Revelstoke Mountain Resort, which opened in 2007, has quickly earned a reputation as a legendary ski destination. Located in British Columbia, Canada, it's a resort that should be high on any advanced skier's list. According to PlanetSKI, initial impressions of the resort's piste map can be deceiving. What appears to be a simple layout with a main gondola (Revelation), two primary chairlifts (Ripper and Stoke), and a smaller lift (Stella) belies the incredible skiing experience that awaits.
Revelstoke, or "Revy" as it's known, is a true gem. The resort offers a diverse range of skiing experiences, from groomed runs and powder bowls to mogul fields and gladed areas. For the truly adventurous, guided backcountry tours, heliskiing, catskiing, and snowmobiling are also available, according to PlanetSKI.
The Ski Area
- Largest lift-served vertical descent in North America: 512m to 2,340m.
- The Last Spike: Longest green run in North America (15km).
- Challenging terrain in the North Bowl, accessible via a short hike.
According to PlanetSKI, the perfectly groomed runs are a highlight. The resort also boasts incredible views.
Most skiers and snowboarders come from Canada, the USA and Australia, with British skiers in fourth place, according to PlanetSKI.
History
- Skiing in Revelstoke dates back to the 1890s with the introduction of "ski running" by Scandinavians.
- A ski club was formed at the turn of the century, reaching 300 members by 1917.
- In 1964, Paul Mair and Don Sinclair opened the Mount Mackenzie Ski Hill, the site of today's resort.
- Helicopter skiing operations began in 1977, followed by cat skiing in 1978.
Expansion plans include a new lift above the Stoke chair, which would open up additional advanced and intermediate terrain, according to PlanetSKI. Because the ski area is outside of Revelstoke National Park, development is easier.
Lift ticket prices are high, according to PlanetSKI: $199 CAD for a day pass and $524 CAD for three days. The Ripper chair closes at 2:30 pm.
Revelstoke Outdoor Art Movement (ROAM)
Revelstoke features a free-to-enter art gallery on its slopes, according to PlanetSKI. ROAM is an artist collective that specializes in art in unexpected places. Art installations are hidden within the ski resort, encouraging exploration and discovery.
The Town of Revelstoke
The town itself is a 10-minute drive from the ski area. It offers a selection of bars, restaurants, and ski shops. PlanetSKI recommends trying the Vietnamese food.
The original town was built on the railways in the 1880s and remains a railway town. Revelstoke was named by the Canadian Pacific Railway in appreciation of Lord Revelstoke, who saved the CPR from bankruptcy in 1885.