Nestled in the picturesque Kootenay Rockies of Southern British Columbia, RED Mountain Resort is a hidden gem for skiers and snowboarders seeking an adventurous mountain experience. Geared towards off-piste exploration, RED Mountain offers an abundance of powder, expansive terrain and is considered a haven for backcountry and heli-skiing enthusiasts.
If you're proficient in your snowsport, RED provides ample opportunities to venture away from traditional groomed runs. Explore countless powder stashes, plentiful glades, steep slopes, and chutes spread over five peaks. Given its more remote location and smaller size, RED gets missed by the masses. Luckily, this creates a laid-back atmosphere and more bang for your buck as you’ll spend more time chasing thrilling lines instead of being stuck in a lift line.
If you’re ready to explore one of Powder Highways’s best-kept secrets, let this locally inspired guide point your tips in the right direction.
Getting to RED Mountain
Located in the charming B.C. interior town of Rossland, and a stone's throw from the Canada-America border, the RED Mountain Resort can be a mission from a major airport. The closest two international airports are Spokane (GEG) and Kelowna (YLW). By car, driving up from Spokane will take 2.5 hours. The drive from Kelowna is 3.5 hours. Each airport will have car rentals and shuttles. If you rent from Spokane, ensure your rental is allowed to cross the border. From either location, the scenic drive will take you through the winding roads of the Selkirk and Monashee Mountains.
The small West Kootenay Regional Airport is by far the closest at only a half hour drive away but you will pay for the convenience. It can also be difficult to find flights lining up with your timing. This is also the ideal airport to land and park your private plane at.
The Resort
RED offers 3,850 acres of skiable terrain and 119 runs with a lot of that being off-piste. Almost 50% of the resort’s terrain is rated advanced and above. The highest peak, Granite Mountain, has an elevation of 2,075 m (6,807 ft) and a vertical drop of 887 m (2,910 ft).
The other four are Red Mountain, Mt. Roberts, Grey Mountain and Mount Kirkup. Each mountain offers something unique to skiers and riders. Wherever you end up, the off-piste experience will be unparalleled.
Red Mountain
Red Mountain’s side country is easily accessible right from the base with ample glades and the terrain park. A great spot to warm up or get an easier intro into glade skiing too.
Granite Mountain
Granite Mountain’s high elevation provides ample bowls with chutes and cliffs. To the lookers left of Motherlode Chair, (Zone A) you’ll find phenomenal glades. To the right, even more however you’ll find a couple black groomed runs here. From the peak, you can take Ridge Road or Buffalo Ridge (Zone B) to enter a steeply gladed area with additional chutes.
Grey Mountain
Grey Mountain offers up wide open powder fields allowing for free-flowing alpine runs. To get here though, it takes some work from the main village. Ascend Silverlode and Motherlode to Granite Peak before dropping down to Grey Mountain Chair. Alternatively, park at the base of Grey Mountain for easier access.
Mount Kirkup
Finally Mount Kirkup can be accessed by taking a resort cat from Grey Mountain or hiking. You will have to purchase an additional ticket which does deter the masses but the terrain over here has less traffic. There are 3 cut runs with a more open zone at the top. This is as close as you’ll get to true cat-skiing with shorter lines and of course, chairlift access when you’re done.
Preparing for Your Trip to RED Mountain
Given the off-piste terrain and the high probability of plentiful snow, having the right gear will make your experience more enjoyable. You’ll want solid freeride skis and snowboards, breathable base and mid layers, and a a waterproof shell.
Also, for the best chance at excellent ski conditions, consider visiting near the end of February to mid March. A solid ski base and minimal crowds makes visiting during this time enticing. This time also historically sees the highest amount of snowfall.
Backcountry and Heli-Skiing at RED Mountain
Here in Rossland, The Powder Highway does not disappoint with ample opportunities to ascend mountains or take to the skies. RED Mountain’s backcountry gates lead to several popular routes with rugged ridgelines and pristine alpine bowls.
Backcountry routes include Kootenay Ride, Record Ridge and Mt. Plewman. New to ski-touring? Local guides offer tours and current Avalanche Safety Training (AST) courses.
For the ultimate powder experience, dig deep in your piggy bank for what will be your best day on snow. Everyone should experience heli-skiing at least once and Red’s access to thousands of acres will introduce you to remote alpine bowls, steep couloirs and gentle glacier runs.
Important: If you do venture into the backcountry, the risks are very real. The safety of you and your group is each person's responsibility. Invest in the proper training and dependable safety gear. Ensure someone can rely on you to save their life just as you can rely on them.
Après Ski and Dining
The après scene here is relaxing. Entertainment centres on live music and good food rather than big parties. With that said Rafter’s Bar has a reputation as one of North America’s best après ski bars. Expect to find craft beer, great food, and live music.
Notable dining options include Gabriella's, a more upscale Italian restaurant. The Flying Steamshovel Gastropub is another crowd favourite offering great food, craft cocktails and live music.
Where to Stay at RED Mountain
Overnight lodging at RED Mountain can be secured either at the resort or in Rossland with the latter being more affordable. If you can’t live without ski-in-ski-out, The Josie Hotel at the base of the resort offers luxury rooms, studios and one bedroom units at great prices.
Josie Hotel Property Amenities
- Ski In / Ski Out
- Sauna & Fitness Centre
- Restaurant & Room Service
- Ski Valet
For an absolutely unique RED Mountain accommodation experience, on the backside of Granite Mountain, Constella Ski Lodge is a collection of 6 backcountry cabins you can rent for one or two nights. Stay at 1500 m, enjoy the stars, and of course, first access to Paradise Chair in the morning.
Constella Ski Lodge Property Amenities
- Ski In / Ski Out
- Ski Storage
- Clubhouse, Coffee Shop, Lounge
- Firepit
- Shared Bathrooms (2)
Ready to Drop In?
Experiencing an action packed ski vacation at Red Mountain is almost certain and should not be overlooked by the advanced skier or rider. Expansive off-piste terrain, high quality snow, minimal crowds and world class backcountry opportunities create the perfect winter destination.
With the tips and tricks from this guide, it’s time to turn your dream trip to Red Mountain Resort into a reality.
Originally from Northern Ontario, Anthony now calls Whistler, Canada home. As an outdoor enthusiast with a passion for science and tourism writing, he chases excitement and communicates his experiences through his work. Anthony holds CASI 2 and CSIA 1 certifications. He has over eight years of teaching and coaching experience as a snowsports instructor and 20+ seasons of skiing and snowboarding under his belt.
When away from the office, Anthony spends much of his free time immersed in mountain culture. Skiing, snowboarding and mountain biking take up his free time, often complimented by sailing and the occasional backpacking adventure.
Photo Credits: Dave Heath / RED Mountain Resort