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Just a few minutes north of the U.S.-Canada border sits one of Marriott's most underrated properties.
Up here, the Kootenay Rockies are the main attraction. Think uncrowded ski slopes in winter, miles of mountain biking trails in summer, and a laid-back mountain town that also happens to offer one of the Marriott Bonvoy program's best redemption opportunities.
I got a taste of it during a stay at The Josie Hotel, an Autograph Collection property at RED Mountain Resort. Between time on the mountain and exploring Rossland, it was easy to understand why so many visitors keep coming back.
Winter may be what first puts RED Mountain on travelers' radar, thanks in part to its inclusion on the Ikon Pass. But the resort has something to offer in every season. Whether you're here to ski, hike, bike, or kick back for a few days, it's the kind of place that has you thinking about your next trip before the current one is over. That was certainly the case for me.
Why Stay at The Josie Hotel
The Josie had been on my radar for a couple of years, but it wasn't until I finally checked in that I understood what makes it so special. It's really the kind of property that makes you feel like you've discovered a mountain destination that much of the travel world still overlooks.
A destination worth the drive
The Josie sits just 15 minutes north of the U.S.-Canada border crossing near Northport, Washington.
For most travelers, the most practical gateway is Spokane International Airport (GEG), which is served by several major U.S. airlines. From there, it's a scenic three-ish-hour drive through eastern Washington before crossing into British Columbia.
Just don't forget your passport.
Looking ahead, getting to Rossland by air should become easier. West Kootenay Regional Airport (YCG) in nearby Castlegar — about 30 minutes from The Josie — is undergoing an expansion and modernization effort that should make it a more attractive option for airlines.
For now, though, it isn't the most reliable airport. In fact, locals have even given it the tongue-in-cheek nickname “Cancelgar” because of its history of weather-related disruptions. But that likely won't be the case forever.
The drive from Spokane may be a bit of a turnoff for some. But that's also part of what makes this place feel different. In exchange for a little extra effort, you'll find uncrowded slopes, world-class mountain biking, and a mountain town that still feels refreshingly authentic.
A slopeside Autograph Collection property
The Josie is one of only a handful of ski-in, ski-out Marriott Bonvoy properties in Canada.
It hasn't been open for too long, either. The hotel welcomed its first guests in November 2018, so it's one of the newer ski-in, ski-out resorts in North America.
The property is part of the Ikon Pass network, too. Passholders receive up to seven days of skiing or snowboarding at RED Mountain Resort with no blackout dates, along with perks like a daily food and beverage credit and complimentary parking.
But The Josie isn't just a winter destination.
The hotel sits at the base of RED Mountain Resort, which is also home to one of North America's newest lift-served bike parks. RED Mountain Bike Park opened in June 2025, and with new trails still being added, Rossland is very quickly establishing itself as a destination that's just as compelling in summer as it is in winter.
One of the things I appreciate most about Autograph Collection properties is that they don't feel interchangeable. Each hotel is designed to reflect its surroundings, and The Josie does that exceptionally well.
At this property, the focus isn't on over-the-top luxury or showering guests with elaborate amenities. It's on getting guests outside. The Josie feels connected to the mountain community around it.
That's the feeling I remember most about my stay here, and one of many reasons I'm already planning a trip back.
Rooms and suites
With just 106 keys, The Josie strikes a nice balance of being large enough to offer the amenities of a full-service resort, yet small enough to feel personal rather than sprawling.
Most accommodations are Deluxe Guest Rooms. At roughly 236 square feet, they aren't oversized, but their layouts keep them from feeling cramped. Travelers looking for more space can choose from several suite categories, including the Village Suite, Red Mountain Suite, Columbia Suite, and more.
During my stay, I stayed in a Granite Suite, which included a private balcony. It quickly became one of my favorite places to relax and catch up on work. You just can't beat the weather in the summertime.
At the top end, the Josie Suite offers the property's most spacious accommodations along with its best in-room amenities.
Even the entry-level rooms, though, don't feel like a compromise. Every room includes premium touches like a Nespresso machine with complimentary coffee and comfortable bedding that make it easy to rest up after a day on the mountain.
If you're a Marriott Bonvoy elite status holder, there's another reason to check out the property. General Manager Jerome Boye told me he enjoys upgrading guests whenever availability allows, so if you're lucky, you might end up with a better room than the one you originally reserved.
