Kimberley

The Purcell Mountains occupy the western edge of the Rocky Mountain Trench, with several alpine opportunities offered through venues like the Kimberley Alpine Resort. Originally opening in 1948 as North Star, this winter venue bills itself as "A real mountain experience with a small town's charm." Its location in southeastern British Columbia allows it to fulfill both statements.

American skiers and riders will find it easy to locate by simply extending the northern borders of Idaho and Montana. Motorists will find that Highway 1 is far to the north, so Highways 93 and 95 will handle most traffic. Highway 95A leaves Cranbrook and takes visitors to Kimberley, near the resort. The Cranbrook/Canadian Rockies International Airport will get air travelers close.

Everything Needed for the Slopes

Between the ski resort and town, visitors here should want for nothing. Ski-in/ski-out and other accommodations are available on-site. Other facilities can be found in town or nearby, with over 20 options available altogether. Anyone planning a visit here should look online, as many lodging partners offer decent discounts on lift tickets with rented rooms.

The Stemwinder Bar & Grill is the best apres-ski on the slopes, with the Buckhorn & Main Mountain Eatery providing another venue to eat and relax before, during, or after everyone hits the snow. Sports Alpine Ski & Sports Boutique offers top-tier gear and clothing. Extras range from lip balm to helmet cameras. The Wildhorse Childcare provides half-day and full-day packages and can be combined with ski & ride options to get the little ones on their planks and ready for the slopes.

Kimberley offers unique programs like the developmental Alpine Team, and it is host to the Paralympic Training Center. Ski Under the Stars provides nighttime runs for guests to use, with Boulder Hut Adventures providing quality backcountry skiing experiences. An outdoor ice rink lets everyone get on their skates, or visitors can try out the latest winter craze, fat tire biking at the Kimberley Alpine Resort.

Runs That Keep Going and Going

The Kimberley Alpine Resort has a base elevation of 4,035 feet and a summit that reaches 6,500 feet. A 2,465-foot vertical rises to the occasion, giving skiers and riders plenty of potentials down the slopes. The slopes are sizeable, with 1,500 acres of skiable terrain that guests can explore. It has 68 runs (plus another dozen in the glades) of various skill levels, with most runs rated as blue/intermediate (42-percent).

Kimberley maintains 20-percent of the mountain as green/beginner trails that newbies can explore, with the remaining 38-percent of the runs listed as black diamond for advanced skiers and riders to enjoy (there are also double black diamonds that are available to test expert ski bums).

Five lifts operate at the Kimberley Alpine Resort including, a magic carpet, a T-bar, a double chair, a triple chair, and a high-speed quad. They provide an hourly uphill capacity of 6,452 skiers, with surprisingly few wait times.

The longest run here is Ridgeway, at 3.97 miles. Kimberley has several learning packages available, with daily and multi-week sessions for sale. Instructor courses, first-track lessons, and tours keep everyone busy at all skill levels.