Mountain Spirit Resort & Spa

Click here to read the story from the Cranbrook Daily Townsman

A sleeping giant will come to life this summer as Wildstone Golf Course officially opens for players. On June 1st, the Gary Player-designed course will welcome its first golfers – and general manager Chris Andrews said they are in for a treat.

“When it opens, the golf course is going to be exceptionally fun for everybody of all levels to play,” said Andrews.

The 18-hole course is the first course in Canada designed by South African golf champion Gary Player and his company, Black Knight Design. Player has designed more than 300 courses worldwide, but according to Andrews, Player has said that Wildstone is the nicest place he’s built a course.

Fisher Peak is the star of the show. The prominent mountain is framed at the end of the 18th hole, with the clubhouse in the foreground. The practice range – which includes a driving range, practice and chipping greens – faces Fisher Peak as well.

“When you come around the corner and look down the fairway at number 18, Fisher Peak is rising in the distance. That to us was the epitome of the experience here,” said Andrews.

Overall, the fairways are wide and the tree line is sparse, but players will find some challenges – especially on the 6th and 12th holes over water.

Trickle Creek - photo credit Don Weixl

The award winning courses at Trickle Creek are now open for the season – just a short walk from Mountain Spirit Resort & Spa. If you haven’t already golfed Kimberley there are three great courses to choose from in Kimberley and many more within a short drive if you need even more variety!

Trickle Creek is definitely one of the spirit’s most loved and hated courses (don’t ask my score!). It’s not just the spirit that rates it…

• Top 10 for value and quality – Golf Digest

• 4.5 Stars out of 5 for Places to Play – Golf Digest

• #1 Daily Fee course in BC – Acura World of Golf

So why not combine a visit to Mountain Spirit with a round of golf this spring?

It snowed last week. More than once. The golf courses might not be opening as early as they had hoped but the spirit is impressed with the snow conditions in Kimberley Aline Resort. Perfect timing for our spring break visitors! Check it out, another week in paradise.

The spirit has been making the most of the conditions at Kimberley Alpine Resort although there has been the temptation to put on the cross country skis and admire the views from Trickle Creek Golf Course… maybe next week – the groomed downhill runs are just too good for now!

Spa girls on the top of the ski hill, whatever next?

Oh yeah… a resort spa in Mountain Spirit at the base of the ski hill! It looked like Mountain Spirit had already opened it’s spa at the top of the quad chair today. To the surprise of many skiers and boarders, two Mountain Spirit Spa Ladies were enjoying the sun and some cucumber facials in anticipation of the Family Festival. It’s happening Feb 13 – 16th and Mountain Spirit spa skiers will be out and about on the hill. Watch out for them – Mountain Spirit will have some great giveaways during the Family Festival weekend!

What’s new in town – the platzl finally has sushi thanks to Derek and the team at the Green Phoenix! In addition to what I call their “fusion” menu inspired from foreign travels, Derek’s opening the doors of the Green Phoenix on Wednesdays to offer the dining experience of sushi! Way to go Derek!

A fan of Asian cuisine, the spirit sampled one of the Saturday night specials at the Village Bistro last night – real Tandoori Chicken – delicious! It’s great to see more East Indian cuisine available in Kimberley.

Yesterday the crowds hit the slopes – crowds of under 12′s competing in ski racing, putting us oldies to shame! The Root Bear was out again today… makes Kimberley feel like a true family resort!

For those without kids who want a bit of fun in the evening, Sunday night is karaoke night in the Edge. Not only can you sing your lungs out on stage in Andy’s pub, but you can also play pool for free. Maybe see you there!