Dining at The Josie
The Josie's primary dining venue is The Velvet Restaurant & Lounge, and it's one of the better hotel restaurants I've come across in recent memory.
Breakfast is served daily from 7:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m., typically as a buffet. It's the easiest way to fuel up before a day on the mountain.
Dinner, though, is where The Velvet really shines.
The menu features seasonal dishes and locally sourced ingredients, with a mix of elevated comfort food and regional flavors. Not every hotel restaurant is worth returning to after your first meal, but The Velvet is one I'd happily dine at again.
The restaurant offers both indoor and outdoor seating, though it's hard to pass up the patio on a nice day. From here, you'll have unobstructed views of RED Mountain and Granite Mountain. It's a great spot to enjoy dinner while watching mountain bikers blast their way down various trails.
Wellness and other hotel amenities
One of The Josie's best amenities is its pair of cedar barrel saunas. Guests can reserve them through the front desk year-round, though they're especially popular during ski season.
The saunas sit just outside the hotel and offer views of RED Mountain and Granite Mountain, making them an ideal (and coveted) place to unwind after a day on the slopes or trails.
Guests also have access to a modest but well-equipped fitness center with free weights, a cable machine, benches, treadmills, and other essentials. It's not the largest hotel gym you'll find, but it has everything most travelers need for a workout.
Looking ahead, The Josie plans to add a pool deck within the next couple of years. The plans are all but finalized, with the pool expected to be built near the existing saunas.
Another thoughtful amenity is the hotel's gear storage. During the winter months, a staffed ski valet located beside The Velvet Restaurant & Lounge and the ski-out access stores guests' skis and snowboards, so there's no need to haul everything back to your room after a day on the mountain.
Things to do at RED Mountain Resort
There's no shortage of things to do around RED Mountain Resort, but the area's biggest draw is its year-round outdoor recreation.
Skiing and snowboarding in winter
One of the first stops along British Columbia's famed Powder Highway — a 600-plus-mile route through the Kootenay Rockies that connects several world-class ski resorts — is RED Mountain Resort.
The Josie sits right at the base of RED Mountain Resort. It offers true ski-in, ski-out access to the park's five skiable peaks, including Red, Granite, and Grey Mountains.
What stood out to me most, though, wasn't the statistics. It was how RED Mountain measures success. RED Mountain would rather have (and does offer) more acres per skier than more skiers per acre.
This really isn't a mega-resort chasing record visitor numbers. In fact, it's quite the opposite. RED bills itself as “the last great, unspoiled resort,” and after spending a few days here, it's easy to understand why.
But the numbers are impressive. RED Mountain offers 3,850 skiable acres, more than 100 marked runs, eight lifts, and averages roughly 300 inches of snowfall each year.
There's terrain for every ability level. About 17% of the runs are beginner-friendly, 25% are intermediate, 23% are advanced, and 26% are expert. This makes it easy for everyone — from first-timers to seasoned skiers and snowboarders — to find something they'll enjoy.
And if you're an Ikon Pass holder, that's one less thing to worry about. RED Mountain is one of more than 60 destinations on the pass, so there's a good chance your lift access is already covered.
Mountain biking in summer
In June 2025, RED Mountain Resort officially opened the RED Mountain Bike Park. It marked the resort's first major push into summer recreation.
It didn't skimp, either. The park was built in partnership with Gravity Logic — the company behind many of North America's premier lift-served bike parks — and the trail network was designed with riders of every skill level in mind.
It's also still growing. The trail network continues to expand. New trails are opening periodically as the resort builds out its long-term vision for the park.
And like the skiing, there's something here for everyone. You don't need to tackle a black diamond to get an adrenaline rush; the green trails are thrilling enough themselves.
That's also one of the best parts about staying at The Josie. Within a couple of minutes of leaving your room, you can walk to the bike rental shop, strap in, and be riding the lift up the mountain.
It doesn't get much more convenient than that.
Shopping, dining, and living
The village at the base of RED Mountain isn't sprawling, and that's part of its appeal. Rather than rows of chain stores and crowded tourist attractions, you'll find a handful of locally owned businesses that give the area a more authentic feel.
