Kimberley isn’t just for families, it’s for powder enthusiasts and explorers, too
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Kimberley Alpine Resort is well known as a family oriented ski hill, so naturally I didn’t anticipate anything too crazy. It seems my perceptions of places get completely altered when I visit, because once I start talking to people they shape the identity of these places in unique ways.
After skiing with the locals, I discovered terrain for all levels, a friendly vibe and, also found out, that although this place is super family friendly, it’s not just for families.
Kimberley’s nickname might give you a clue about the place – ‘The Bavarian City of the Rockies,’ – but that certainly wouldn’t be telling the whole story. As always, you need to scratch the surface when you’re checking out a new place. With a population of 7,600 and loads of winter sport activities, I’d spent some time exploring the Purcell Mountains and Columbia Valley region, but Kimberley was new to me.
Read the full story: http://bit.ly/2lXKBQ4
Myth-busting Kimberley
I came here to do a bit of myth-busting about the fact that Kimberley isn’t just a family mountain. Sure, it’s got something for all kinds of activities for outdoorsy families, but what I found out is that Kimberley is more like a community mountain – for all ages.
I was struck by the fact that there appears to be no age gap. People seem supportive of all ages. I saw young kids who looked up to the “cool teenagers” and 30-year-olds, with lots of encouragement between everyone. I didn’t see any judgment, just people having a good time together doing what they love. To me, that’s priceless. Read more: http://bit.ly/2lXKBQ4
Meet Steve
Steve Black is 100 per cent in love with anything alpine. He and skiing are totally dating – in fact he has been downhill skiing for 77 months straight without missing a month!
He works in the pro shop at Kimberley. I’ve now discovered this is where the locals share stories of powder and pleasure. And, they all know their way around all kinds of terrain. Steve grew up here and although he has visited other places and hills, there’s no way he will leave this mountain. He and a small clan of renegade powder-heads have invested countless hours creating a huge gathering area around one of the runs. It’s been dubbed “The Pit.” It’s like this cool outdoor snow patio, that can fit up to 200 people. Some years the walls have been 10 feet high. It is the place to relax and hang out with like-minded ski enthusiasts when they’re skiing Kimberley. Read more: http://bit.ly/2lXKBQ4
A hill for explorers
After skiing the mountain with Steve, I found out how this entire area is ripe for exploration and discovery. Ski the mountain and you’ll find new terrain all day. Or, throw your skis on your back and go on a search for untouched, deep powder. That’s what Steve taught me. Even though he’s been here for a long time, he can still go and find new gnarly terrain to shred.
One thing I learned is that just one day at Kimberley is not enough. If you’re lucky enough to visit, be sure to ask Steve to take you up to ‘The Pit.’ Read more: http://bit.ly/2lXKBQ4
Read the full story: http://bit.ly/2lXKBQ4
For more information on our journey visit: http://bit.ly/2lAOb2l and follow the expedition on my Instagram and Facebook pages! x
Partners: SnowSeekers – Tourism Northern BC
Dax
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