
Tucked into the southern tip of British Columbia’s Kootenay Rockies, RED Mountain Resort is one of North America’s most underrated ski destinations as well as one of the easiest to reach. Known for its massive terrain, friendly locals, and refreshingly uncrowded slopes, RED delivers the deep-snow, big-mountain experience without the stress, traffic, or sky-high prices that come with larger resorts.
RED Mountain has earned a loyal following among passionate skiers and riders who crave variety without the crowds. Spread across five peaks, the resort offers 3,850 acres of lift-served terrain, from perfectly pitched groomers to steep tree runs and wide-open bowls. There’s plenty for every ability level, and with minimal lift lines, you spend your day skiing, not waiting. Add in a charming base village, great food, and a laid-back Canadian vibe, and it’s easy to see why many visitors end up making RED their go-to winter escape.
Easier to get to than you think
One of the biggest surprises for U.S. travelers is just how simple it is to reach RED. Fly into Spokane International Airport (GEG), grab a rental car, and enjoy a scenic, low-stress 2.5-hour drive north to Rossland, British Columbia. There are no mountain passes to navigate, traffic is light, and the route is well-maintained all winter. The border crossing on this route is open 24 hours, so you can make the trip on your own schedule.

Although RED is in Canada, it feels close enough for a long weekend. Direct flights into Spokane from major U.S. hubs make the trip quick and convenient for skiers from cities like Seattle, Denver, Los Angeles, and Chicago. Once you land, it’s smooth sailing to the slopes. No stressful transfers, no long, icy mountain drives, just easy travel and plenty of snow waiting when you arrive.
Not only is it easy to get to, but with the current exchange rate hovering around 1.40, your U.S. dollars go much further at RED. Lodging, lift tickets, dining, and après are all a solid value compared to most U.S. resorts. It’s the perfect combination of world-class skiing, fewer crowds, and genuine affordability, which is something that’s becoming increasingly rare in the modern ski world.
If you’ve been curious about skiing in Canada but worried it’s too far or complicated, think again. Getting to RED is easier than you’d imagine: fly to Spokane, drive 2.5 hours, cross the border anytime, and you’re there. Big mountains, deep snow, friendly people, and one of the best values in skiing. Get your trip started and get ready for a true Canadian ski adventure.
