Red Mountain Resort is one of those hidden gems that attracts hardcore skiers and riders. The mountain is for adventurous souls who like to play hard.

By Western standards, Red Mountain Resort is rather small, only 1,585 acres. So how can you possibly get lost here? Who knows, but it happens.

The trail map is a moot point…until the end of the day. That's when you sit down with a cold beer and try to figure out just where you've been that day. Sure there are plenty of trails, but the reason to come here is for the phenomenal tree skiing and riding—deep and steep to wide and sweet. Trails signs? Not for most of Red's true gems, even if it's marked right there on the map. Ask locals and they'll tell you to look for the four-by-four post to your right off the cat track (Beer Belly) or the round red reflector nailed to a tree on your left at the top of the saddle (Short Squaw). That's why it's a genuine surprise to be gliding through a prime piece of woods you've stumbled upon and suddenly see a small sign in the middle of the glade that says "Powder Fields." OK, so you're not really lost after all, someone's been here before you.

Red Mountain will take you back to the good ol' days when skiing was glamorous, romantic and adventurous.

This retro ski area is a step back in time—even beyond its established ski area days to its pioneering golden era. In fact, the mountains are dotted with abandoned mines, so be sure to heed warnings not to accidentally join the ghosts of yesteryear.

Red is known for its tree skiing, deep powder and universal appeal to all ability levels of riders, downhill and and cross-country skiers

Rossland isn't your ordinary ski town. If you didn't see the full-on view of Red Mountain rising in the background, you might not even know you're at a resort. This small town of 4,000 residents has no traffic lights, making it hard to believe that back in 1897, when thousands came hoping to prosper from the gold mines, this was British Columbia's largest city. Now you'll find a simple mining town with a touch of class that is sure to catch the unsuspecting visitor by surprise. Spend an afternoon wandering the town, shopping at the shops and chatting with the friendly locals.

Red Mountain Resort was recently sold to avid skier and part-time Rossland resident Howard Katkov, who has plans to carry it into the future without losing the retro appeal of its past. He wants to triple the resort's skiable terrain, but retain the tree skiing for which it's renowned. The resort has added a moving carpet for those learning to ski and ride, about 400 acres of gladed terrain, a terrain park and a cross-country skiing/snowshoe loop starting at the base area. The mid-mountain Paradise Lodge also had a facelift. Construction is underway for a development of 67 slopeside condos right at the base.

Photos courtesy of Red Mountain Resort with bottom photo by Lisa Townsend

Summit elevation: 6,800 feet
Vertical drop: 2,909 feet
Base elevation: 3,888 feet

Expert: +++++
Advanced: +++++
Intermediate: +++
Beginner: ++
First-timer: ++

Dining: +++
Apres-ski/nightlife: ++
Other activities: ++

Address: 4300 Red Mountain Road, Rossland, B.C. V0G 1Y0
Area code: 250
Ski area phone: 362-5833
Snow report: (800) 663-0105
Toll-free information: (800) 663-0105
Toll-free reservations: (877) 969-7669 or 362-7013
Fax: 362-7384
E-mail: info@redresort.com
Internet: www.redresort.com (resort); www.rossland.com (town)

Number and types of lifts: 6—3 triples, 1 double, 1 T-bar, 1 moving carpet
Skiable Acreage: 1,585 acres
Snowmaking: None
Uphill capacity: 7,500 per hour
Parks & pipes: 1 park
Bed Base: 400 rooms within 6 miles
Nearest lodging: Slopeside
Resort child care: Yes, 18 months and older
Adult ticket, per day: C$48–$52 (06/07, without tax)