Red Mountain Resort, located in British Columbia, offers a unique skiing experience that challenges conventional expectations. According to a recent report by SnowBrains, Red Mountain is the only resort among North America's 35 largest ski areas that doesn't have a high-speed lift.

While many skiers prioritize resorts with modern, high-speed lifts, Red Mountain takes a different approach. The resort's slower, fixed-grip lifts contribute to a more relaxed atmosphere and offer some surprising benefits.

Why Slow Lifts Might Be a Good Thing

  • Spreads Crowds: The slower lifts naturally distribute skiers and snowboarders across the mountain. High-speed lifts tend to concentrate people at specific points, leading to crowded runs.
  • Preserves Snow: Fixed-grip lifts help maintain snow quality. They prevent the rapid influx of skiers that can quickly churn up powder.
  • Kootenay Culture: Red Mountain embodies the laid-back vibe of the Kootenay region. The slower pace encourages visitors to savor the experience rather than rushing to maximize their runs.
Red cable car ascending snowy Vysoké Tatry in Slovakia on a clear winter day.
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Red Mountain: By the Numbers

  • Opened: 1947
  • Ikon Pass resort
  • Trails: 111
  • Skiable Acres: 3,850 (Ranked 11th in North America, according to SnowBrains)
  • Vertical Drop: 2,919 feet
  • Base Elevation: 3,887 feet
  • Summit Elevation: 6,807 feet
  • Average Annual Snowfall: 300 inches
  • Lifts: 8
  • Night Skiing: Yes (select days)
Red cable cars glide over a snowy mountain resort under a clear blue sky.
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Scenic view of a ski resort cable car and snowplow in Zell am See, Austria.
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More Than Just Lifts

Beyond its unique lift system, Red Mountain offers a variety of activities:

  • Cross-country skiing
  • Mountain biking (summer)
  • Cat skiing (on Mt. Kirkup) - with potential future lift access, according to SnowBrains.

The SnowBrains report highlights that while some may see the absence of high-speed lifts as a drawback, it's actually a key factor in Red Mountain's appeal. The resort fosters a welcoming environment where skiers can enjoy the scenery and the unhurried pace of the Kootenays.

The author of the SnowBrains report noted that even with the slower lifts, it's still possible to clock around 20,000 feet of vertical on a relaxed day, and potentially over 30,000 feet for those seeking a more intense experience.

Instead of day-trippers trying to cram in as many runs as possible, visitors to Red Mountain are typically there for the entire day, allowing them to fully immerse themselves in the mountain's unique atmosphere. Recent developments have added ski-in, ski-out hotels, condos and townhouses.