Outdoor Activities
Skiing & Snowboarding
Red Resort was recently rated the number one resort in the world for the hard-core skier or snowboarder, and the reasons why are not difficult to see.
Red has acres and acres of terrain (1200 to be exact) spread over two great mountains - Red Mountain and Granite Mountain, making this resort a skiers/boarders paradise! Red Resort has some of the best tree and glade skiing on the planet. All 360 degrees of Granite Mountain are accessible from the Mother lode triple chair that runs up the north face. From the top, you will get a spectacular view that is unlike any other, and then you can ski the 2800 vertical feet of 100% natural Kootenay powder! The south side of Granite is named 'Paradise Basin', so named for the gentle intermediate terrain that is home to some of the best spring skiing around. This area is served by the Paradise triple chair.
Red Mountain hosts a variety of terrain, from gentle groomed runs to steep, deep powder runs. From the top of Red Mtn you can catch a view of Rossland, only a couple of kilometers away. Red Resort has 2 lodges, a childcare centre, ski shops and more.
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XC Skiing
Rossland offers some of the finest cross country skiing anywhere. Several trails start right at the edge of town, taking you up and around local hills, or connecting to trails that take you to the base area of Red Resort. The Black Jack Cross Country Ski Area across
from Red Resort offers 25km of daily machine-groomed track, with two diagonal tracks and one skating lane. These trails pass through varied terrain, from open beaver ponds and forgotten pastures beside the tracks, to thick stands of magnificent cedar-hemlock forest. Trails range from beginner to advanced, and all trails are well marked.
Three shelters are available at various locations, including a new cabin at the trailhead. Find out more by visiting the Black Jack web site.
The Paulsen Cross Country Ski Trails adjacent to Nancy Greene Park - a gem of a trail system - is just 28km north of Rossland on Highway 3B. The 45km of track-set trails are maintained by the Castlegar Nordic Ski Club.
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Mountain Biking
Trails, trails and more trails...our claim to being the mountain biking capitol of Canada is based on the extensive network of local trails and high proportion of avid mountain bikers in our community.
The wagon roads, rail grades, and pack trails left over from Rossland's mining heyday have resulted in a legacy of hundreds of kilometers of trails which are used enthusiastically by our community of hikers, bikers, horseback riders and cross-country skiers. Local riders continue to re-open historic trails. One of these trails is the historic Dewdney Trail, built in the summer of 1865 to connect the Lower Mainland with the gold fields near Fort Steele. We are very proud that "our" portion of the Dewdney is part of the nation-wide Trans-Canada Trail! Travel back in time and ride the Dewdney section of the Trans-Canada Trail from Christina Lake through Rossland and beyond towards the East Kootenays. Once in Rossland, you'll find our community ready to greet you with services focused specifically for the non-vehicle traveler (bike shops, laundromats, etc). Stay at the Lion's Campground or opt for a comfortable bed at one of our local accommodators.
The Trails
We have trails for everyone, from technically challenging single-tracks to gently sloping rail grades. The Rubberhead, Centennial, Kootenay-Columbia, Wagon Road and Railgrade....the maze of great single track riding is seemingly endless. The trail system, which radiates from the centre of town, winds through the trees providing shaded riding. Rossland's elevation (1023 metres/3410 feet) combined with so many shady trails provides a long, comfortable riding season, even during the hottest weather. Rides vary from one hour spins to all day epics. Recreational trail maps are available at various locations throughout town. Trail maps are also available on-line.
The People
Riders of Rossland are generous with their knowledge of local trails. Local bike shops encourage visitors to join them on daily rides and share in the beauty of true single-tracks.
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Fishing
Fishing in the Rossland area is second to none - whether you prefer fly fishing, casting, trolling or ice fishing, you'll find your fill of great spots.
The mighty
Columbia River,
a 10 minute drive from Rossland, offers one of the hottest Rainbow Trout fisheries in the world. Pristine
Nancy Greene Lake,
15 minutes drive to the west, is filled with Rainbows up to 30 cm (12"). Another 20 minutes west of Nancy Greene Lake you'll find Christina Lake,
abundant with Rainbow, Kokanee, bass and brown catfish. The
Lower Arrow Lake
is ideal for trolling year round for Trout - it is one of the most productive Kokanee fisheries in Southern BC. Another local Rainbow spot is Champion Lakes,
a chain of three smaller lakes. Check out a map of area fishing.
Note: Always check current BC Fishing regulations before you start fishing.
Columbia River
This free flowing section of the Columbia River stretches 26 miles from the Hugh Keenleyside Dam in Castlegar to the US border at Waneta. The river is fast with lots of back eddies and fishing from a boat is favored, but there is lots of room from shore. Abundant in aquatic life, Rainbow Trout grow fast and furiously here. Averaging 1-7 pounds in size, Trout are easily taken from May to October using flies or natural bait. Ferocious fighters, 3-5 pounders can take 15-20 minutes to land. From June to October Walleye cruise the Columbia, offering a variety of species to fish for. Near the dam you can find Burbot and Whitefish angling. White Sturgeon also swim in these waters, in sizes up to 90kg (for catch and release only). Fishing guides and charters are available.
Nancy Greene Lake
This pristine lake is about 1/2 mile long by 1/4 mile wide, with an elevation of 1264m (4145 feet). It is located about a 15 minute drive west of Rossland on Highway 3. The lake is well stocked and limit catches of Rainbows to 12" are common. Late spring and summer angling is best on artificial fly or natural baits. Evening summer dry fly fishing can be excellent. Nancy Greene Lake is also a good children's fishery, as access to the shoreline is safe and easy. No power boats allowed.
Christina Lake
This lake is located just off Highway 3, 22 km east of Grand Forks towards Rossland. There are several boat launches and services. The lake is about 35km (14 miles) long. Rainbow and Kokanee are readily caught while trolling. Kokanee can be caught from spring until late August, while fishing for Rainbows is best from March to early June. Large and Small Mouth Bass up to 6 pounds can be taken by spin casting in shallow bays from mid-April to October. Brown catfish are also available. Visit the Christina Lake web site.
Lower Arrow Lake
Accessible from Syringa Creek Provincial Park north of the Hugh Keenleyside Dam near Castlegar, this lake is 80km long and 1-3km wide. Trolling for large Rainbow and Bull Trout is best in winter months. Rainbow ranging from 1/2 to 7kg can be caught year round, and are most abundant at creek mouths. The Lower Arrow Lake is one of the most productive Kokanee fisheries in Southern BC.
Champion Lakes
Located 20 minutes east of Rossland, these lakes have been restocked annually since 1986. The lake offers fly fishing and spin casting for Rainbows up to 2.5 kg. The second and third lakes have better angling opportunities and are in a more pristine setting. Fishing season is from April to October. Some ice fishing is also available in the winter months. No power boats allowed.
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* Photos and verbiage courtesy of the Rossland Chamber of Commerce. |
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