Kicking Horse winter vacation

The Legend
In the summer of 1858, James Hector set out to discover the Kicking Horse Valley. His expedition took him through some of the most beautiful and rugged country in the West. During a river crossing, one of the pack horses kicked Hector so hard that others in the expedition mistook him for dead. As they began to bury poor old James, they noticed his eye twitch. The legend says it was a stiff cup of Kick Ass™ Coffee that brought him back to life!

Source: http://kickinghorsecoffee.com/pages.php?cID=1&pID=1

Location
Kicking Horse Mountain Resort is located on the eastern-most slopes of the Purcell Mountains, 15 minutes north of Golden, BC, 3 hours west of Calgary, Alberta and 1 hour west of Lake Louise, Alberta. In winter, there are daily shuttles to the resort from Golden and from Banff.
The first four-season resort to open in the Rockies in 25 years, Kicking Horse is surrounded by six national parks: Yoho, Kootenay, Glacier and Mt. Revelstoke, Jasper and Banff.
During the winter, Kicking Horse offers a breathtaking 1,260 m (4,134 ft) of vertical and is famed for its champagne powder. Thanks to this and more, Kicking Horse has been recognized as “Small Resort of the Year” by the UK’s Good Skiing and Snowboard Guide (2004 and 2005).

Kicking Horse announced that it will be open on December 8, 2007.
So far the snow conditions look like this :
55cm new snow in 48 hours
Mid-mountain base 138 cm
Mid Mountain snowfall 262 cm

Staying there:
Vagabond Lodge
At Kicking Horse, it doesn’t get much better than the Vagabond Lodge. Located across the road from the Golden Eagle Express Gondola at the base of the resort, Vagabond Lodge is the ultimate ski-in/ski-out facility. The Vagabond Lodge features 10 rooms with a European ambience. In order to promote a relaxing stay for guests, rooms at the Vagabond Lodge do not have telephones or televisions. Room amenities include beds with feather-rest and duvet, private bathrooms with heated floors and deep soaker tubs, and some have a balcony or a loft. The common area at the Vagabond Lodge boasts a huge split-log bar, to which guests can bring their own beverage of choice, a river rock fireplace surrounded by overstuffed furniture, a games room, satellite TV, and high speed internet/wireless. The Vagabond Lodge also has a secure ski/snowboard storage area. Culinary delights at the Vagabond Lodge are the daily continental breakfast, hot lunch, and afternoon cookies, as well as tea and a pot of coffee that is always on – all included in the price of your room. Vagabond Lodge is your all-season home for both adventure and relaxation.

Please note that children under 12 are not permitted at this property.
Amenities and Services
Adults Only
Boot Dryer
Common Hot Tub
Complimentary Coffee/Tea
Fireplace
Games Room
Golf Nearby
Includes Breakfast
Lounge
Ski In/Ski Out
Ski Storage
TV Lounge
Walking Distance to Lifts
Wireless Internet Kiosk

Rates: $135 per person
Source: www.skihills.com

Special package:
$309 pp Opening Weekend Special
Stay 3 nights pay for 2
2 days of Adult Lift Tickets
Breakfasts and Lunch
Taxes not included. Based on double occupancy.
Source: http://www.vagabondlodge.ca/

Palliser Lodge Resort
The Palliser Lodge at Kicking Horse Mountain Resort, 14 km from Golden, BC offers guests full-service luxury accommodation in an unparalleled mountain setting. Well situated in one of the area’s premier locations, the Palliser Lodge boasts spectacular views of the Rocky Mountains and is just minutes from a wide variety of exciting outdoor summer and winter adventure activities. The Village at Kicking Horse Mountain is within easy walking distance from the Lodge. Each of the 48 well-appointed condominium-style guest suites has been designed for the optimum in guest comfort and convenience. From the comfortable Hotel Rooms to the spacious 1 and 2 Bedroom Suites, units can accommodate up to a maximum of 6 persons. All 1 & 2 Bedroom Suites have full kitchens including dishwasher, refrigerator, oven/stove, microwave and cooking utensils. In addition every 1 & 2 Bdrm Suite has a fireplace, flat screen color television, and balcony. Situated just outside the village at Kicking Horse Resort, Palliser Lodge Resort will ensure quiet enjoyment while maintaining the convenience of ski-in/ski-out access.

Amenities &Services

Common Hot Tub
Common Laundry
Fitness Gym
Front Desk
Ski In/Ski Out
Ski Storage
Walking Distance to Lifts
Wireless Internet Access

Rates: from $199 up to $ 489 for 2 bedroom penthouse

Whitetooth Chalet
Whitetooth Chalet is a 3 bedroom, 4 bathroom chalet located at Kicking Horse Resort, just a 10 minute walk to the downhill runs and right next to the nordic trails. Whitetooth Chalet can sleep up to 8 people and includes a full kitchen, two wood-burning fireplaces, marble countertops in the kitchen and bathrooms, heated floors, and a plasma TV with satellite channels.

Amenities & Services
Private Garage
Walking Distance to Lifts

Rates: $400

Glacier Lodge
Glacier Lodge is located at the base of the Golden Eagle Express Gondola and features exceptional views of the Columbia Valley and the Rocky Mountains beyond, or of the village plaza. Each unit features a full kitchen including dishwasher, private deck and a spacious living area warmed by a cozy gas rock fireplace. Amenities at Glacier Lodge include a common area hot tub, steam room, fitness gym, and ski storage.

Amenities & Services
Common Hot Tub
Fitness Gym
Ski In/Ski Out
Ski Storage
Steam Room
Underground Parking
Walking Distance to Lifts

Rates: 1 bedroom $250