Beyond The Josie, Peak Provisions is worth a stop for coffee, snacks, or a refreshment before heading out on the mountain (or after a few runs down it). A short walk down the hill, Donnie's Bistro is well worth a visit for its diverse menu, local brews, friendly service, and scenic outdoor patio.
If you're looking for a souvenir, the Piste Off Supply Company is adjacent to The Josie. With the U.S. dollar currently stretching a bit further in Canada, it's a great place to pick up a reminder of your trip north of the border.
You'll also notice this isn't just a resort town. RED Mountain is steadily expanding the community with alpine-inspired neighborhoods like The Glades, The Daly, The Wildwood, and Caldera — all within minutes of the lifts.
After spending time here, it's easy to understand the appeal. It's the kind of place where you could picture yourself staying longer than planned.
Or, if you really fall in love with the area, not leaving at all.
What's Around Rossland, British Columbia
Downtown Rossland is about a five-minute drive from The Josie and, much like the base of RED Mountain itself, it's full of character.
With a population of just over 4,000, Rossland isn't a big town. But that's part of its appeal. Downtown has just about everything you need between days on the mountain, whether you're looking for a good meal, groceries and snacks, a bit of shopping, or a local craft beer.
What stood out to me most, though, was the sense of community. It seemed like everyone knew one another, giving Rossland the kind of small-town charm that's becoming increasingly hard to find.
Restaurants, cafés, and local spots
Downtown Rossland is super walkable. It couldn't be easier to explore its cafés, restaurants, and locally owned shops.
Ask a local for recommendations and you might be surprised when one of the first “landmarks” they mention is Ferraro Foods. It's an unexpectedly large grocery store for a town this size and worth a visit if only to see it for yourself.
Other local favorites include Rossland Beer Company for a craft brew, Alpine Grind Coffeehouse, and Seven Summits Coffee Company. You'll also find plenty of independently owned restaurants along Washington Street and the Paterson Highway.
The area also has a fascinating history. Much of the region's growth can be traced back to the mining booms of the late 1800s. If you want to learn more, bring your room key from The Josie to the Rossland Museum & Discovery Centre. Admission is free for hotel guests.
Related: The Best Credit Cards for Travel Purchases
Outdoor activities beyond RED Mountain and Rossland
There's even more to explore beyond RED Mountain and Rossland.
The surrounding West Kootenays are an outdoor enthusiast's paradise. Short and scenic drives can take you to lakes, rivers, hiking trails, more mountain biking, and other charming small towns.
To the west, Christina Lake is renowned as the warmest tree-lined lake in British Columbia. Head north and you'll reach Castlegar, the Columbia River, and, farther along, Nelson, where you'll find glacier-fed lakes, sandy beaches, hot springs, and even more outdoor recreation.
Whether you're visiting in summer or winter, there's no shortage of ways to spend your time. Mountain biking, skiing, hiking, paddling, and fishing are all within easy reach, and one of the best parts of the region is that nothing feels especially far away. One can turn almost anywhere into a day trip.
Best Ways to Book The Josie Hotel
There are several great ways to book a stay at The Josie beyond paying cash. One of the most valuable, though, is by redeeming Marriott Bonvoy points.
Redeem Marriott Bonvoy points
One of the top ways to book a stay at The Josie is with Marriott Bonvoy points, whether you're visiting during ski season or the summer months.
Award pricing helps illustrate just how compelling this property can be. The best time to ski in Rossland is typically between mid-February and early March. In March 2027, you can book award nights at The Josie for as few as 56,000 Marriott Bonvoy points, with most nights pricing between 58,000 and 68,000 points.
Compare that with other ski-centric Marriott properties across the world, where award nights during the same time of year can easily exceed 100,000 Marriott Bonvoy points.
Summer offers excellent value as well. Even if you're planning a last-minute mountain getaway, award nights in August 2026 top out at around 60,000 points.
Don't forget that Marriott's “Stay for 5, Pay for 4” benefit applies to award stays for all Marriott Bonvoy members. If you're planning a longer trip, it's an easy way to stretch your points even further.
Related: The Best Marriott Bonvoy Redemptions for Luxury Stays
Make the most of the Ikon Pass Free Night Award
To encourage passholders to renew for the following season, Ikon Pass offers a selection of Renewal Awards. New for the 2026-2027 season is a Marriott Bonvoy Free Night Award worth up to 25,000 points.
