Revelstoke Mountain Resort | Kootenay Rockies Tourism/Mitch Winton Revelstoke Mountain Resort | Kootenay Rockies Tourism/Mitch Winton A guide to ski resorts in the off season in the Birthplace of Adventure
Written by: Amber Turnau | June 10, 2026
In the Birthplace of Adventure, ski resorts in southeastern British Columbia have built their reputation on the legendary Powder Highway. But once the snow melts, the lifts keep turning for outdoor activities in the summer and early fall. Hop on a scenic gondola or open-air chairlift. Wander through the wildflowers in an alpine meadow. Pedal singletrack alongside panoramic views. Summit a distant mountain peak without a single soul in sight.
Four mountain ranges, including the Canadian Rockies, make the Birthplace of Adventure a hotspot for mountain adventures during the spring, summer, and fall months. Gravel cycling, mountain biking, hiking, trail running, mountaineering, and heart-pumping attractions are all on the list. Find out what you can do once the snow melts and the dirt begins to fly.
Mountain biking trails
The Experience:
From fun and flowy to technical terrain with jumps and steep berms, the Birthplace of Adventure is a mountain biking paradise between spring and fall. The rough-and-tumble area has it all: meandering cross-country trails, lift-accessed bike parks, shuttle-friendly riding zones, thigh-burning vertical climbs, and jaw-dropping descents. Pedal across alpine meadows, inland temperate rainforest, and over granite slabs surrounded by rugged terrain that will leave you breathless (from the ride and the views). The trails aren’t just for experts looking to level up. Although beginner terrain is more limited in some areas, the trail networks offer options for all riders, including accessible bikers. Always check ahead to confirm if e-bikes are permitted.
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Revelstoke Mountain Resort | Ryan Creary -
Kicking Horse Mountain Resort | Ryan Creary
Where to go:
Revelstoke Mountain Resort – Home to the Revelstoke Bike Park and the famed Fifty-Six Twenty, a monster flow trail that boasts a 1,713-m (5,620-ft) vertical descent that is one of the longest lift-accessed flow trails in the world. The surrounding town of Revelstoke has 100+ singletrack trails across two mountain ranges.
Best for: those looking for big mountain bike riding.
Kicking Horse Mountain Resort – Located in the town of Golden, Kicking Horse Bike Park serves up incredible alpine riding, including 120+ drops and jumps, plus the signature As the Crowe Flies trail. The town itself holds a further 100 km (62 mi) of pay dirt.
Best for: riders who want to ride the highest bike park in North America.
Panorama Mountain Resort – The bike park combines old-school technical downhill trails with modern flow and freeride features, accessed via the Mile 1 Express chairlift. There are more than 30 km (19 mi) of trails and 380 m (1,250 ft) of vertical to explore, including the championship-level course, Insanity.
Best for: riders who want a mix of burly technical descents and modern flow trails in a scenic Purcell Mountain setting, without the crowds of larger resorts.
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Northstar Rail to Trails, Kimberley | Kootenay Rockies Tourism/Mitch Winton -
RED Mountain Resort | Nathan Martin
Kimberley – Beyond the resort, the town offers 130+ community trails for cross-country riding and gravel grinding. Although Kimberley Alpine Resort does not have a designated lift-accessed bike park, the community trails association is working on a multi-year bike park revitalization project.
Best for: cross-country riders who want a laid-back riding experience in the Purcell Mountains.
Fernie Alpine Resort – From wide, machined trails for beginners to tight and twisty singletrack, Fernie’s lift-accessed bike park offers a little something for every rider. They also allow uphill access for enduro riders. The town of Fernie, one of the TransRockies mountain bike race stops, is a haven for bike trails that reach elevations as high as 2,769 m (9,085 ft).
Best for: mountain bike riders who are looking for trail variety and championship-level rides.
RED Mountain Resort – The RED Mountain Bike Park is nestled in Rossland, a town voted Mountain Bike Capital of Canada by Explore Magazine. Opened in 2025, the bike park has a growing mix of flow trails, jump lines, and slabs. The broader community maintains a network of 134 trails ranging from kid-friendly to hair-raising, including the iconic Seven Summits, a 30-km (19-mi) point-to-point singletrack enduro trail that traverses the Rossland Range.
Best for: riders looking for small town charm, great riding, and a vibrant local biking community.
Learn more about mountain biking in the Kootenays area of southeastern BC.
