It is time to lace up the snowshoes and dive into the mountain charm of Rossland, British Columbia! A captivating combination of heritage mining history, diverse culinary offerings and an outdoorsy vibe, Rossland is a mecca for adventurers everywhere.
While Rossland is a cool cat year-round, the town truly shines in winter. Here, nature-lovers can indulge in soft and backcountry adventures without having to hop between destinations. “From backcountry skiing to paragliding and everything in between, Rossland offers a memorable experience for everyone,” said Andras Lukacs, executive director of Tourism Rossland.
Skiers and snowboarders are equally enthralled with Rossland. With more skiable acres than residents; the town welcomes over 300 inches of annual snowfall, wide-open groomers, 2,900 feet of vertical, in-bound cat-skiing, 360˚ descents and the best tree runs in the province. From RED Mountain’s 3,850 skiable acres – with an additional 200,000 acres accessible via cat-skiing pioneer Big Red Cats – to Rossland Range Recreation Site’s collection of day-use cabins designed for hardy snowshoers, fat bikers, cross-country skiers and backcountry explorers, there are peak options to satisfy all skillsets and fitness levels. It’s no wonder Powder Magazine ranked Rossland number one in their “Ski Town Throwdown” and Skiing rated RED Mountain the “Most Underrated Resort.”
A short saunter from the mountain, the town of Rossland offers equal parts adventure and entertainment. Strolling Columbia Avenue, downtown’s picturesque main street, visitors are never more than a few blocks away from a table and a feast. Shack up in the cozy confines of Rossland Beer Company and sample a flight of freshly brewed ales and stouts, or savour Italian specialties at Gabriella’s. Over at Mook Thai, located in the historic fire hall, nosh on West Coast-influenced Thai cuisine; alternatively, Flying Steamshovel Gastropub serves no-nonsense pub fare alongside a healthy dose of raucous antics. After fuelling up, head to Blizzard Music Festival (January 26-30), featuring headliners The Bros Landreth and The Pack A.D., or party at Rossland Winter Carnival. The Rossland Winter Carnival is the longest consecutively running winter carnival in Canada and typically features fire spinners, an ice palace beer garden, and a fireman’s pancake breakfast (January 26-30).
After a day of play, visitors can return to their cozy Rossland hotel, with a vibe to meet everyone’s tastes – from heritage hip to modern chic. At the Wild Turkey Inn, step back in time to the gold rush heydays in an immaculately restored heritage house on the hill. The Josie, mere steps from RED Mountain’s ski lifts, exudes slope-side luxury with a full-service spa, cedar-barrel saunas and the impeccable Velvet Restaurant and Lounge. The newest accommodation experience is the Constella: A Cabin Collective, which beckons travellers with a secluded alpine getaway in the Paradise Basin at RED Resort.
“Simply put, Rossland is a mecca for outdoor adventurers and enthusiasts. We have endless terrain and an ‘urban-ish’ mountain culture,” said Lukacs. “It’s why so many visitors turn into residents after spending time here; once they arrive, they never want to leave.”
To plan your escape to Rossland, visit tourismrossland.com.
About Tourism Rossland
Rossland is located in the beautiful Kootenay Rockies Region of British Columbia and is home to Red Mountain Resort and Big Red Cats, the world's largest cat skiing operation. Featuring one of the top 10 largest ski terrain resorts in North America, with over 200+km of single-track mountain biking trails, Rossland has been recognized as the Mountain Biking Capital of Canada. Located on the Powder Highway in the Kootenay Rockies, Rossland offers both summer and winter charm and visitors will experience a unique and authentic experience that will have them coming back again and again. For more information visit www.tourismrossland.com.
Further information
Amy Bown
Samantha Geer