Credit: @canadianadventuregal
CAT SKIING IN ROSSLAND, BC
PURRRR.....
Big Red Cats operates up to five snowcats daily through the winter. Offering intermediate, advanced, expert, and “uber expert” skill-level groupings, BRC is a fixture in the area, and their return clientele raves about the experience.
Speaking mostly in sound effects, the average guest bounces between “pow,” “whoosh,” and “braaaap” as seamlessly as the turns they claim to have linked on their descent down a signature BRC zone.
ONE OF THE BIGGEST CAT SKIING OPERATIONS IN THE WORLD
Some of the key features of of Big Red Cats playground are:
- 8 main mountains + numerous ridges and sub-peaks
- Over 700 named runs
- 40% Expert, 40% Advanced, and 20% Intermediate terrain
- 220 km of snowcat roads
- 47 drainages with 5 -15 runs in each
- Altitude Range: 7300 ft. – 4000 ft. (most runs are between 1500m – 2200m)
- Average Run Length: 1000 – 1400 vertical ft.
- 20,000 Acres of terrain
- Longest Run: 1800 vertical ft.
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.