Once the sun sets over Rossland, house and streetlights begin to flicker on all over town. If you look up, stars can be seen twinkling in the sky, and the magic atmosphere of this picture perfect mountain town comes alive.
There’s no shortage of daytime activities around town in the wintertime, from exploring shops and restaurants downtown, to skiing at Red Mountain Resort and Blackjack Cross Country Ski Club. But the memorable experiences don’t need to end once the sun goes down.
When it comes to stargazing, a local favourite is the Kootenay Columbia trail. The viewpoint over town from KC ridge is the best location to see stars on a clear night, and look out at the glowing city lights. KC trail is accessed from the Centennial trail head, be sure to pack a headlamp and dress appropriately for the current conditions.
Photo: Ashley Voykin
New to Red Mountain Resort, is the Constella Cabin Collective. Far away from the lights of town you can book a nights stay in Paradise, for a ski in-ski out experience under the night sky. Gaze out at the stars over the winter landscape of Mt.Roberts and Record Ridge, from the deck of one of six constellation named cabins.
Photo: RED Resort
If you’re looking for more adventure, cross country skiing at night is an unforgettable winter experience. At Blackjack cross country ski club not only is there a 2.5km lit night-skiing track, but you can also bring along a headlamp for a moonlit ski on a clear winter night.
Photo: Ashley Voykin
The Rossland Range and Strawberry Pass is the gateway to many evening adventures. The new 100 Acre Wood trail is a spectacular sight at night, and is a great spot to walk, snowshoe, or cross country ski through giant old-growth cedars.
Photo: Ashley Voykin
If the clear night sky is covered by an incoming snowstorm, its the perfect time to experience Rossland. Late at night while the snow is falling, go for a walk downtown along Columbia Avenue and watch the snow blanket town in white- or plan a cozy evening inside one of Rossland’s many restaurants to enjoy the winter scene during the comfort of a cozy meal.
Photo: Ashley Voykin