We managed to get a couple more cms of snow overnight and there was a light snow for most of the day.  I went up for a few runs and it was really nice.  No deep powder but I did my first run of the year on "double header" and also "race place" which are basically on the opposite ends of the resort and they are really nice all the way to the bottom.  The conditions for this time of the year are really good.  Mind you if we had some busy days, it may change quickly but that shouldn't happen until just before Christmas.  Lots of time for a good dump of snow.  
 Here is first video of the ski season from Friday dec. 9th.  

Some low cloud cover in the morning here at Kicking Horse.  I went up about 1pm with a neighbour  Bob for a few runs.  It was actually quite cool at the top with a bit of a breeze and temperatures about -15C.  I didn't really come prepared for the cold temperatures.  As long as you were moving it was okay, but the chair ride was longer than I wanted. Snow conditions at the top is really nice.  We had some powder a few days ago and it hasn't been very busy so still some nice soft snow and I was surprised by how quiet it was on the hill.  I guess everyone is Christmas shopping.  There is supposed to be some snow coming in a couple days.  Reminder if you are looking for a New Years trip, we still have a couple rooms left.  The resort always has some special events planned with a nice dinner and live music at the top of the mountain and fireworks in the plaza area. 

Another Ski Season Kicking Off at Kicking Horse today.  We had 32 cm of fresh snow over the past couple days.  And then the sun came out.  You can't ask for more.  You still have to be careful until it gets skier packed.  I was maybe overly cautious but it doesn't take much to catch a ski on a rock just barely under the snow.  It is a long season.  Pretty quiet for opening day, but I suspect tomorrow will be a lot busier.

One of our guests from last winter posted a really great review(all true) about her stay at Vagabond Lodge last winter.  We appreciate her great comments.
Here is what she had to say about us.

This was our first time to Canada. I had pre booked the Vagabond Lodge as it looked lovely – and I liked the reviews. Having spent time travelling from Vancouver – over to Vancover Island, and back, we decided to head up to Golden early as we were unsure of the road conditions. They weren’t bad – and certainly not as bad as we expected. We managed Hope – Golden in one day. So I rang the Vagabond and asked if we could pitch up 3 days early.

This was not a problem – and boy are we glad we did.

The place was beautiful Kicking Horse resort is fantastic – the views are spectacular as soon as you arrive.

Lori and Ken welcomed us with open arms. The hotel, is small and cosy – and everything has been well thought out – the heated floor in the bathroom, on a timer – and everything finished to the highest quality. The furniture, the fixtures and fittings. Our room was fantastic – plenty of closet space – how nice it was to be able to unpack after 6 days of travelling. The bed was soo comfy, Lori has furnished all the rooms with high quality bedding, as she has the whole hotel.

Ken and Lori are amazing – they try to ensure that you have a great time – helping out where ever they can with info on the activities that are available, and helping with booking if you need it.

Breakfast and lunch are included in the price. There was always a fresh selection of cookies, muffins, Oatmeal (porridge to us Brits). Every day there was something different on offer – and every day fresh.

Cookies and cakes – fresh tea and coffee are available all day long. Lunch would be a selection of meat, cheeses, salads, gorgeous (and well needed) home made soups. And if you want to know the recipe – Lori is always willing to let you know, she shares the cooking with here trusted helper Annette

Of an evening – Lori doesn’t compete with the local hotels/ pub – there is a wide variety of restaurants and pubs, all of which were good. There is no licence – so you bring your own booze – which was great!!! The local store stocks a good range of everything – and is regulated so the prices are reasonable.

The only downside to our stay – the restaurant at the top of the mountain had had a flood and was closed – it reopened on the last day we were there. Which was a shame as Fri & Sat ( I think) they’re open for food some evenings – other wise they shut around 6. The food is good up there – as are the cocktails. I can’t wait to go back and go up there in the evening.

Our five days in Kicking Horse were out of this world – the skiing, the walking, we even managed a very eventful ski-doo day - followed by a long soak in the hot tub - very necessary!!!. We will definitely return. We left on Christmas eve to head off to Emerald Lake, which was nice – but I would have preferred to stay at Vagabond! Well worth the trip! I have recommended this place to loads of people, and look forward to going back…. Maybe next year!!!!

Just to get you pumped, here is a fun day I had last winter with some locals.