Golden Rules

Photos by: @kalenemsley (Who joined me out in Golden for three epic days of exploring!)

What an unreal three days spent exploring Golden, BC a small mountain town located between Banff, AB and Revelstoke, BC. I had driven through Golden more times then I could count on my way to Osoyoos, BC every summer and had never really taken the time to stop and really explore it. When I was given the opportunity to come and visit the area via @tourismgolden I grabbed ahold. The area is loaded with adventure opportunity for all types and levels of ‘adventurists’, whether it is families wanting to get away for a relaxing holiday to the advanced athletes seeking that greater challenge!

From downhill skiing at Kicking Horse Mountain @kickinghorsemtn , Classic and Skate at The Golden Nordic Ski Club (@goldennordicclub), to heli, cat and endless backcountry, the views and opportunity for skiers and snowboarders is endless. Snowmobiling, dogsledding, snowshoeing, skating, and visits to the wolf sanctuary, are a few of the winter activities available in the area. I would be leaving out a HUGE part if I failed to mention the wonderful, cozy coffee shops and restaurants scattered throughout the town. If you are like me and LOVE your coffee it is great to come and chill out in some of them before or after you head outside to explore!

If you have the chance to stay at the Kicking Horse Mountain Resort (@kickinghorselodging – pictured above) I would highly suggest it. There is nothing quite like waking up to incredible views of the ski hill out your bedroom window, and enjoying a morning coffee (On the porch if its not freezing out, or inside by the fire) before you head out your door (literally) for a day on the hill.

lI will let you in on a little secret… Before coming to Golden I had never downhill skied before, though had snowboarded and been skate and classic skiing. I decided to pick up a pair of downhill/backcountry skis this year (seeing as we have a very long winter season here in the Canadian Rockies) to make winter that much more enjoyable! Where better to start out then at Kicking Horse right? One of the steepest hill resorts in the area… how hard could it really be, right?! I may have taken a hard fall the first run, but after that I surprised myself and caught on quickly, making it top to bottom multiple times without bailing.

On the second day at Kicking Horse we enjoyed lunch up at ‘Eagles Eye’ a restaurant/bar that is only accessible by chair lift and overlooks the ski hill, so we could ski right on out the door once we were done. After two full days on my new skis, I had muscles awakening, in me which I didn’t even know I had, but it was certainly fun. I am already making plans to get back out to Golden.

We spent the third morning snowshoeing with @goldennordicclub just a couple minutes from where we were staying @kickinghorselodging. It was a crisp morning but nothing a few layers, coffee and quick movement couldn’t fix. The mountain valley, fresh powder and morning light made for some unreal views.

Dogsledding had been on my bucket-list for YEARS and I finally was able to check that off the list through @goldendogsledadventures. A two-sled company, run by 3 siblings and located only 25 minutes outside of Golden. All 14 of the dogs were rescued by the owners and some of the happiest I have ever seen! It was the perfect way to spend an afternoon. We followed up the ride with some hot chocolate and treats to warm up after the ride!

From skiing and dogsledding for the first time ever, to snowshoeing and enjoying the numerous coffee shops and restaurants in the area, my time spent in Golden was surely one for the books! The small town vibe and local friendliness has a person feeling at home quite quickly. Can’t wait to get back to Kicking Horse to ski this winter, and again in the summer where the list of outdoor activities in Golden is even more vast.

Annnnnddddd thats a wrap!

If you have any questions about my experience in Golden feel free to leave a comment or send me an email (b7.willson@gmail.com).

Check out www.tourismgolden.com for more facts and info on winter activities, and things to do in the area!