La Niña Warning! 

As summer’s warmth begins to wane and thoughts shift to winter, skiers and snowboarders in Interior British Columbia are eagerly anticipating the upcoming ski season. This year, however, there's an additional layer of excitement (and perhaps a touch of uncertainty) as we look towards the potential impacts of La Niña. Let’s dive into what La Niña means for our region and what to expect this season.

Understanding La Niña

La Niña is part of the broader El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) climate pattern. While its counterpart, El Niño, is associated with warmer ocean temperatures in the central and eastern tropical Pacific, La Niña is characterized by cooler-than-average sea surface temperatures in the same region. This cooling effect can have a significant impact on weather patterns across the globe, including here in interior British Columbia. La Niña's impact can have the most impact on weather in the area where the Polar Jet Stream (cold) and Pacific Jet Stream (wet) intersect, which co-incidentally happens to be where we at Big Red Cats reside.
Figure 1 (credit of NOAA)

La Niña’s Impact on Ski Conditions

In general, La Niña tends to bring cooler and wetter conditions to much of western Canada. For Interior British Columbia, this usually translates to a few key effects:

1. Increased Snowfall: La Niña often results in above-average snowfall, which means above-average powder days. This is due to the increased moisture being drawn into the region, which can lead to more frequent and heavier snowstorms. For skiers and snowboarders, this can mean deeper and more consistent powder.
2. Cooler Temperatures: The cooler temperatures associated with La Niña can contribute to better snow preservation. With less thawing during the day, snow conditions may remain favorable for longer periods. This can lead to longer seasons and more consistent snow quality.
3. Potential for Extreme Weather: While increased snowfall is generally good news, it can come with some caveats. La Niña winters can sometimes bring intense storms and heavy snowfalls that could impact travel and access to typical winter areas. It’s essential to be prepared for potentially challenging conditions and to stay informed about weather updates.

What to Expect This Season

Based on current forecasts and historical patterns, many experts are predicting that this La Niña event could bring robust snowfall to the Interior region. Interior British Columbia is likely to see an impressive amount of snow.

However, it’s also worth noting that while La Niña generally favors snowier conditions, variability is always a factor. Each La Niña event is unique, and local weather patterns can fluctuate. It’s always a good idea to keep an eye on both long-term forecasts and real-time updates to ensure you’re ready for whatever La Niña brings your way.

Tips for a Great Ski Season

1. Stay Informed: Keep up with the latest weather forecasts and snow reports for your ski areas. Many ski areas provide regular updates on conditions, which can help you plan your trips effectively.
2. Be Prepared: With the possibility of intense storms, make sure your gear and vehicle are winter-ready. Carrying essentials like tire chains, a shovel, and extra warm clothing can be crucial.
3. Embrace the Powder: If the predictions hold true, this could be a season for epic powder days. Embrace the opportunities for deep, fluffy snow, but be sure to exercise extra caution.
4. Enjoy the Season: La Niña brings its own set of advantages and challenges, but at the heart of it, it's about enjoying the winter season. Whether you're knee deep in fresh powder or soaking in the snowy mountain views, make the most of every moment.

Conclusion

As we look forward to the winter season, La Niña promises to add a touch of excitement and unpredictability to skiing and snowboarding in Interior British Columbia. While the potential for increased snowfall and cooler temperatures are welcome news, it’s important to stay informed and prepared. Here’s to a thrilling and memorable ski season ahead, filled with powder days and all the joy that comes with a big winter.

JOB OPPORTUNITIES

• HOUSKEEPING

  Overview:

  Our housekeepers are key to turning over BRC's lodging for each guest visit at The Red Shutter Inn, A-Frame Cabin & Copper Chalet, all of which are located 5 minutes from Rossland at the base of RED Mountain. 

  Being a housekeeper at BRC/Red Shutter Inn comes with a variety of job tasks: laundry, vacuuming, mopping, disinfecting surfaces, bathrooms and general tidying. It also means that you are a part of a great team and might like to go cat skiing on your days off!

  Qualifications

  • Previous housekeeping & experience an asset
  • Previous laundry experience an asset
  • Must be physically able to clean for several hours
  • Must have previous customer service experience
  • Ability to lift and carry 35lbs
  • Must be available to work weekends

  Schedule: Full & Part-time positions available. Seasonal position. 

