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Nestled in the Purcell Mountain Range and known locally as Kimberley Alpine Resort, Kimberley Ski Resort is located just above the City of Kimberley an old mining town which is the second highest city in Canada. With its varied terrain, consistent snowfalls of Purcell champagne powder snow and low avalanche risk Kimberley Ski Resort is the ideal ski vacation destination for families and groups of differing ability. In Kimberley is also known as "The Jewel In The Crown " of Canadian skiing Kimberley Ski Hill is operated by Resorts of the Canadian Rockies also known as RCR. Unfortunately investment and promotion by the operators appears to be limited in comparison to other ski resorts. There are limited facilities for shops, bars and restaurants in the resort center. There is only one ski hire facility and that is owned by RCR. When we visited we were attended by a young lad who had no real knowledge of boot fitting and it was impossible to get our 4 year old grandsons feet measured as there were no facilities. He was expected to say when the boot fitted correctly. Needless to say we made our excuses and left in search of a real boot fitter in one of the stores located in the old town. Resort Center Statistics One Ski Hire Facility - Two Bars - One Restaurant - One Ski School
More facilities are available in Kimberley and a free bus service runs in the ski season Mountain Statistics Top Elevation: 6,500 ft / 1,982 m
Base Elevation: 4,035 ft / 1,230 m
Vertical Rise: 2,465 ft / 751 m
Skiable Acres: 1,800 acres / 729 hectares
Longest Run: 3.97 mi/6.4 km
Number of Lifts: 5
1 High Speed Quad (North Star Express),
1 Triple Chair (Easter),
1 Double Chair (Tamarack),
1 T-Bar (Owl),
1 Magic Carpet
Number of Runs 80 (Including Glades)
Beginner: 20%
Intermediate: 42%
Advanced: 38%
Although a fantastic ski hill Kimberley Ski Resort is badly let down by its lack of facilities in the resort center. There is now only one lift from the resort center which gives access to the main ski hill, the others have either been removed or decommissioned by RCR and never replaced. The terrain park has now been closed, there are no restaurants or bars on the mountain. Summer maintenance has not been carried out to the standard we would expect and a number of runs have bushes standing at least 2 feet proud of the 3 foot snow base. see Gallery and News These include Tamarack, Upshot and Downshot. Moe's, Boundary and School House are affected by stumps having been left proud where thinning has taken place.
RCR also operate both Lake Louise and Fernie Ski Resorts. |
