Kicking Horse Mountain Resort is one of Canada's top ski destinations — consistently ranked for its deep powder, challenging terrain, and relatively short lift queues compared to the mega-resorts of Banff and Whistler. The mountain's vertical drop of 1,260 metres is among the largest in Canada, and much of the terrain is genuinely expert-level: the legendary CPR Ridge and Feuz Bowl areas are not for the timid.
In summer, the gondola still runs and the mountain transforms into a hiking and mountain biking destination. The Eagle's Eye Restaurant at the top station, at 2,350 metres, is Canada's highest full-service restaurant — the 360-degree views of the Rocky and Purcell ranges make the gondola ticket worthwhile even if you don't ski. The grizzly bear refuge at the base of the gondola is home to Boo, a grizzly rescued as a cub.