  To apply please forward your resume and cover letter to: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

• SNOWCAT MECHANIC/ MOUNTAIN OPERATIONS MECHANIC

  Snowcat Mechanic / Mountain Operations Mechanic

  📍 Rossland, British Columbia

  Full-Time | Seasonal or Potential Year-Round Opportunity

  About

  We operate a large fleet of snowcats across expansive backcountry terrain and rely on experienced mechanics to keep operations moving safely and efficiently throughout the winter season.

  We’re looking for a practical, experienced mechanic who enjoys mountain environments, solving problems, and being part of a hardworking operations team.

  About the Role

  This is not a conventional shop-only mechanic position.

  You’ll be responsible for maintaining and repairing a diverse operational fleet including:

  • Snowcats
  • Snowmobiles
  • SxS vehicles
  • Trucks and support equipment
  • Small engines and generators

  Most work is performed at our cat shop, aka " the staging area", though occasional field service and mountain troubleshooting are part of the role.

  Experience operating snowcats or heavy equipment is considered a strong asset, particularly for candidates who understand winter mountain operations, snow conditions, and the realities of cat skiing environments.

  Responsibilities

  • Perform preventative maintenance and repairs on operational fleet
  • Diagnose mechanical, hydraulic, diesel, and electrical issues
  • Respond to field breakdowns and operational support needs
  • Maintain service records and maintenance schedules
  • Assist with fleet readiness and operational planning
  • Support shop organization, tooling, and parts systems
  • Work closely with operations, guides, and management teams
  • Assist with offseason fleet maintenance and improvements

  Qualifications

  • HD mechanic experience preferred
  • Experience with diesel engines, hydraulics, and tracked equipment
  • PistenBully and/or Prinoth experience considered a strong asset
  • Experience operating snowcats considered an asset
  • Welding and fabrication skills considered an asset
  • Ability to troubleshoot independently
  • Strong communication and organizational skills
  • Comfortable working in winter mountain environments
  • Valid driver’s license required

  What We’re Looking For

  • Practical problem solver
  • Self-sufficient and dependable
  • Calm under pressure
  • Team-oriented with a positive attitude
  • Someone who takes pride in keeping operations running

  What We Offer

  • Competitive compensation based on experience
  • Staff skiing opportunities
  • Extended health benefits
  • Work in one of BC’s best mountain communities
  • Tight-knit operational culture
  • Opportunity to help shape and improve a growing operation
  • Potential for long-term or year-round opportunity for the right candidate. Flexible summer as long as service is completed.
  • Fleet truck for the right candidate.

  Location

  Unlike many cat skiing operations, the staging area (aka the cat shop) is only a 20-minute commute from Rossland, BC or 15-mins from Castlegar, BC

  To Apply

  Please send your resume and a short introduction outlining your experience and background to:

  ops@bigredcatskiing cc' This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

  Tell us about the equipment you’ve worked on, your experience in mountain environments, and why this role interests you.

• SKI GUIDE

  Overview:

  The primary responsibility of the Ski Guide is to organize and facilitate a safe and enjoyable ski program for their cat skiing group. They must also assist in Snow Safety and Forecasting as assigned. 

  Minimum Qualifications:

  • CSGA Level 2 or equivalency (memberhsip is good standing)
  • CAA Avalanche Operations Level II
  • Advanced Wilderness First Aid - minimum of 80 hours (AED and CPR)
  • Class 5 license. Class 4 not required but an asset. 

  To apply please forward your resume, cover letter and certifications to: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

• SNOWCAT OPERATORS

  Overview:

  • Transport staff & guests throughout the day
  • Interact with guests throughout the day and be part of their customer experience
  • Adhere to all company safety, operating, and maintenance procedures, including Emergency Response Plans

  Qualifications:

  • Previous snowcat driving experience (grooming/cat-skiing/heli-skiing)
  • Valid Class 5 driver’s license
  • Familiarity with cat-skiing and other backcountry operations preferred
  • Excellent navigation and communication skills

  Remunteration: $25/hr starting and dependent on experience. Daily lunch included.

  Schedule: Full-time and part-time positions available.

  To apply please forward your resume, cover letter and certifications to: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

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SAFETY VIDEO SERIES

How Transceivers Work

Probing

Shoveling & Digging

General Hazard Briefing

The Effect of GoPros on Transceivers

The Effect of Cell Phones on Transceivers

How Risky is Cat Skiing?

Tree Wells

Why We Don't Use Pole Straps

Avalanche Scenario