Rossland, “the Golden City,” is also known as Canada’s Alpine City by virtue of its surrounding mountains and the role they have played in the city’s development. Tucked high in the mountains at an elevation of 1023 metres (3410 feet) it is one of Canada ‘s highest cities. Set on an ancient volcanic valley deep in the Monashee Mountains in the Kootenay Rockies region, Rossland (population: 3,278) is an outdoor adventure mecca for fans of mountain biking, hiking, cross-county skiing, downhill skiing and snowboarding, cat-skiing, golfing, fishing and more. Voted “Canada’s #1 Outdoor Town” in by Canadian outdoor magazine Explore, Rossland’s stunning landscape and epic mountain trails have also made it renowned as being one of Canada’s top mountain biking spots – no small feat in a country covered in trails!
Rossland’s wealth began with the legendary Le Roi Mine, which produced phenomenal amounts of gold during its working life. Today you can you can view a short film of an undergrounf tour the Le Roi Mine, Canada ‘s only historic hard rock gold mine, and the Rossland Museum & Discovery Centre. Try your hand at gold panning and view the spectacular geology display centre. A real treat is to be entertained by the Gold Fever Follies, a century old production put on at the historic miner’s hall. This classic production tells the story of a by-gone era when miner’s struck gold and Rossland was becoming the fastest growing city in British Columbia. You can also learn the story of Cominco (now known as “Teck”), the world’s largest lead-zinc production complex.
“The scenery was lovely and the Loop is a great area to get some peace and quiet. Lots of recreation as well.”
-D. Morrison, Calgary, Alberta
From early prospectors to todays’ visitors, many have come here only to fall under the spell of the mountains and become skiers, mountain bikers and adventurers of every sort. Hilly streets, loads of winter snow, warm and sunny summers, great views combined with our glorious gold mining past, make Rossland a natural destination for outdoor enthusiasts, history buffs or anyone looking for small town charm in an alpine setting. Rossland was voted one of the top ten “Adventure Towns†by National Geographic Magazine! Take a walking tour of the city, which includes a number of Victorian buildings. Visit the West Kootenay Power Exhibit and the Ski Wing at the museum for more local history!
Red Mountain Resort, located in the Kootenay Rockies Powder Highway region, RED Mountain Resort boasts a 2,919ft/884m vertical drop, 1,168ha/2,887ac of terrain and over 300/in/750cm of annual snowfall. With deep powder, 360 degree descents off select peaks, uncrowded bowls and incredible glades, it’s no wonder The NY Times listed RED #8 in “The 46 Places to Go in 2013.” With the Monashees towering at 1,023m/3,410ft, the Rossland area also boasts spectacular views, varied terrain an exceptional Nordic skiing, backcountry skiing and numerous cat-skiing operators to ensure runs of untouched powder.
In town, the annual snowfall averages 370cm (148″), and although there is snow in Rossland a month longer than in nearby valleys, the climate is moderate. Average summer temperatures are 25° C (77° F) for a high and a low of 11° C (42 °F). Rarely are winter days colder than -10° C (16 °F) and the average high is 3° C (26°F). Often above the clouds, Rossland receives about 2000 hours (bright) of sunshine per year and windy days are rare.
When the snow recedes Rossland’s mountainous setting is a mountain biking paradise, and is becoming known and loved for its abundance of trails in and around the city, suiting all levels of experience. The Seven Summits is perhaps the most well-know mountain bike trail in Canada; and for good reason. It challenges riders to traverse more than 30km/18mi across stunning and high peaks and reward them stunning views and epic descents. The trail was awarded Epic Ride status by the International Mountain Bike Association and Trail of the Year by the US’s Bike Magazine. Not up for the challenge? Explore the hundreds of kilometers of green, blue and black diamond mountain biking trails that attract both enthusiasts and hardcore bikers from around the globe. Rossland’s trails aren’t limited to biking, there is a huge hiking network as well as trails for horseback riders.
More than 75 years of golf tradition await you at the Redstone Golf Resort; a unique blend of rich history, beautiful alpine scenery, old world hospitality and modern amenities.