DISCOVER THE SWEET SPOT BETWEEN SUN & SNOW
By Melissa Thompstone
Cover photo courtesy of Ashley Voykin
As the snow melts and the trails dry, most mountain town destinations prepare for “shoulder season.” But what does that really mean? Dictionary.com defines it as “the period between a destination’s peak (high) season and off-peak (low) season, when demand is lower than peak but higher than off-season; often offering moderate prices, smaller crowds and still-favorable conditions.”
In Rossland, British Columbia, Canada, spring is business as usual: little to no crowds, full-on adventures for sun-seekers and snow lovers alike, and a quaint downtown just waiting to be explored no matter the weather. Locals actually refer to this as the “sweet spot”—it’s that rare window when you can chase powder in the morning and dirt in the afternoon. Winter isn’t quite ready to leave, and spring is eager to arrive—and you get to enjoy both. This is one of the best times to experience everything Rossland has to offer.
Spring Skiing Still Going Strong
For winter diehards, there is still plenty of skiing (or boarding) to be found. March often delivers surprise storms, longer days and bluebird skies. The Rossland Range is a popular area that features multiple peaks over 2,000 meters, including Mount Lepsoe, Mount Crowe and Record Ridge. Grab your touring gear, your snowshoes or your cabin skis and explore the backcountry however you choose. This area is also home to 12 day-use cabins built and managed by volunteers from the Friends of the Rossland Range. Bring your snacks, packs and pooches for a true backcountry experience.
Prefer “lift-assisted” laps as opposed to earning your turns? You’ve got options. Big Red Cats, Red Mountain Resort and Black Jack Ski Club have lots of terrain to explore and spring deals galore.
Spanning more than 20,000 acres across eight peaks, Big Red Cats delivers exceptional tree skiing, perfectly spaced glades and expansive alpine terrain—all just minutes from RED Mountain Resort and downtown Rossland. With trip options ranging from intermediate to expert, including a Pro-Level tier for seasoned riders, there’s terrain to match every appetite for adventure. March often brings a winning mix of fresh storms, bluebird skies and untracked lines through open bowls and steep glades. Operations are planned through March 26, with single seats and select packages still available.
If you’re looking to experience epic downhill at a great price, from March 1 to April 5 Red Mountain Resort will offer 50% off lift tickets to all season pass holders from any North American resort—and kids 12 and under ski free during this time. Nestled in the Kootenay Mountains just minutes from Rossland, RED spans about 3,850 skiable acres with five skiable peaks, nearly 2,919 feet of vertical drop and 119 marked runs, giving you a truly expansive playground to explore.
Whether you’re carving groomed cruisers across sun-soaked slopes, seeking out tree runs and gladed lines or venturing off-piste for adventurous fall-line terrain, there’s something for every skier and rider. With wide-open groomers, steeps and varied terrain that fans out across multiple aspects of the mountain, spring conditions at RED offer days full of discovery and diversity to keep you smiling.
If you are more of a cross-country ski adventurer and are looking for a fun spring family activity, kids ski free with a paying adult anytime over the Canadian March Break holiday (March 14-29) at Black Jack Ski Club. With over 31 miles of groomed scenic trails, 1.5 miles of lit night skiing and a dog-friendly loop, they offer fun for the whole family.
Après-Ski, Reimagined
By mid-day, you can defer to lower elevations and flip the script entirely. Swap ski boots for trail runners and ski poles for bike grips. Trust us when we say biking, hiking, trail running, fishing and even golf are popular “après-ski” options in the spring. Depending on your time of visit, the lower trails in Rossland will be mostly clear of snow. You could travel to neighboring communities, otherwise known as the South Kootenays (Trail, Montrose and Fruitvale), all within a 10- to 20-minute drive from Rossland. Due to the lower elevation, summer experiences show themselves a little sooner in these towns. From fishing on the Columbia River to biking on the Bluffs and golf at Redstone, there is no lack of options. You might even be lucky enough to catch a ride on the standing wave on the Columbia River if the weather cooperates—a rare and unique experience for river surfers and kayakers alike.
Few places let you ski, ride, hike, fish and golf all in the same day. And that’s exactly what makes Rossland different. Shoulder season implies something in-between. A lull. A pause. In Rossland, it’s a launch point. Rossland isn’t just another mountain town—it’s your basecamp for multi-season adventure. Stay high. Play low. Or do both before dinner. When other destinations slow down, Rossland shifts gears.
So don’t give us the cold shoulder. Come find the sweet spot between sun and snow and discover why Rossland is the hub where seasons overlap and adventure never takes a break. For more information about the town and to plan your guide to adventure, visit Tourismrossland.com.
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