Lodging (Area Code 250)

Kicking Horse Mountain Resort has a toll-free reservations number for most area properties, (866) 754-5425. You can also pre-book tickets and transportation. Development of the mountain village is quite recent, so all lodging is new or like new. All the small lodges are owned by delightful couples who know how to make a vacation relaxing and special.

Developments for the 2006-07 season include a luxurious 48-unit Palliser Lodge, a lodge in Gondola Plaza adding 50 units, retail and shopping, Cabins of Kicking Horse and other town homes and upscale homes.

Glacier Lodge (877-754-5486; 439-1160; $$–$$$$) is a ski-in/ski-out condo lodge with 56 units as large as three bedrooms with loft. Designed to blend into its Rocky Mountain surroundings with its stone and timber architecture, it’s just steps from the gondola. Each unit has a full kitchen, washer/dryer, gas fireplace and mountain views. Other amenities include outdoor hot tub, sauna, steam room and fitness center. Friendly staff manage the front desk. The nearly identical Mountaineer Lodge has another 51 units, is owned by the same company and is right next door.

Copper Horse Lodge (877-544-7644; 344-7644; $$$), an intimate and classy 10-room inn, has all the modern conveniences in its spacious rooms: multi-jet spa showers, terry robes, featherbeds, Internet access, phones, bar fridges and flat-screen TVs with DVD players. The one deluxe room has a jetted tub. Other amenities include a common area with soaring fireplace and game table, an outdoor hot tub, a bar (bartender will deliver drinks to guests in the common areas), and a very good restaurant (see Dining). Prices include a full hot breakfast. It’s a short walk to the lifts.

The rock-and-timber Vagabond Lodge (866-944-2622; 344-2622; $$$), with 10 suites and comfy common areas for guests to mingle, is stunning and inviting—like a fancy European pension. Rooms are spacious, with featherbeds and armoires. The lodge has an adult environment and features a breakfast room for complimentary continental breakfast, library and games room, media room with a large TV and Internet access, lounge area with fireplace, and an outdoor hot tub. Suites do not have TVs or phones. It’s a short walk to the lifts.

Whispering Pines (344-7188; $$–$$$; above) has luxurious three-bedroom townhouses providing ski-in/ski-out lodging just a few minutes’ away from the day lodge and near the gondola. All units have kitchens, fireplaces, washers and dryers, outdoor hot tub and maid service. Depending on the unit, up to eight guests can be easily accommodated.

There is another option for staying (literally) on-mountain: the exclusive C$875 per room, per night “Winter Getaway” at Eagle’s Eye Suites (866-754-5425; $$$$; left). Just upstairs above the Eagle’s Eye Restaurant at 7,700 feet, two lovely two-person suites with private balconies overlook the Columbia Valley and three mountain ranges. Amenities include pretty much anything you’d expect, including your own 24-hour valet/concierge service, personalized dining menus, lift tickets, guaranteed first tracks, private ski instructor, champagne, gift basket and other takeaways. The most exclusive part of this package is the VIP gondola cabin with leather seats, CD player and wine bucket for those 12-minute rides.

The town of Golden offers comfortable chain properties and a number of inns and B&Bs. Many Golden properties have shuttle service available to the ski area as needed for a small charge.

The Prestige Inn (866-754-5425; $$–$$$) has kitchenettes, fridges, an indoor pool and hot tub. A day spa and liquor store also are on the premises. Best Western Mountainview Inn (866-754-5425; $–$$) includes an indoor pool, coin laundry room and extra-large, family-sized rooms. Ramada Limited (800-593-0511; 439-1888; $–$$$) has an indoor pool, hot tub, coin laundry, business center with Internet access and kitchenette suites. Complimentary continental breakfast is included.

The Golden Rim Motor Inn (877-311-2216; $) is a real treasure, with thoughtful staff making the stay highly memorable. You’ll find a waterslide, hot tub, indoor pool, saunas and recreation room.

Hillside Lodge & Chalets (344-7281; $$; below), owned and operated by the Baier family, is a B&B located about 15 minutes west of Golden, just north of Hwy. 1 on the Blaeberry River. Guestrooms have private baths and include sumptuous breakfasts. Sonja and Hubert Baier also serve dinner. Five chalets each have twin or queen beds, private baths, handcrafted furnishings, wood stoves, and fridges. Coffee and tea are provided.

Tschurtschenthaler Lodge (pronounced Church-en-Taller; 344-7325; 866-344-8184; $$) is five minutes south of Golden. Guest rooms have private baths. Breakfast, a sauna hut and breathtaking views are all included. Cedar House Cafe & Restaurant (344-4679; $$), just 15 minutes from the resort, rents a cabin that sleeps four and includes laundry, kitchen and TV.

Alpine Meadows Lodge (344-5863; $$), on a scenic benchland just outside Golden, has 10 guestrooms overlooking the great room and serves full hot breakfasts. The Golden Kicking Horse Hostel (344-5071; $) has beds for C$20 per night, full kitchen facilities, free parking, other amenities and no curfew.

Accommodations Legend (C$): (double room) $$$$–$200+; $$$–$141–$200; $$–$81–$140; $–$80 and less.