The doctor said, not to fall down.  Otherwise I can get back skiing.  I had a broken collarbone repaired in October(I broke it a year ago) and after a couple months recovery that was his prognosis. I will definitely try not to fall down. 
With over 25cms of fresh snow over the past couple days, I had my first taste of powder since last year.  It couldn't have come at a better time as the snow conditions were a bit sketchy to start the season here at Kicking Horse Resort. And with the Christmas rush looming a great dump of snow was exactly what was needed. 
Friend Patrick and I found some great skiing yesterday with a lot of untouched powder.  
Vagabond is open for business.  Give us a call at 250 344 2622 or email info@vagabondlodge.ca 

Another season has begun here at Kicking Horse Resort. And from all reports, the conditions are pretty good especially at the top.  As usual the bottom area is "early season conditions." 
My skiing is on hold for a while yet because of some surgery I had to get on my collarbone.  I hope to be back on the slopes in a month.  Until then I have to keep myself happy with some snowshoeing and winter hiking in the area.  Which is still pretty nice. 
A number of years ago in my former life, I had a chance to spend some time in TV working with TSN the Sports Network.  One of my early projects was a program on the World Powder 8 skiing Championships at Mike Wiegele Heli Skiing in Blue River BC in 1987 . Here is a link to the original video. 
With permission of course, a production company from Vancouver put tougher a tribute to Mike Wiegele for the recent Vancouver Film Festival.  You will see some of the original footage I shot back in 1987.  Nice job on the tribute. 
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We are starting to count the sleeps until another winter season at Vagabond Lodge at Kicking Horse Resort. December 6 is the opening day for the 20th anniversary of the resort.  Vagabond opened a 4  years later in 2004.  Hard to believe we have been here 16 years.  Wow.  We have had some fun
The snow is looking good at the top of the mountain.  We could use a good dump at the bottom but it will come.  Photos are from the top of the mountain today November 22nd. 
We have some extended stay discounts if you are looking for a ski season to remember.  Give us a call direct at 250 344 2622 or you can email us at info@vagabondlodge.ca
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Great article by British travel writer Abi Butcher in the latest edition of National Geographic Travel-Winter edition.  She spent some time with us here at Vagabond Lodge at Kicking Horse Resort last winter.  On her final day, friend Patrick and I took her up to T2.  It made her stay. Here is the article as well as the video we did of our trip.  
Kicking Horse is back open as well as Vagabond Lodge on December 6th for the winter season.  Reminder for best rate guaranteed give us a call at 250 344 2622 or email info@vagabondlodge.ca 
Hope to see you. 
​Ken 

After too long of  a wait due to cool and wet weather I was able to get back kayaking on the Kicking Horse and Columbia River this week. What a treat.  And with all the wet weather the river is still pretty high and changing day to day.  Friend  Patrick joined me for a paddle.  And yes, we got wet as you will see in the video.  
Reminder we are taking reservations at Vagabond Lodge for the upcoming ski season. You can book direct off our website and get the best rate. You can also email me at info@vagabondlodge.ca or give us a call at 250 344 2622. 
Vagabond closes for the off-season on September 27 and reopens on December 7th. 

I love this time of the year.  It is starting to quiet down and this is the best time for some exploring. We did a great hike with some of our family to the top of Kicking Horse.  One of my favourites is along the north ridge.  We did it after a big rain storm the day before and there were all sorts of weather fronts rolling around.  Some amazing cloud formations. 
Vagabond is having a special Autumn in the Rockies Special until closing date with 10% discount if you book direct.  And if you are planning a ski trip this winter, our Early Bird Savings is good until October 31st. Again you need to book direct. Give us a call at 2560 344 2622 or email info@vagabondlodge.ca or 
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It has been a great summer for kayaking in our area.  Not only the Columbia but the Kicking Horse which runs right through the town of Golden BC.  And every day the river changes and so do the rapids.  We don't do big rapids or anything crazy.  Just enough to get some rock and roll and a little wet at times.  And the other day it was definitely some rock and roll.  And staying dry was not an option.  
A reminder you can book your stay directly with Vagabond Lodge for the best rate guaranteed.  We have added a booking engine directly to our website and as a result can pass our savings by not paying commission to the likes of Expedia and the rest of the big name hotel booking engines to our guests.  Give it a try.  Just click here which will take you directly to Vagabond Lodge. You can also give me a call at 250 344 2622 or email info@vagabondlodge.ca 

The Columbia River flows right through Golden.  It is one of the major rivers in North America and starts just south of Golden about 2 hours away.  It eventually ends up on the Pacific Ocean in Oregon.  This time of the year especially with all the rain we have had so far, the water level is nice and high.  One of our favourite trips is from Nicholson which is just about 5 minutes or so south of Golden to just below Kicking Horse Resort.  It is about a 2 hour trip.  Because of the wide valley the river creates a number of small lakes where you can pull in and go for a swim or take a break.  
We did it a few days ago with some friends and it was a perfect day.  So much fun. 
We can hook you up with a rental if you interested.  You can book your stay directly at Vagabond Lodge for the best price guaranteed.  Check in out.  We have a special 10% discount for August if you put in the code 123 when you are booking. 
You can still give us a call at 1250344 2622 or email info@vagabondlodge.ca
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I have hiked some of the trails near Bow Lake in Banff National Park for years.  I have driven by the lake and been in awe of the beauty hundreds of times.  Now I have had the experience of seeing the beauty from the water itself.  I had just spent a few days camping and kayaking with family just down the road at Waterfowl Lake.  On my way home the lake was just too appealing to pass by.  I did a u-turn and after finding a parking spot which wasn't easy, I took my kayak out on Bow Lake for the first time ever.  It wasn't the greatest weather as a storm was starting to blow in.  I had to scramble to get across the late in order to find shelter before the storm hit.  And I was down to the wire when it hit with strong winds and rain.  But I made it with minutes to spare to find some shelter.  But it was definitely worth it.  A great experience. 
Bow Lake is about an hour and 15 minute drive from Vagabond Lodge.  I would suggest to go early in the morning for the great light and less traffic but anytime is worth it. 

One of the many amazing places we have near Vagabond Lodge is Emerald Lake in Yoho National Park. It is an easy 45 minute drive to the lake and it a hotbed for sightseers.  The bulk of the people who stop there get out of their cars for a few minutes or unload from a tour bus and walk for a few minutes, take a few photos and leave.  One of the best ways to really enjoy the area is to go for nice hike either around the lake or the the end and back and it won't be that busy.  Once the snow disappears from the higher elevation the hiking is some of the best in the world.  
A great way to see the area is from the lake.  You rent a canoe  which is nice.  We are fortunate to have our own kayaks which are inflatable.  And once you are out of the lake it is so amazing.  It gives an entire different perspective to the area. 
​Highly recommended.