain, along with improving access to the spectacular scenery of Feuz Bowl.
From the same traverse trail, the grooming team will be exploring additional grooming options on the south-facing Crystal Bowl side of Redemption Ridge.
This new project will help provide grooming options from the top of the Stairway to Heaven Chair into two alpine bowls.
There is also a brand new learning centre located in the resort plaza that will provide a new beginner-friendly experience.
This area will be dedicated to beginner and novice skiers.
The first phase of this project includes extensive slope work in the base area and relocation of an existing carpet lift.
This improved slope will provide a new area for first-timers to get saddled up and make those first turns.
“It’s a great little slope,” said Jordan Petrovics, media relations and events manager for Kicking Horse.
“We’re definitely known as a harder hill, so we’re trying to soften and broaden the experience. This will open the door for less experienced people to explore our hill.”
Located close to Canyon Creek Outfitters and the Mountain School meeting place, the process of getting geared up and on the slopes will be faster than ever before.
This slope will also be the new home for the tube park, providing a central location for après ski action, located close to the patios and restaurants in the plaza.
“Our new learning area, in the plaza, will provide a comfortable slope for first timers, in a centralized location, close to all the plaza services. The Redemption Ridge access trail includes new groomed access to terrain perfect for intermediate skiers,” said Steve Paccagnan, president of Kicking Horse Mountain Resort.
With less than 90 days until the mountains are filled with snow and the lifts begin transporting powder-seeking guests into a new season of adventures, Petrovics is very optimistic about the season’s weather.
“There have been lots of great rumours about La Nina this year. It tends to be cold and moist, which makes for some great snow,” he said.
“There’s been some good buzz.”
Season passes are available now at an early bird rate.
“There’s a high per-capita of skiers in Golden,” said Petrovics. “And there’s a pretty high percentage who hold season passes.”
Kicking Horse Mountain Resort plans to begin its season on December 9 and remain open until April 8.
