Update Oct 18th , 2024
Snow is flying in downtown Rossland and the temps are dipping down at night so it looks like that's it for the Seven Summits for this season... at least for bicycles.....
A point-to-point ridge line trail, it is best shuttled unless you are truly fit and hungry for punishment. To book a shuttle call Kootenay Gateway (250 362-0080)
https://www.kootenaymountainbiking.com/sevensummitstrailshuttle
A 'bucket list' trail for many, the Seven Summits trail is a big effort for most folks. Officially an IMBA Epic, the trail lives up to its status with long demanding climbs and action packed high speed descents through rough Alpine terrain. Typically the season for an end to end on the trail is July, August and September. Occasionally we get lucky and ride it well into October but sometimes the snow comes early so it's a gamble. June is a great month for 'out and backs' to the snow line at the north end, a favourite amongst the locals.
Video of the 7 summits CLICK HERE!
Things you should know about the trail before you go:
- It can be ridden as a loop from town but that involves about 22km of highway riding and the vast majority prefer to shuttle the trail from North to South and conserve their energy for the singletrack.
- Take LOTS of water, as it's ridgeline most of the way there is pretty much no water to be found along the trail.
- Yes, it's only 30 km but most people consider it a tough 30 kms.
- Your best bike choice is a 4-6" trail/all mountain bike with large volume tires.
- The preferred direction of travel is North to South. Riding it this way, most people add the Dewdney trail at the end which adds another 7 kms of descending to the day. Including the Dewdney, there's 1135m of climbing and 1960m of descending along the way. Although locals love the Dewdney trail, we have heard from riders who are punched at the end of the Seven Summits that they did not enjoy the descent of the Dewdney. Opting out of the Dewdney trail allows you to return to Rossland by descending 12 km of the Cascade Hwy (dirt road) to Rossland with only a small climb near town.
- The trail takes you through a fragile alpine ecosystem. Please stay on the trail at all times! We want our singletrack epic to stay singletrack!