Dre enjoying fresh powder days at RED Mountain, British Columbia

Discovering Rossland & RED Mountain Resort

Nestled in the snowy Monashee Mountains of southeastern British Columbia, Rossland is a charming old mining town turned winter paradise. Just minutes from the U.S.–Canada border, this alpine hub is home to RED Mountain Resort, a legendary powder destination known for deep snow, steeps, and a laid-back local vibe. Whether you’re chasing fresh turns, exploring winter trails, or soaking up small-town mountain culture, Rossland delivers an unforgettable adventure for riders and skiers alike.

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Why Rossland in Winter?

Rossland is one of North America’s most compelling winter destinations because of its:

Epic terrain: Deep powder, gladed tree skiing, and steep runs across multiple peaks.
Authentic ski culture: Independent mountain town with real local flavor, not a cookie-cutter mega resort.
Uncrowded slopes: Even on prime days, RED feels spacious compared to busier resorts.
Winter playground beyond skiing: Snowshoeing, fat biking, cat skiing, Nordic trails, and local events.

Ikon Pass Details

RED Mountain Resort is a recognized Ikon Pass destination, meaning you can use your Ikon Pass or partner pass days there as part of your winter pass itinerary. This makes Rossland especially appealing for Ikon travelers looking to link multiple iconic mountains on one trip. (AKA: THE POWDER HIGHWAY!)

RED Mountain Ski Area on Ikon Pass

Red Mountain, the original face of the resort, is anchored by lifts like the Red Chair, Silverlode Chair, Motherlode Chair, and Topping Creek Chair. This zone offers a mix of groomers, playful gladed terrain, and classic fall-line runs that drop straight back toward the base. Silverlode serves as the primary artery of the mountain, making it easy to lap a variety of terrain without long traverses. This area is ideal for warm-up laps, tree runs on powder days, and fast groomer laps when visibility is low.

Granite Mountain, accessed via the Granite Chair, is where RED starts to show its true personality. This zone is known for steep pitches, deep powder stashes, and some of the best gladed tree skiing in British Columbia. Granite feels quieter, more rugged, and more technical, rewarding confident riders with sustained vertical and endless line choices through the trees.

Grey Mountain, the newest expansion at RED, is accessed from Granite and feels like backcountry terrain inside the resort boundary. With wide-open bowls, rolling glades, and long descents, Grey adds massive acreage and a remote feel that makes the resort feel far larger than it first appears. On a powder day, this zone can feel like a private playground. (This was our favorite!!!)

Together, these lift zones make RED Mountain feel expansive and adventurous while still remaining surprisingly easy to navigate. Each peak offers its own character, and the natural fall-line layout of the terrain means you spend more time riding and less time traversing, creating a flow that keeps you exploring new lines all day.

How to Get to Rossland

By Car

Rossland is easily reached by road from the U.S. and Canada.
From Sandpoint, Idaho, you can drive north over Kootenay Pass, which is a scenic and well-maintained route into the Kootenays. This is how we drove up from our trip in Sandpoint, Idaho.
From Spokane, WA, it’s about a 2.5-hour drive via a simple highway route and the Paterson border crossing.

Border Crossing Info

When crossing into Canada by car you’ll need a passport or other accepted travel documents for everyone in the vehicle.
Ensure you have vehicle insurance that covers Canada-U.S. insurance often applies but confirm with your provider.

By Air

The most convenient airport for Rossland is Spokane International Airport (GEG)-roughly 2.5 hours away.
Other regional options include Kelowna International Airport (YLW) (around 4+ hours by car) or Castlegar/Trail airports, though flight schedules and connections may be limited.
From the airport, rent a car (preferably AWD/4WD in winter conditions) or organize a shuttle transfer (seasonal services may run from Spokane).

Where We Stayed

RV & Campervan Options

We camped at the RV Lot at the base of RED Mountain for $30/night. There were no hookups or amenities, just snowy parking literally steps from the lifts. Perfect for campers or vanlifers wanting first chair access without the cost of a hotel.

Hotels, Lodges & Other Places to Stay

Luxury & Mid-range Stays:

The Josie Hotel, Autograph Collection – Boutique ski-in/ski-out comfort right at RED’s base.
Prestige Mountain Resort Rossland – Stylish mountain lodging in town.
Red Mountain Resort Lodging – Resort condos and chalets with ski-accessible options.

Budget-friendly:

SureStay by Best Western Rossland Red Mountain – Good value hotel minutes from the lifts.
Nowhere Special Lodge – Hostel-style spot great for groups or solo travelers.
Rams Head Inn – Cozy B&B with old ski lodge charm.
The Lone Star Motel - Rossland, BC – Classic motel option nearby.

Skiing RED Mountain: What to Expect

RED Mountain Resort is a world class ski area with 3,850+ skiable acres spread across Red, Granite, and Grey Mountains, and it skis much bigger than the numbers suggest. The terrain flows naturally down the fall line, meaning you spend less time traversing and more time actually riding. From the first chair to last lap, RED has a rhythm that keeps you exploring new zones without feeling lost.

With nearly 3,000 feet of vertical, long sustained runs are the norm here. You are not skiing short laps. Many runs feel like full top to bottom descents through varied terrain that changes as you drop elevation. One minute you are on an open pitch, the next you are weaving through perfectly spaced trees, and then you are cruising a groomer back toward the lift.

RED is especially famous for its tree skiing and powder retention. The gladed terrain across Granite and Grey Mountains holds soft snow for days after a storm, and the natural spacing of the trees makes it approachable for strong intermediates while still thrilling for advanced riders. On a powder day, it feels less like a resort and more like you stumbled into controlled backcountry terrain.

