RED Mountain Resort is heading into its second year of bike park operations this month as the resort looks to build on last summer’s launch and growing summer tourism in the region.
Director of sales and marketing Kevin Manuel said the response from riders last summer helped set the tone for what is coming next.
“Really great feedback from the guests that did come to visit from locals, from destinations and we’re excited to get things cracking again for season number two.”
The park officially opens June 20 and runs through the end of the summer, building on what Manuel described as a strong first year of interest and use.
“For this part of the Kootenays, it’s the first lift-service bike park,” said Manuel. “It really does allow you to get some serious downhill time on your bike. The caliber of the trails themselves really is world-class.”
The park was built in partnership with Gravity Logic. The lift-access network was designed around progression, with trails ranging from beginner-friendly flow lines to more advanced downhill features.
“It’s a very progressive bike park. I think it’s a very natural fit for Rossland and what was here in this part of the Kootenays for decades prior,” said Manuel. “Mountain biking in this area has been part of the culture and part of what makes Rossland special in the summer.”
He emphasized the region’s deep mountain biking roots, including the renowned Seven Summits Trail, a 38-kilometre route recognized internationally among mountain bikers.
“The Seven Summits is an IMBA classic. It’s one of the top 10 international mountain biking recognized trails in the world,” said Manuel.
He said the park uses existing lift infrastructure at RED and continues to expand into terrain that is part of the resort’s winter operations.
“It’s kind of a natural evolution for RED Mountain to build out some infrastructure using the existing lifts,” he said. “We’ve looked at future development as well, and it really does lend itself for additional trail expansion.”
This season, that includes finishing work on Obsidious, a black-diamond trail accessed from the Silverlode Chair.
“That’s going to be finished in its entirety, starting from the top of the Silverlode Chair. That’ll be open for June 20 and for the Whistler folks that ride A-Line on a regular basis. Obsidious is RED Mountain’s version of that, which is pretty exciting.”
At the base area, the resort is also preparing for opening-day celebrations June 20, including music, giveaways and a new patio and food-and-beverage area near the Silverlode Chair.
“It’s going to be music and giveaways happening down in the base area. That’s going to be probably, in terms of atmosphere and vibe, one of the funnest days of the year,” said Manuel.
Recent weather has also helped trail crews get the park in shape ahead of opening.
“We’ve been pretty fortunate with a bit of rain lately, which has really helped make the dirt a lot easier to move around and pack things in,” said Manuel.
“Expect tacky dirt and the flow trails will be as good as they get. And the vibes are going to be high.”
Beyond the park itself, Manuel pointed to the broader Kootenay riding network as part of what makes Rossland a longer-stay destination rather than just a quick stop.
“It’s definitely more than a day trip,” he said. “Rossland is an incredible community and it’s a great alternative to some of the other busy destinations like places out there on the coast or maybe in the interior.”
For more information on summer adventures at RED Mountain Resort, visit redresort.com/outdoor-adventures/
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