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Nestled just across the Canadian border, 2.5 hours north of Spokane, lies a quiet mountain town and resort that are absolutely pure magic.

Rossland, British Columbia and RED Mountain Resort are Mecca鈥檚 for outdoor activities, but without the crowds of many of their western neighbors. Over the past decade, I鈥檝e had the chance to spend a large amount of time skiing, mountain biking, trail running and even filming movies in this area 鈥� and all that I can say is 'wow.' No matter the season I鈥檝e visited, I have experienced beauty, adventure, and kindness from the community that to me has been unparalleled over my years of travel to mountain towns. What makes it so special?

Let鈥檚 take a closer look.

Winter

RED Mountain Resort is the 9th largest ski area in North America and the first stop on Canada鈥檚 infamous Powder Highway. With 3,850 acres of terrain and nearly 3,000 feet聽(approximately 914 meters) of vertical drop, this mountain has the goods for any level and age of skier or snowboarder 鈥� but the icing on the cake? RED only sees roughly 5% of the skier visitation as Whistler, one of their western resort neighbors, which means minimal lines, minimal people on the hill and more fresh powder tracks for you, your friends and family. Boasting an average of 300 inches of snow and 360 degrees of alpine tree skiing as well as approximately 25 miles (40 kilometers) of groomed trails for classic and skate skiing on their Nordic side and trails for fat-biking and snowshoeing, RED has every snow adventurer in your crew covered.

The oldest ski resort in western Canada, RED Mountain Resort has kept the home town mountain feel but with some additions that offers a luxurious experience that smaller mountains cannot. One such offering are RED鈥檚 on-mountain Constella Cabins that sleep up to 5 and are only accessed via the lift (these are really cool) 鈥� basically, a backcountry lodge experience inbounds. Guests share a clubhouse where they enjoy dinner and breakfast together, and have the added bonus to snag fresh tracks right from their door without even having to take a lift up.

Rossland is also home to Big Red Cats, one of North America鈥檚 premier cat skiing and snowboarding operations. With 20,000 acres of terrain spanning across 8 peaks, they鈥檝e got more than enough terrain for intermediate-expert level skiers and snowboarders.

Spring, summer and fall

While the alpine snow is melting, the trails from the base area of RED Mountain as well as the plethora of trail systems near and around Rossland are not only in prime condition, but if you hit it right, they鈥檒l also be lined with an epic display of wildflowers in the spring.

Summer time offers endless miles and vertical of trails for biking and hiking as well as golfing (Redstone is one of the best golf courses in the region and is located just 5 minutes away from RED Resort), fly fishing and even white water rafting.

Fall brings those perfectly cooler temps and truly breathtaking fall colors 鈥� to me, there鈥檚 not much that beats a bluebird, sunny fall day on the trail or river.

For mountain bikers 鈥� Whether you are a full-on beginner or have little ones joining you on the trail, or you are looking for advanced, technical or jump trails, you鈥檒l have more than enough options to choose from at RED Resort and in Rossland. Once the snow melts up high, the Seven Summits Trail is a must-do for advanced to expert mountain bikers that also have the stamina for the over 22 miles (approximately聽35 kilometers)聽and over 3,000 feet (approximately 914 meters) of vertical of single track. Awarded 鈥楾rail of the Year鈥� by Bike Magazine in 2007, this one should most definitely be added to your bucket list of epic rides.

Coming in the summer of 2025? RED Mountain will be opening their brand new lift-accessed bike park 鈥� yes, we are already planning a road trip!

For hikers and trail runners 鈥� As with the mountain biking, you can make your hike or trail run as easy or exciting as you want. One of my favorites? The KC Summit (Centennial) Trail which can be hiked or biked, no matter your age or ability level. Walking slowly, it鈥檚 a 1.5 hour outing at the most, and overlooks Rossland which is really special, no matter your age.

Held every July, the Broken Goat Ultra Trail Running Race is a fan favorite and known as BC鈥檚 most rustic ultra. This race is a mix of single-track and alpine trails and offers a 12-, 25- and a 50-kilometer course (approximately 8-, 16- and 32-mile respectively).

For anglers and water enthusiasts 鈥� Rossland is located just over 6 miles聽(approximately 10 kilometers) from the Columbia River, which offers 4-season, world class fishing. From fly fishing, to spinner fishing, to trolling or bottom fishing, this area is known for having a thousand rainbow trout for every 0.6 miles (1 kilometer).

With a plethora of nearby lakes, (Nancy Greene Lake is a great choice) stand up paddle boarding is popular in the summer months 鈥� and for those keen on getting an adrenaline rush, just 45 minutes away in Nelson, BC offers some of the region鈥檚 best whitewater rafting.

For festival goers 鈥� If you love music; enjoy good food and drinks; and live for all the positive vibes, you鈥檝e got to check out Between the Peaks, which is held every September at RED Mountain Resort.

This family friendly music festival will knock your socks off 鈥� and may just become a new yearly tradition.

Where to stay

For travelers looking for a high end wellness experience coupled with fine dining and a home away from home feeling, The Josie Hotel, located at the base of RED Mountain Resort (it鈥檚 ski in/ski out in the winter months) is your golden ticket. Enjoy hand-crafted cocktails and locally-inspired dishes at the Velvet Lounge and Restaurant after a long day of adventuring, rejuvenate at The Spa or soothe your body in their slope side cedar barrel saunas that offer an epic view of the lower mountain. In the warmer months, take a hike or mountain bike ride from the hotel or make the short drive to the town of Rossland for a coffee and some shopping.

If you are looking for a more rustic staying experience, Big Red Cats has an offering that is right up your alley. The Red Shutter Inn was built in the 1960鈥檚 and was the original lodging at Red Mountain. Located within a few minutes walk from the lifts, the Inn has 6 rooms (with bathrooms en suite) and a lounge room with a wood stove that all of the guests share. They鈥檝e also got an all-season outdoor hot tub that guests can use after a long day of adventuring.

No matter the season or circumstance that I have visited RED Mountain and the town of Rossland, I have been welcomed with kindness 鈥� and I鈥檝e left with adventures and memories that always make me want to come back again and again. To me, this speaks volumes.

What makes Rossland special is a mix of all that it has to offer coupled with the amazing people and community that bring it all together.

The result? Pure magic.