Revelstoke Skiing and Snowboarding Guide
Welcome to the powder playground of the Kootenay Rockies! Boasting deep powder, North America’s highest vertical, and endless pristine terrain, Revelstoke is a must-visit location for every skier or snowboarder!
Revelstoke’s reputation as an epic powder paradise is quickly gaining traction worldwide. Nestled in the heart of the Kootenay Rockies, Revelstoke has been a favourite with Western Canadian skiers for years, and the rest of the world is beginning to take notice. If steep runs and deep powder are your thing, Revelstoke has what you’re looking for!
A Winter Playground
Each year the Revelstoke area receives an average of 30 – 45 feet of deep, light and dry snow, making it a go-to destination for resort skiers, backcountry skiers, cat-skiing and heli-skiing enthusiasts.
The main attraction is Revelstoke Mountain Resort, with its 69 thrilling runs and areas spread across almost 1,300 hectares – it’s also the only resort in the world that offers cat, lift and heli-skiing all from the same mountain base. Revelstoke Mountain Resort is a steep mountain that offers overall terrain ideal for more experienced skiers, but those new to the sport will also still find plenty of great runs to enjoy.
Outside of Revelstoke Mountain Resort’s majestic ski area, backcountry skiers can head out to Mount McPherson for some of the best Nordic skiing in the country. No matter what’s on your skiing itinerary, the Revelstoke area delivers.
Vast Terrain, Deep Powder
Revelstoke Mountain Resort alone spans a staggering 1,263 hectares of skiable terrain. Plus, they’ve got the longest vertical in North America at 1,713 metres. And the variety is spectacular: switch from long and steep groomers or moguls to glades or tree skiing. Head out to the heli-skiing areas and the numbers are even more impressive, with 12-18 metres of powder on average per season.
The Nordic skiing scene is equally as enticing. Thanks to the Revelstoke Nordic Ski Club, a local non-profit who maintain the trails, travellers can explore 26 kilometres of well-groomed trails on Mount McPherson.
Revelstoke Mountain Resort
Revelstoke Mountain Resort’s (RMR) statistics make this resort a dream ski destination for powder hungry skiers and boarders.
Here’s how it shapes up: Over 5,600 feet (1,700 metres) of vertical (longest lift-accessed vertical in North America), annual snowfall of 30-45 feet (9-14 metres) and 47.5% of ski runs classified as advanced.
Another reason to visit are the high alpine bowls, 13 areas of gladded terrain and excellent groomed runs. To make it even more appealing, RMR also has cat skiing, heli-skiing and backcountry skiing.
A high-speed gondola – called Revelation – carries you from the base of the mountain where you can access some of the upper lifts. From there, you can carve up a huge number of diverse runs.
Blast through varied terrain on the Iron Glaiden route, enjoy the wide-open space on the Sweet Spot bowl or take on the beautifully steep Jalapeno run. There’s also a brand new beginner’s area and skiing lessons available onsite.
All of this is getting RMR some major attention. After all, it is the only place in the world that offers cat, lift and heli-skiing from the same mountain base.
In numbers:
- Annual snowfall: 9-14 metres (30-45 feet)
- Vertical: 1,713 metres (5,620 feet)
- Terrain: 1,263 hectares (3,121 acres)
- Runs & Areas: 69
- 47.5% advanced
- 45.5% intermediate
- 7% beginner
- Longest run: 15.2 km
- Gladed terrain: 15 areas
- 4 alpine bowls
- one 8-passenger high speed gondola
- two 4-passenger high-speed chairlifts
- two Magic Carpet chairlifts
Accommodation
Revelstoke even boasts luxurious ski-in/ski-out mountainside accommodation at the Sutton Place Resort. Enjoy incredible access to Revelstoke Mountain Resort, as well as stunning condo-style lodging, a year-round heated pool and hot tubs, and even a wine reception in the lobby each evening!
For those who prefer not to stay on the mountain, there are plenty more Revelstoke accommodations in the area.
Nordic Skiing at Mount Macpherson
Revelstoke offers some of the country’s top terrain for Nordic skiing.
With its massive snowfall and wide range of trails that twist through the picturesque mountain wilderness, the Revelstoke area has everything a cross-country skier needs. Thanks to the local Revelstoke Nordic Ski Club, Mount Macpherson is home to an extensive network of cross-country trails loved by both veteran and novice skiers.
The Old Sandberg Cabin, located just a few kilometres from the parking area, is the centrepiece of this trail system. Several different routes can be skied from here and the cabin is heated with a wood stove.
Some of the most popular ski routes on Mount McPherson include Cedar Ramble, Beaver Lake Road and the Loggers Lane. The top trails for skating are the Mickey Olson Loop, Easy Al’s, and Main Loop.
Location
The trailhead is located about 7km south of Revelstoke on Highway 23.
Details
- 26 kilometres of groomed trails in total
- Bathrooms are available at the day lodge, plus there’s an outhouse behind the Ole Sandberg Cabin.
Trail grooming usually starts in late November with a final grooming in late March.
Visit Revelstoke
If you are thinking about taking a trip to Revelstoke to ski, please feel free to give us a call at 1.877.902.1616. Our Destination Experts are available 7 days a week and will be glad to assist you in planning your perfect winter getaway.