BC is brimming with mountains, trails and biking hotspots. But Rossland is considered among the top mountain biking destinations in North America, and the city is unofficially known as "Canada's Mountain Biking Capital" (Squamish holds the official trademark for that title). Rossland's jewel in its mountain biking crown, the Seven Summits, is an epic trail perfect for keen bikers seeking a single-track, outdoor experience that seems to go on forever.
The extensive single-track trail system and variety of rides here lures adventurers from all over the world. Novices will certainly find something to suit their skills. For easier rides, explore the hundreds of kilometers of old wagon roads, rail grades and pack trails left over from the town's mining heyday.
But for serious bikers who know their MTBing from Sunday cycling, death cookies from babyheads and skidlids from hardtails, Rossland's Seven Summits offers excellent intermediate and advanced riding opportunities.
The Seven Summits
The International Mountain Bike Association (IMBA) has granted the Seven Summits "Epic Trail " status, and US Bike Magazine anointed it the 2007 winner of its "Trail of the Year" award. The Seven Summits 30km/19mi trail provides rolling single track, sharp ascents, crazy descents and full-speed gravity grinds along seven interconnecting alpine ridges of the mountains. It finishes with a steep descent on the Dewdney trail.
Well-known riders include former locals Chris Lawrence, Dave Swetland and the first female World Downhill Champion, Cindy Devine.
Trail History
The city's mining history has been instrumental in creating this mountain bikers paradise. Back in the late 1800s, the mountains were covered in extensive pack trails, rail grades and logging roads from gold mining. Some of the overgrown roads were used in making the extensive single-track trails. The Kootenay Columbia Trail Society professionally manages 32 trails in the network, covering more than 170km/106mi.
Guides and Tours
Adrenaline Adventures, located at 1642 Columbia Avenue, offers experienced guides and shuttle services for outdoor activities in and around Rossland. They provide different daily rides each weeknight; single and multi-day bike tours; and daily shuttles to the Seven Summits trail.
Beginner to intermediate female riders looking to increase their bike-riding confidence and gain local trail knowledge should check out Betty Go Hard's the 'Wine, Cheese & Chocolate Ride' with Betty Go Hard, a progressive local women's sports group offers outdoor adventure events all year round. Betty's creator, Natasha Lockey is well respected in Rossland and beyond for the programs and knowledge she provides.
Types of Trails and Season
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 buzzy with biking activity.
For maps and detailed trail information, visit the Kootenay Columbia Trail Society online. Trail maps are also available at the LBS (that's "local bike shops" in biker slang) and the Rossland Visitor Centre.
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