While beginners can absolutely enjoy RED, the mountain’s personality really shines for intermediate to expert skiers and snowboarders who love steeps, trees, and playful natural features. There is very little “manufactured” feeling terrain here. It is raw, natural, and incredibly fun to explore.

Skiing RED is less about checking runs off a list and more about following the terrain wherever it takes you. It is the kind of mountain where you say “let’s just go this way” and end up discovering your favorite line of the trip.

Other Must-Do Winter Activities

Rossland isn’t just big mountain skiing:

Big Red Cats Cat Skiing
Located just outside of Rossland, Big Red Cats offers lift-served access to thousands of acres of untouched powder terrain. Unlike traditional full-day cat skiing operations, they offer pay-per-run options, making it approachable if you want to sample true backcountry powder without committing to a full day. Expect deep snow, perfectly spaced trees, and experienced guides who tailor the runs to the group’s ability level.
Nordic & Cross-Country Skiing at Black Jack Ski Club
Just minutes from town, Black Jack Ski Club maintains over 40 km of groomed Nordic trails for both classic and skate skiing. The trail system winds through quiet forest and rolling terrain with warming huts and scenic viewpoints. It is one of the best Nordic systems in the Kootenays and a great active recovery day from downhill laps.
Snowshoeing and Winter Hiking
Rossland has an extensive network of trails that remain accessible all winter. Routes like the Rossland Range, Centennial Trail, and nearby forest service roads provide peaceful snowshoeing opportunities with mountain views and very little traffic. Many of these trails start right from town.
Fat Biking
Portions of Rossland’s famous mountain bike trail network are groomed in winter for fat biking. It is a unique way to experience the area’s trail culture in the off season and something you will not find at most ski towns.
Seasonal Community Events and Winter Festivities
Rossland has a strong winter culture highlighted by events like the Rossland Winter Carnival, one of Canada’s longest running winter festivals. Expect parades, night skiing events, live music, and a lively small town atmosphere that makes a winter visit feel like more than just a ski trip.
Backcountry Touring and Splitboarding
The surrounding Monashee Mountains offer incredible opportunities for backcountry exploration. Many visitors bring touring setups to take advantage of easily accessible trailheads and classic Kootenay powder conditions just outside of resort boundaries.

Where to Eat

In Rossland

The Flying Steamshovel Inn & Gastropub – One of our favorite stops in Rossland. Incredible food, local beers, and a great view looking out toward the surrounding hills.
B&T’s Live Music Cafe – A great spot to grab a beer before calling it a night, often with live music and a laid back local crowd.
Idgie’s Restaurant – A warm local favorite known for hearty comfort food and a relaxed mountain town vibe.
Donnie’s Bistro – A stylish, cozy bistro just off the main street with elevated dishes and great atmosphere.
Gabriella’s Restaurants Ltd – Popular for breakfast and quick eats before heading to the mountain.
Ying Cafe – Solid Chinese food option when you want something different after a long ski day.

At RED Mountain / Village

The Velvet Restaurant and Lounge – A full service mountain restaurant right at the base, perfect for lunch breaks or an easy dinner after riding.

Where to Après

Après ski is a big part of the Rossland experience:

Rafters Pub at Red Mountain – Classic resort après and the bartenders were so nice!
The Flying Steamshovel Inn & Gastropub – Great food + local beers.
The Rock Cut Pub – Chill pub vibe. We had pizza here and it was okay, but the vibe was cool.

Budget Tips

Rossland and RED Mountain are refreshingly down to earth compared to many big name ski destinations, but a few simple strategies can make your trip even more affordable without sacrificing the experience.

Take advantage of the RV Lot for overnight parking
If you are traveling by van or camper, the RV Lot at the base of RED allows overnight parking for around $30 per night. There are no amenities, but you are steps from the lifts and can roll straight into first chair without paying for traditional lodging.

Stay in Rossland instead of slopeside
While The Josie offers ski in ski out luxury, staying in town is often much more affordable. Rossland is only a quick 5 minute drive to the resort, making it an easy trade off that keeps you close to great food, pubs, and local character.

Eat in town, not just on the mountain
Restaurants like The Flying Steamshovel, Idgie’s, and Donnie’s Bistro offer incredible meals at prices far more reasonable than resort dining. You will eat better and spend less.

Plan your après in Rossland
Grabbing a beer at places like The Flying Steamshovel or B&T’s Live Music Cafe gives you a more authentic experience and is often easier on the wallet than staying slopeside.

Combine your trip with other Ikon destinations
Since RED is on the Ikon Pass, pairing it with other Ikon resorts on a road trip helps you get far more value out of your pass while exploring a new region.

Overnight Parking at the base of RED Mountain Resort

Packing List

Winters around Rossland and RED Mountain Resort in the Kootenay Rockies are cold, snowy, and deeply alpine, with temperatures commonly ranging from the mid teens to upper 20s °F during the heart of winter and frequent storms delivering consistent fresh snow to the slopes. RED receives well over 300 inches of snowfall annually, with regular snow from November through April and a reliable base that sticks around all season. This is interior British Columbia powder, so expect dry snow and bring proper winter layers for real mountain conditions.

Winter days often bring a mix of cloudy storm cycles and clear bluebird breaks, especially after systems move through the Monashees. December and January can feel moody and snowy, while February and March tend to offer more sunshine paired with incredible snow quality. The result is a classic Kootenay winter pattern where you might wake up to snowfall, spend the afternoon riding soft trees, and finish the day under clearing skies with glowing alpine views over the surrounding peaks.

Winter Guide: RED Mountain Resort & Rossland, British Columbia