Kicking Horse Mountain Resort hosts its second bike park preview weekend on June 15 at 16.

Kicking Horse Mountain Resort hosts its second bike park preview weekend on June 15 at 16.

Summer season kicks off with downhill biking at Kicking Horse

Summer at Kicking Horse Mountain Resort (KHMR) wouldn't be complete without downhill mountain biking, a visit to Boo, the resort's resident grizzly bear, scenic views, and epic hikes.

  • Jun. 12, 2019 12:00 a.m.

Summer at Kicking Horse Mountain Resort (KHMR) wouldn’t be complete without downhill mountain biking, a visit to Boo, the resort’s resident grizzly bear, scenic views, and epic hikes.

KHMR already hosted its first mountain biking preview weekend, but downhill enthusiasts have another chance to get out on the trails before the resort officially opens for the season. On June 15 and 16, riders can enjoy 11 runs, accessed by the Catamount chairlift, between 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Trails open for bike preview weekends include It’s a Ten, Superberm, Lower Pioneer, LYM, Trapper Trail, Claim Jumper, Easy Rider, Buffalo Jump, Devil’s Disco, Swamp Donkey, and Jump Zone. Mountain biking rentals will be available at the Performance Rental Centre during the preview weekends. Mountain biking lessons will not be available until the resort officially opens for the summer.

Early season at KHMR, from May 25 to June 21, allows people to enjoy summer sightseeing and the grizzly bear refuge.

Once the resort officially opens for the summer on June 22, everyone will be able to enjoy the summer sightseeing, the grizzly bear refuge, the Via Ferrata, mountain biking, hiking, and more. Peak season suns until September 2, so plan those summer activities now.

On June 23, local residents can enjoy a free Community Day, where everyone is invited to enjoy sightseeing, the grizzly bear refuge, and bike park access. Golden and Area A proof of residency is required to access these activities at no cost.

KHMR hosts many events and activities at the gondola base and on top of the mountain throughout the summer. The first event is a Canada Day celebration on July 1, which includes a kids alpine race on single and double track, and celebrations at the gondola base. Enjoy the festivities at the resort and don’t forget to with the grizzly bear, Boo a happy birthday at the refuge.

Grizzly bear tours run daily from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. on the hour, except for at 1 p.m. because Boo typically takes a nap. The interpretive tours are about public education and are conducted my knowledgable guides, who focus on grizzly bear behaviour and natural history.

Stay connected with Kicking Horse Mountain Resort on their Facebook page for updates, or go to www.kickinghorseresort.com for full details on events, lift tickets, rentals, and more.

Golden Star