Mountain coasters, alpine bridges, and hiking
Pipe Mountain Coaster, Revelstoke Mountain Resort | Kootenay Rockies Tourism/Mitch Winton The Stats:
- Mountain ranges: 4
- Longest coaster track: 1.4 km (0.9 mi)
- Highest suspension bridge: 130 m (427 ft)
- Parks: 75 provincial parks and several major national parks
- Best time of year: summer to fall
The Experience:
Move through the mountains in unique and surprising ways that will bring you to breathtaking new heights. Put some mileage on your hiking boots with a scenic hike, fly down the slopes on a mountain coaster, and cross alpine bridges that span the tallest peaks. During the fall months, the radiant yellow hues of the golden larches can be enjoyed in many towns, parks, and mountain resorts in the Birthplace of Adventure including the Nelson area, Kootenay National Park near Radium Hot Springs, and Fernie.
Mount Revelstoke National Park | Ryan Creary Where to go:
Nelson – A gateway to the Selkirk Mountains, Nelson is a hiking haven where community trails and full-on backcountry traverses co-exist. Nearby Whitewater Mountain Resort may be small, but its mighty alpine hikes punch above its weight. Self-guided wanders are rewarded with alpine tarns and 360-degree summit views, with plenty of wildlife watching along the way.
Best for: intermediate or advanced hikers looking for grassroots mountain adventures near a charming community.
Revelstoke – Revelstoke Mountain Resort is home to the Pipe Mountain Coaster, which features two 1.4km-long tracks, each offering heart-pumping twists, turns, and a tunnel. Also located in-resort, the Skywalk is a new suspension bridge and viewing deck that offers views of Mt. Begbie, the Columbia Valley, and the city below. While you’re in town, be sure to check out Mount Revelstoke National Park and nearby Glacier National Park.
Best for: adventure seekers looking to pack coaster rides, suspension bridge views, and national park hiking into one unforgettable stop.
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Golden Skybridge | Kootenay Rockies Tourism/Mitch Winton -
Via Ferrata, Kicking Horse Mountain Resort | Ryan Creary
Golden – With six national parks in its backyard, there’s no wonder this mountain town has long attracted Swiss Alpine guides to its peaks. The lifts at Kicking Horse Mountain Resort offer easy access to sightseeing, incredible hiking, and an exhilarating Via Ferrata experience. You can also meet Boo the bear in the Grizzly Bear Refuge. While you’re in town, visit engineering feat the Golden SkyBridge, Canada’s tallest suspension bridge.
Best for: visitors looking for big alpine hiking adventures and accessible attractions that bring you to new heights.
Invermere – Nestled in the Purcell Mountains, Panorama Mountain Resort is home to the Wild Rider Mountain Coaster. The track descends 165 m (540 ft) from the top of the Discovery Quad chairlift, gliding through pine forest and open mountain terrain. Pair it with the Timberline Traverse, a four-storey aerial ropes course with sweeping views of the Columbia Valley, for a full day of elevated adventure.
Best for: families and mixed groups wanting lift-accessed fun with options for every skill level and comfort zone.
Celebrate at mountain culture events
The Experience:
Kootenay mountain resorts in the Birthplace of Adventure are buzzing with excitement during the summer months. Whether you’re travelling to challenge your skills at a sporting event or enjoying post-adventure live music, find community connections and rugged outdoor culture on full display at events and festivals all season long.
RED Mountain Resort | Steve Ogle Where to Go:
- June – The WILDless Trail Running Weekend | Panorama Mountain Resort
- June – BluMoose Charity Gravel Ride | Kicking Horse Mountain Resort in Golden
- July – Raven Ridge Run | Whitewater Mountain Resort
- July – Broken Goat Trail Run | RED Mountain Ski Resort in Rossland
- September – Steep & Deep Downhill XC Bike Race | Fernie Alpine Resort
For more events in the Birthplace of Adventure, visit Kootenay Rockies event listings.
Know before you go to the Birthplace of Adventure
Venturing into the outdoors calls for respect and preparedness. In a place this remote, cell service is not available in many backcountry areas. Plan ahead to reduce safety risks and reduce your impact on the natural environment. Follow the BC AdventureSmart Three Ts: Trip Planning, Training, and Taking the Essentials. Pack out what you pack in and adhere to the 7 Principles of Leave No Trace. Avoid negative wildlife encounters by storing food securely, keeping your distance, and making noise so wild animals know you are near. Follow WildSafeBC for more tips on avoiding wildlife while you recreate.
Learn more about outdoor activities in the Birthplace of Adventure.
Getting Here & Around
Visitors to British Columbia can arrive by air, road, rail, or ferry.
Pacific Rim National Park | Abby Cooper