SUPERB SKINNY SKIING
Crossing the entire country while on skis is a feat not yet accomplished. While training for this goal, though, or for the pure joy of recreating, Rossland has ample opportunities for cross-country skiers.
Classic and skate-ski aficionados will be impressed with the groomed loops and network of trails at the Black Jack Ski Club, and the warming huts and equipment rental services available there. It boasts 50 kilometres of professionally groomed trails, a biathlon range, doggy loops, and 2.5 kms of lit trails.
There’s a variety of beginner, intermediate, and expert terrain, and the folks you’ll meet will remind you once again that you’re in a special part of the world.
LOTS & LOTS OF TRAILS
Black Jack Cross Country Ski Club boasts 50 kms of professionally-groomed trails for classic and skate skiing, a Biathlon range, a 4 km doggy loop, 3 cozy cabins, and 2.5 kms of lit trails. It's a blue chip experience on a white chip budget, all only 4 minutes north of town. Come and find out what the world's best Nordic athletes already know: Black Jack is one of Canada’s premier facilities with programs for all ages and abilities. There's a reason 1 in 6 Rosslanders is a member...
YOU GOTTA CHECK OUT THE SEVEN SUMMITS TRAIL
The Seven Summits trail, completed in 2004 by the Kootenay Columbia Trails Society, is a spectacular point to point singeltrack traverse of the Rossland Range. Widely acclaimed by mountain bikers, acknowledged by IMBA as an official 'Epic' and awarded 'Trail of the Year' by Bike magazine (2007), it is the crown jewel of the Rossland trail network. Challenging, adventurous, sustained and breathtaking in scope, the Seven Summits is a true epic ride. For most riders, the Seven Summits is a significant undertaking, consuming the better part of a day. It's long (36km with Dewdney), unrelentingly technical, and physically demanding. Lung-busting climbs alternate with exciting descents and swooping, maintained singletrack through sub-alpine meadows, dramatic ridges and mountain forests. The fastest XC riders can complete the entire distance in less than 3 hours, while competent recreational riders will walk some sections and can take 6-8 hours. Although the trail is free of stunts, jumps or severe steepness, it is not suitable for beginners, with the majority of riding falling around the intermediate level. Typically, the trail opens sometime in July and closes with the first snowfalls in October. The trail is very remote, with often no water available and large sections of no cell phone coverage. Riders are expected to be completely self-sufficient and prepared for mountain weather. Shuttles to access the Seven Summits Trail are available through Kootenay Gateway.
GUIDES & TOURS
Kootenay Gateway offers coaching, guided tours and shuttles to the various trails surrounding Rossland. Private lessons, women's only lessons/rides and youth lessons are also available. Stop by Revolution, located downtown, for updated trail information, bike gear and servicing or to pick up a free trail map.
WATCH OUR TRAIL PREVIEWS
All trails are well-marked with signs, and are rated for various levels: gentle, intermediate, advanced and expert. The professionally maintained trails offer winding single-track, technical downhill and stunted rides. Whether seeking a short loop, an all-day epic, or a multi-day bike trip, riders will find first-rate routes and magnificent scenery in Rossland. Biking season runs from April to late fall, depending on the weather. The summer months (July to August) are particularly busy with biking activity.