If you selected this reward, the July 31, 2026 redemption deadline is quickly approaching.
Sadly, the certificate currently falls just short of being usable at The Josie. At the time of writing, the lowest award rate available is 53,000 points. Even after topping off the certificate with Marriott's maximum additional 25,000 points, it still isn't enough to cover a night.
But that doesn't mean it'll always be out of reach.
The Josie's General Manager, Jerome Boye, is an award travel enthusiast himself. He understands how the Marriott Bonvoy program works and knows firsthand how frustrating it can be when a Free Night Award falls just short of being usable.
While nothing has been announced about making Marriott Free Night Awards redeemable at this property, it's something that's on the hotel's radar.
There's also another interesting angle. David Frueck, who spent nearly 13 years at Starwood Hotels & Resorts and almost a decade at Marriott International — most recently serving as Global Officer of Loyalty, Cards, and New Businesses — recently became Chief Customer Officer and President of Ikon at Alterra Mountain Company.
That doesn't necessarily mean big changes to the Marriott-Ikon partnership are imminent. But having someone with extensive Marriott loyalty experience helping shape Ikon's strategy could create opportunities for the partnership to evolve in ways that deliver more practical value for Bonvoy members over time.
And that could get pretty exciting.
Use a Marriott Free Night Award
Any Marriott Free Night Award worth more than 25,000 points can help fund a stay at The Josie.
Each certificate denomination below the 85,000-point level will require you to top off the award with additional Marriott Bonvoy points, but they're all capable of covering a night here if you're willing to redeem a few extra points and have some flexibility with your travel dates.
There are plenty of ways to earn Marriott Free Night Awards, too.
The easiest is by carrying the right Marriott credit card. Several cards in Marriott's lineup offer a Free Night Award every cardholder anniversary. It couldn't be easier to offset the cost of a future stay at The Josie.
$95Rates & Fees
- 6X points for every $1 spent at over 7,000 hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy®
- 3X points for every $1 spent on the first $6,000 spent in combined purchases annually on grocery stores, gas stations, and dining
- 2X points on all other eligible purchases
$125Rates & Fees
(Terms apply)
- 6x Marriott Bonvoy® points on each dollar of eligible purchases at hotels participating in the Marriott Bonvoy® program.
- 4x Marriott Bonvoy® points on each dollar of eligible purchases made at restaurants worldwide, at U.S. gas stations, on wireless telephone services purchased directly from U.S. service providers and on U.S. purchases for shipping
- 2x Marriott Bonvoy® points per dollar on all other eligible purchases
$650Rates & Fees
(Terms Apply)
- 6X points on purchases at Marriott Properties
- 3X points at restaurants worldwide, including takeout and delivery
- 3X points on flights booked directly with airlines
- 2X points on all other eligible purchases
Book through Amex's The Hotel Collection
The Josie participates in American Express's The Hotel Collection, which offers additional perks to eligible Card Members who book through Amex Travel.
On eligible stays, Card Members can receive a room upgrade upon arrival (when available), a $100 property credit for eligible on-property purchases, 12 p.m. early check-in and 4 p.m. late checkout (both when available), plus breakfast for two at The Velvet Restaurant & Lounge.
Final Thoughts
The Josie, RED Mountain, and Rossland are all incredibly special places.
And it isn't just me who thinks so. Spend a few days here and it's easy to understand why so many visitors start planning their next trip before they've even left. For some, it's even enough to convince them to put down roots.
For now, though, it still feels like one of those places that's flying under the radar. Whether you're redeeming Marriott Bonvoy points, skiing uncrowded slopes, or exploring one of British Columbia's most authentic mountain towns, there's a good chance you'll leave wondering why more people aren't talking about it.
The people behind The Josie and RED Mountain seem committed to preserving what makes this corner of the Kootenays different. But if you've been thinking about visiting, I'd do it sooner rather than later.
It's one of the most memorable trips I've taken in a long time, and I'm already planning on going back.
For rates and fees of the cards mentioned in this post, please visit the following links: Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card (Rates & Fees), Marriott Bonvoy Business® American Express® Card (Rates & Fees), and Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card (Rates & Fees)
