According to computerannals, the small town of Kimberley lurks between the famous Rocky Mountains and the no less high Purcell Mountains. It was founded in 1896 and initially became famous for the world’s largest zinc deposit. However, over time, the metal was depleted, and Kimberley became a ski resort. In addition, it is one of the most budget-friendly in Canada and very popular among families with children. It is here that the longest night-lit trail in Canada is located – 6.5 km.
Even at the height of the season, it is not crowded here, although the infrastructure is at a very good level, the stages of the Alpine Skiing World Cup among athletes with disabilities are regularly held.
How to get to Kimberley
According to computergees, the nearest international airport is located in Calgary. From Moscow Domodedovo, Lufthansa flies there together with Air Canada, one way with one transfer (about 16 hours), back with two (from 17 hours). Tickets cost from 710 USD round trip. Lufthansa and Air Canada flights are also operated from St. Petersburg with two transfers, on the way – from 20 hours each way, tickets – from 900 USD.
From the airport to the resort about 400 km and 4-5 hours by car. The transfer will cost from 700 CAD per car for 3-4 passengers (it is better to book in advance), some hotels provide their guests with a transfer at a good discount.
A 15-minute drive from Kimberley, Cranbrook has a small airport that can be reached from any major Canadian city on domestic flights. A direct flight from Vancouver takes 1.5 hours and costs about 300 USD round trip. It takes only 15 minutes to get from the airport to the resort, and there are several free shuttles a day during the peak ski season.
Transportation
Kimberley is a very small resort, there is no public transport, ski lifts, hotels and restaurants are located within walking distance from each other. For trips around the area, it is most convenient to rent a car or book a transfer.
- Slopes of the Kimberley
Kimberley Hotels
There are about 10 hotels and apartments in Kimberley, almost all of them are located within walking distance from the ski lifts. Accommodation prices start from 40 USD (apartments with a small bedroom and kitchen), but it is better to count on 50-70 USD per day.
There are no chic and expensive hotels in the resort, mostly 2-4 *. A double room (with breakfast) in a “treshka” at the ski lift will cost from 80 USD per night, a room in a 4 * hotel – from 120 USD per day for two.
Trails and ski pass
The resort has 70 slopes of varying difficulty, of which about half are blue. There are also green, black and for extreme – double black. There are 9 lifts – 5 chairlifts and 4 rope tows. Approximately 10% of the tracks are equipped with an artificial snow system, there is a snowboard park and a flat ski track with a total length of 26 km. The resort has several equipment rentals, many located right in the hotels.
An adult ski pass will cost 72.95 USD per day, for seniors over 65 years old – 57.95 USD, for teenagers from 13 to 17 years old – 54.95 USD, and for children under 13 years old – 28.95 USD. There are also evening tickets that are valid from 17:30 to 20:30. Adults $32.95, senior citizens $25.95, teenagers $14.95, children free.
Where to eat
Small, family-run restaurants are popular in the Kimberley, serving simple, no-frills food: pasta, pizza, steaks, maple syrup pancakes, pies, and huge burgers with fries. There are coffee shops with desserts, bars and eateries. A burger or a portion of pasta in a restaurant will cost 16-20 CAD, breakfast with coffee and pancakes or scrambled eggs – 10-12 CAD.
Attractions and attractions Kimberley
There are no historical and cultural sights in the resort, only active recreation is of entertainment here. In winter, there is a ski school for children and adults, and for the smallest there is a kindergarten (from 1.5 years old).
During the summer, you can go hiking, mountain biking, relaxing by the hot springs and playing golf at Shadow Mounain in nearby Cranbrook, 15 minutes’ drive away. Also worth visiting is the Canadian Rail Travel Museum, which displays passenger trains from the late 19th and early 20th centuries, including the 1886 Pacific Express, the 1907 Soo-Spokane luxury train, and the fastest experimental train, the 1929 Trans-Canada Limited.
Weather
The climate in the Kimberley is mild and temperate. The ski season lasts from November to April, the coldest is in December and January. Snowfalls happen, but infrequently, in total about 6-7 days a month. Snow cannons are installed on the slopes, so there are no interruptions in the snow.
