Red Mountain is a hidden gem is the south of British Columbia, Canada. It is far enough off the beaten track to still be uncrowded and maintains its true identity. Loved by locals and visitors alike, it is well worth the journey.
Getting There
To get to Red Mountain, you have a few different options.
- Fly in to Spokane, Washington: Red is located close to the US border with Washington State and therefore flying Spokane is a great option for getting to Red and has connections with LA and San Fran which is ideal for coming from Australia. Shuttles from Spokane are available, but not daily – so check the schedule before you book your flights.
- Fly into Castlegar, British Columbia: The closest airport to Red Mountain is the West Kootenay Regional Airport (YCG) in Castlegar. Several airlines operate flights to Castlegar from major cities in Canada, such as Vancouver, Calgary, and Edmonton.
- Shuttle from Kelowna: This option is ideal if you are combining Red with another resort such as Silverstar or Big White.
- Hire a Car & Drive: A great option to maximise your flexibility and turn your Canada ski holiday into an amazing road trip. Also, Red is on the Ikon Pass, along with Sun Peaks, Panorama and Ski Big 3 (Banff, Sunshine and Lake Louise), so you could have four amazing weeks on your Ikon Pass journey!
Now that you know how to get there, what will you find? It goes without saying we think the resort is awesome, but lets be more specific.
The Village
Red Mountain Village is the main base area of the resort, where you’ll find a variety of slope-side accommodations, including condos, townhomes, and vacation rentals. Staying in Red Mountain Village provides convenient access to the slopes and amenities. You will a range of condos such as the ski in ski out Slalom Creek – where you can enjoy a hot tub on the balcony all for an affordable price. Also in the village is the Nowhere Special Hostel for the budget minded traveller, or The Josie, a more deluxe hotel which has modern rooms, a restaurant and spa.
Red itself is about 15 minutes from the town of Rossland. It is where you can pick up your supplies and perhaps head there for a night or two for dinner/drinks.
The Mountain
As for the mountain, its a fantastic place to ski and board and really does offer something for everyone, so the whole family will be happy. Size wise, it is in the top 10 in North America, which is no small feat. Here are a few of our top tips:
- Granite Mountain: The Granite Mountain area offers some of the most challenging and exhilarating terrain at Red Mountain. Uniquely named runs like “Don’t Panic,” “Beer Belly,” and “Sourdough Alley” are known for their steep pitches, glades, and natural features, providing an adrenaline-pumping experience for advanced skiers and snowboarders.
- Paradise: Paradise is a popular run for intermediate skiers. It offers a mix of groomed runs and tree skiing, allowing for an enjoyable and varied experience. The run provides stunning views and is often praised for its scenic beauty.
- Mt. Roberts: Mt. Roberts is another area that offers a mix of terrain for different skill levels. It has a variety of runs, including open bowls, glades, and groomed trails. It’s a great area to explore and find runs that suit your skill level and preferences.
- In bounds Cat Skiing – $10 will get you a cat ride to unlock some wicked backcountry experience – without the hike!
Overall Red is an incredible destination. We think this video sums it up pretty well;
