Capturing the Kootenays: Rossland

In the Winter months, Rossland BC is known as a legendary stop along the powder highway. Steep trees, abundant and diverse terrain, and adventurous powder skiing has long been a draw to this West Kootenay town.

In the summer, the mountain bike trails are a major draw. Rossland has an extensive trail network right from town, and throughout the Rossland Range (visit KCTS, the local trail society for a great overview) and a brand new bike park located at RED Mountain Resort.

There’s no shortage of outdoor sports to do in all seasons, and that’s one of the things I’ve come to enjoy during my years living and working in Rossland. The abundance of nature and activities keeps me busy, and fulfilled behind my camera as an outdoor adventure photographer.

In this continuation of “Capturing the Kootenays” where I share some of my favourite locations, I’ve compiled 10 images of Rossland that I’ve captured over the years which showcases town, and the surrounding Rossland range.

1: A Winter’s Night in Rossland. Photo: Ashley Voykin

Taken from the Kootenay Columbia trail, better known as “KC Trail” during a full moon, on a freezing December night. The start of the winter is such an exciting time of year, between the transformation on the landscape to a winter wonderland, and the approach of ski season- I eagerly await the first snowfall on the surrounding mountains.

2: Mt Roberts at Dawn. Photo: Ashley Voykin

During this early morning excusion to the top of Mt Roberts, one of the Rossland Range peaks and a great hiking trail, we were treated to an otherworldly sunrise thanks to a blanket of wildfire smoke. The top of Red Mountain (another great hike) can be seen to the left of the frame. It was an early morning, but well worth the wakeup.

3: Falltime fog at Strawberry Pass. Photo: Ashley Voykin

In the Fall, I’m constantly chasing fog. During the night the fog rolls low in the valley, and often Rossland is sitting above or at the same level as the “Kootenay Sea” as it’s locally referred to, or otherwise known as an inversion.

In the fall, when this fog layer dissipates with the sunshine, it can make for some truly striking conditions. In this image, an old cutblock is dressed in fall colours while the fog dances it’s way up the mountainside.

4: Skiing at Red Mountain Resort. Photo: Ashley Voykin

During the ski season I spend the majority of time behind my camera, and on skis at RED Mountain Resort. This image of athlete Kole Harle is one of my favourites in recent years, showcasing a bluebird powder morning. Mt.Roberts can be seen peeking out behind the clouds.

5: An aerial perspective of Rossland’s Red Church. Photo: Ashley Voykin

Taken during the fall season, and from the seat of a small plane, this image was captured with a long telephoto lens. It showcases the St.Andrews United Church with it’s red roof. Originally a Presbyterian church, it first began construction in 1898 before reaching completion in 1901. These days it’s home to the Seven Summit's centre for learning, and remains a distinct Rossland landmark.

6: The historic Old Glory Fire lookout tower, and the night sky. Photo: Ashley Voykin

Situated atop the highest peak in the Rossland Range, is the Old Glory fire lookout tower. Although it’s no longer in operation for fire monitoring, the cabin remains part of the Rossland Range day use sites managed by Friends of the Rossland Range (FORR).

One summer, I hiked up to photograph the night sky and sunrise from this high vantage point that looks out over the rest of the Rossland Range peaks. The glow to the right of frame is from Castlegar, and surrounding areas. On the left side, lights of vehicles travelling Strawberry Pass, and the Paulson Pass can be seen in this shot.

7: Riding Record Ridge and the Seven Summits Trail. Photo: Ashley Voykin

The grassland ecosystem of Record Ridge is always an exciting location as a photographer. Towering lichen covered trees dot the landscape, gnarled and unique. The open ridge allows for an expansive views of the sky. In this image, mountain biker Jess Kuzik rides through the grasslands on the legendary Seven Summits trail.

This unique landscape is currently at risk of an open pit mining operation, you can learn more at Save Record Ridge

8: Northern Lights dancing above Rossland, British Columbia. Photo: Ashley Voykin

While some might think that Rossland is too far South to see northern lights, they’d be wrong. Although situated not far from the Canada/US border and along the 49th Parallel, we can get some incredible displays of northern lights here, much like the rest of the Kootenay Region.

If a display is strong enough, and weather aligns, I’ve captured quite a few shows from town. On this particular night, the strong emerald green curtains of aurora were visible above downtown Rossland.

9: Winter at Eagles Nest Cabin. Photo Ashley Voykin

The Rossland Range has a variety of day-use cabins, and they’re worth visiting in all seasons. On this winter day, a fresh blanket of snow covered the small structure of the Eagles Nest Cabin, which overlooks the mountainsides of Strawberry Pass.

10: Fall and Winter collide in Downtown Rossland, British Columbia. Photo: Ashley Voykin

If I was to pick one colour to represent Rossland, it would have to be Red. Not only because of Red Mountain which has shaped so much of the past and present of the town and area, but also because of the vibrant foliage that lines Columbia Avenue in downtown Rossland during the fall.

In this image, it was a fresh snowfall during a long-lasting fall season, and the maple trees which bring so much colour to downtown Rossland were still hanging on.

All above images are available as stock, reach out to info@ashleyvoykin.com for more information.