- North America
- Canada
- British Columbia
- Revelstoke
- Revelstoke riding guide
Revelstoke
Located in British Columbia, Revelstoke Mountain Resort is Canada’s Newest Ski Resort with the Most Vertical in North America – 5620 feet!
Revelstoke Corduoroy / Kevin Manuel
Freeriding
This is where Revelstoke mountain resort truly shines. who needs a built up terrain park when the enter mountain is an adrenaline pumping playground. For those who seek the serenity of untouched snow and the challenge of weaving through nature's labyrinth, Revelstoke's endless tree riding terrain awaits. Picture-perfect glades beckon riders of all levels, offering a harmonious blend of exhilaration and tranquility. Whether you're a seasoned expert craving steep pitches and tight turns or a novice eager to explore at a gentler pace, Revelstoke's meticulously maintained tree runs promise an adventure unlike any other. A lot of the tree riding is geared towards more advanced riders, and if you are looking to try it for the first time make sure you already have a few years of regular riding experience under your belt before dropping in. There are a few glade runs off of the last spike that would make for a great start as they are shorter and not as heavily wooded. Revelstoke also boasts to be the only resort offering inbounds riding, cat-boarding and heli-boarding all from one base.
Now let's get to the BEST part of this mountain… the bowls. The Alpine bowls are truly like no other, specifically the “Greely bowl” which is located on the north side. there is a moderate - difficult traverse to get there and gets quite narrow at some points with no rope or ledge to hold on to. Once you do reach it, you will be rewarded with one of the best untouched lines of your life and have a smile on your face the whole way down. don’t be surprised if a few “woohoos’ slip out also! This area does close off if mother nature is not co-operating and/or avalanche control is in progress. all bowls are accessed by the Stoke chair and are not for beginners of any kind, advanced and expert riders only. if you have the skills and it's open, do not hesitate, make the climb, you will not regret it!
Although there are a few operators in the area, heli-boarding can be done with Selkirk Tangiers starting around CA$1500. they offer many packages to suit your style. Strongly recommended is K3 Catski for around $640cad per day during the low season and $740cad per day during the regular season which include shuttle service, all the safety gear, as well as lunch and drinks all day in the cat.
Freestyle
For those of you looking for a day of park laps, Revelstoke does have 2 parks available however they do not hold up to what most park riders would expect. The main park is located under the Stoke chair and offers M, and L features including jumps, rails, and boxes. There is a smaller park called the Gnome zone to the left of the main park when facing the mountain that includes S and M jumps, rails, and boxes. The great thing about this park is that it doesn’t usually get too busy as it’s not a focal point of the mountain. Due to the lack of its popularity both parks are on the smaller side however all the features stay nice and groomed all day.
Revelstoke Freestyle
Royce Sihlis
Pistes
Revelstoke Mountain Resort's meticulously groomed pistes offer a diverse array of terrain for skiers and riders. From gentle cruisers to challenging black diamonds that will test even the most seasoned experts, there's a piste to suit every style and preference. With over 75 named runs spread across the mountain, each boasting its own unique character and breathtaking vistas, navigating Revelstoke's pistes is an adventure in itself. Whether you're carving up the corduroy on the wide-open slopes of The Last Spike or tackling the steep and technical pitches of Snow Rodeo or Kill the Banker, Revelstoke's pistes promise an exhilarating journey from summit to base.
Revelstoke Piste
Harriet Parnis
The Last Spike is a monumental descent that winds its way from the summit to the base of the mountain. From the dizzying heights of Mount Mackenzie to the charming alpine village below, this iconic trail offers a panoramic journey through some of British Columbia's most spectacular terrain. Whether you're racing against the clock or savouring every moment of the descent, the 14-kilometer run promises an unforgettable experience that will leave you breathless in more ways than one.
Starting at the base (VILLAGE & THE SUTTON PLACE HOTEL 512M (1,679FT)) take the revelation gondola to the MACKENZIE OUTPOST 1,690M (5,544FT) . Make a right and take “LAST SPIKE MID” for a short run and then take the stoke chair to the top. The last spike upper will be to the right when getting off the chairlift. This in theory should be a nice relaxing green run but be warned it will test your muscle endurance, especially for snowboarders who will get the quads and calves burning a few kms in. after a snowfall, the last spike transforms into a 14km terrain park with endless side hits for you to enjoy.
Kill the Banker this ray of sunshine is a double black diamond that will test your skills and confidence the whole way down. From cliffs and rocks to narrow paths and many other of nature’s obstacles this is truly an accomplishment. The story behind this unique name is quite a funny one. it is said that before the mountains official opening back in 2007, Revelstoke mountain’s original financier was led down it. When he got to the bottom he yelled out “What are you trying to do? Kill me?!” and so the run officially became “Kill the Banker” after his outburst. Be warned that if there has not been a recent snowfall this charmer of a run becomes even more challenging as areas quickly become bare due to how steep some areas are.
Beginners
For those looking to begin their snowboarding/ skiing journey there are some learning areas where you can start. Overall this is not a beginners resort as the easy terrain is quite limited and does not showcase what this mountain is all about.
The resort did recently just open a new chair lift called “stellar” that a beginner rider could stay at for the day. to access this area take the revelation gondola all the way and then head left down the tail end of big bend to bring you to the bottom of the stellar chair lift .
Revelstoke offers multiple programs to cater to all levels of skiing and riding. They offer tot, child and adult programs with the options of Private or group lessons. Within those categories there are options depending on your skill level. Revelstoke also offers freestyle lessons for those who are over the age of 19 and ready to explore and turn the mountain into their own personal playground
Adult Programs Private, group, Cat and heli prep, Performance clinics, Freeride Programs,
Kids Programs include options of private or group lessons as well as the flexibility of weekend and March break camps.