There’s A LOT to do around Golden, BC during the winter months. From an adrenaline filled day charging down a mountainside, to strolling through peaceful forests, there’s an activity to satisfy your personal style of adventure. Check out our list of the 5 best winter activities in Golden, BC!
1. Skiing and Snowboarding
Light and deep snow, coupled with incredible terrain is a match made in heaven.
Whether you're with family or friends, nothing beats a powder day at Kicking Horse Mountain Resort. Famous for it endless runs, alpine bowls and numerous steep chutes, the resort also boasts amazing intermediate and beginner trails. It also has a learning area right at the ski base.
You don’t want to miss this stop on the Powder Highway! Check out these skiing and snowboarding tips to have the best experience at Kicking Horse Mountain Resort.
If backcountry terrain is more your scene, Golden is the gateway to numerous backcountry zones, as well.
There are endless opportunities for backcountry riding around Golden, but it's important to have the necessary training
Regardless of what direction you want to head, there is untouched powder waiting for you. It's critical, though, to remember that as soon as you enter the backcountry you're on your own. It's important to have the training you need to be safe in avalanche country as these zones are completely uncontrolled.
If you want to get into backcountry riding and aren't sure how to start, take an Avalanche Skills Training class 1 (AST1) from our friends at Hangfire Training. They run two day courses for skiers, snowboarders and sledders. You can sign up different locations throughout B.C. and Alberta. They're experts on all things related to winter activities in Golden, BC, so they're a good resource for information and current snow conditions.
2. Snowmobiling
Photo: Pat Winslow
Golden, B.C. is a renowned snowmobile destination - and for good reason! Huge snowfalls of light and dry snow, countless terrain choices and spectacular scenery. All reasons thousands of sledders flocking to the area each winter.
With options for everyone, from trails for the first timer to endless backcountry for the professional mountain riders, it’s hard to beat Golden for a snowmobile adventure.
Whether you just need to rent a sled and gear for a day out with friends, or you’re looking for a guided tour, the professional snowmobile tour and rental companies of Golden have got you covered. Read our recommendations for the best snowmobile tours and rentals in Golden.
Tourism Golden puts out a 'Golden Sled Trail Map' every winter and it's a great free resource to grab in town before heading into the mountains. It shows the different zones in the area and has important safety information.
3. Cross Country Skiing
Cross country skiing at the Golden Golf Course. Photo: Dave Best, Tourism Golden
Cross country skiing is one of the best ways to explore the outdoors and enjoy the fresh mountain air.
If you're looking to get your heart rate up or just want to glide through the forest, Golden, B.C. is home to some of the best cross country skiing around. There are trails to suit everyone from the first timer to the trained expert, for both classic skiing and skate skiing
Dawn Mountain, at the base of Kicking Horse Mountain Resort, is one of our favourites. It has roughly 35 km of groomed trails. Grab a trail map when you get there and create a loop that's as long or as short as you'd like. Wind past lakes and creeks in the silence of the sparkly snow - it's one of the most peaceful places to be!
There are groomed trails for classic skiing at the Golden Golf Course if you want an option closer to town, or head to Cedar Lake or the Blaeberry River and create your own path.
Whether you’re after perfectly groomed trails, or an opportunity to make your own route through nature, Golden has it all. You can check out our blog on The Best Places to Cross Country Ski in Golden, BC for more options and information.
4. Snowshoeing
Snowshoeing is a great way to get outdoors, explore our forests, and enjoy some exercise in the winter air.
With lots of trails accessible right from the main roads in Golden, this is an easy way to get out on your next outdoor adventure.
There are trails at Kicking Horse Mountain Resort, Dawn Mountain Nordic Centre, Cedar Lake, the Moonraker network and in the Mountain Shadows trails.
For a bit more information on our favourite areas to snowshoe around Golden you can check out Snowshoeing in Golden BC.
5. Skating
Photo: Dave Best, Tourism Golden
Ice skating is a beloved winter activity among Canadians, both young and old. Golden and surrounding communities offer some awesome skating venues.
Whether you visit one of the outdoor neighbourhood rinks or the large indoor arena, it’s an enjoyable and simple way to get out with friends and family.
Town has 3 outdoor rinks. Up by the baseball diamonds, at the tennis courts and on the basketball court partway down 5th Street. There's also a beautiful outdoor rink south of Golden in the town of Parson.
If you don't have skates but would like to head out on the ice, try Higher Ground in town or the Rental Shop at Kicking Horse Mountain Resort for rentals.
We hope you have an incredible time exploring all the winter activities Golden, BC has to offer. And if you're lucky enough to visit us again in the summer, here are recommendations for the 5 Best Summer Activities in Golden
Cheers from all of us here at Glacier
Did we miss an activity that should have made the list? Let us know in the comments below.
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