Recommended Routes

If you are coming to Kimberley and are searching for route suggestions this page has some recommendations! If you are visiting please consider helping to maintain these trails by purchasing a Trail Pass or making a donation.

Electrify the Mountains
In the summer of 2024 we marked 4 routes to help users navigate the Electrify The Mountains network.

Beginner Loop - A great place to start, the easiest loop in the nordic centre.  Works equally well in both directions for all users. First time aMTB users should start Counter Clockwise.

Short Circuit XC - The easiest intermediate loop in the Nordic Centre without using any of the downhill trails. A great introduction for Mountain Bikers, also a good trail run (you might like to avoid John Travoltage) 

Magic Line - A Kimberley classic. This route takes you on the original Magic line route which was also one of the first mountain bike specific trails at the Nordic Centre. Three climbs and three descents will leave you smiling, no mater what kind of rider you are. The listed route here utilizes the new  (easier) Watts Up climb instead of the original Misdirection climb (still available for those wanting a challenge) . A must do if you're in Kimberley. 

Clockwise only, please do not ride or hike up any of the downhill trails. Trail Runners will enjoy most of this loop, but would be advised to avoid the Magic Line 3: The Prestige Descent and instead climb via Misdirection and descend via Watts Up and Amps Go Marching. 

Short Fuse Loop - An advanced loop that must be done in a clockwise direction. 3 climbs with 3 very different descents. Start with the flowly Rainbow Rock Rodeo, then test your tech skills on Yikes, shake your hips on John Travoltage and finish with the tight and technical Penelopes Cruise.  

Trail runners, avoid Rainbow Rock Rodeo by staying on Sleight of Hand and descending The Pledge. Skip John Travoltage by using the nordic trail Snowbird.

Round the Mountain

Each year at the end of June the Kimberley Trails Society along with the Kootenay Orienteering Club and the Kootenay Freewheelers Cycling Club hosts the Round The Mountain event. Following the Round the Mountain loop is a great excursion any time of the year. 

Here are the courses used for the races. There are plenty of opportunities to extend or shorten them if you prefer! The Round the Mountain trail takes much longer to dry up than many of the trails in the Kimberley Area, so it is worth checking the latest reports on TrailForks before you head out early season. The trail will generally be in its best shape a week or so before the RTM event. 

10km Run Route.

Half Marathon Trail Run.

Half Marathon Mountain Bike Ride.

Group Rides 

Picture
Courtesy of Jenny Bateman photography

The Kootenay Freewheelers Cycling Club typically meet in the Platzl at 6:30pm on Wednesday evenings from May until late October or early November. They split into groups based on ability and desired riding pace for a ~2 hour mountain bike ride on Kimberley's amazing trail system finishing with refreshments at a local establishment. They also have a ladies only group ride on Monday evenings.

It's best to join their Facebook group for the latest info on group rides.

They also host a mega popular kids program as well as a number of races and events throughout the year that are worth keeping an eye for!

Black spur ultra marathon

Held in August every year the Black Spur Ultra is wrought from the winding, technical single track that trail runners dream about. No pavement, big climbs through rugged terrain, immaculate trails, and stunning scenery. Hosted at Kimberley Alpine Resort, participants can walk to the start line right from your hotel room.

The race has 108k and 54k distance options. Solo either distance, or run on a team. The 108k is open to teams of up to six and the 54k teams of two or three. 

For trail runners any of the Black Spur legs make great longer runs. Although the climb on Leg 1 (The Goat) as well as a small connection of Leg 2 (The Toad)  are unmaintained trails. Expect downed trees and bush until the event.