Plan your Revelstoke Ski Getaway Early!

It’s no secret that British Columbia is a premier winter sports destination. Punctuated by 10 mountain ranges and more than 100 prominent peaks with summits exceeding 1,500 metres (4,921 feet), it makes perfect sense that BC is home to 13 major ski areas.

Revelstoke, one of the 13, has gained well-deserved notoriety for being “steep and deep.” Home to the highest vertical in North America and getting a stunning 10+ metres (34 feet) of annual snowfall, Revelstoke enjoys some of the best ski conditions on earth. It’s situated on the Columbia River directly between the Selkirk and Monashee mountain ranges, so no matter what your preferred winter sport is – downhill skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing, or even heli-, cat-, or backcountry skiing – you’ll find the very best of it in Revelstoke. Because of its remote location, Revelstoke is also far less crowded than other BC ski resorts. That means there are fewer lines and shorter wait times, which is ideal for safely physical distancing.

With the season set to tentatively open on November 27th, it’s time to begin planning your winter Revelstoke ski vacation!

Ski Revelstoke Mountain Resort

People come to ski Revelstoke from all corners of the globe, and for good reason. For starters, there’s the epic snowfall. Revelstoke holds the record for the most snowfall in Canada in a single winter, with 2,438cm, or 80 feet. The average snowfall each winter is 10.5 metres, or about 34 feet. Next, the physical size of Revelstoke is impressive by every measure and truly has to be seen in person to be appreciated. Revelstoke has 3,121 acres of skiable terrain, as well as 1,700 metres (5,620 feet) of vertical. That’s the highest on the continent and well over a kilometre!

While the terrain and natural beauty remain unchanged, there’s no denying that a Revelstoke ski trip will be a bit different this year. However, Revelstoke Mountain Resort has implemented several new policies and safety protocols to offer guests peace of mind and ensure they can enjoy their vacations.

• “No questions asked” refund policy through December 1, 2020, on all winter 2020-2021 lift tickets, rental equipment, and snow school reservations
• “No questions asked” refund policy through October 31, 2020, on all Season Pass purchases
• Reduced capacity on gondolas and lift chairs
• Revelstoke Mountain Resort PureClean implemented, a plan to “elevate existing high standards of hygiene and cleanliness procedures”

Not only can you plan your Revelstoke ski vacation with absolute confidence, but if you book early, you’ll enjoy substantial savings on lift tickets.

Off the Mountain in Revelstoke

It’s true that Revelstoke is world-renowned for its skiing, but that’s certainly not all there is to do. Whether you have non-skiers in your group or you simply want to take a break from the slopes, you’ll find plenty to keep you busy off the mountain in Revelstoke.

Dogsledding

For a truly memorable, once-in-a-lifetime experience, book a tour with Revelstoke Dogsled Adventures. A professional guide and team of Alaskan Racing Huskies will take you out for an exhilarating three-hour ride over both groomed and backcountry trails, and you’ll even have the opportunity to mush the dogsled yourself!

 Photo Courtesy of Tourism Revelstoke

Snowshoeing

Snowshoeing is a wonderful way to see some of the spectacular backcountry surrounding Revelstoke. It’s also low-impact and easy to learn, so people of all ages and experience levels can enjoy it together. Revelstoke Mountain Resort offers twice-daily guided tours through well-groomed trails in the Selkirk Mountains (weather permitting), where you’ll learn about local wildlife and history, get winter survival tips, and enjoy a warm beverage.

Around town

You may come to ski Revelstoke, but you’ll fall in love with the town itself. Revelstoke has a fascinating history beginning as a railroad stop in 1899, then becoming a logging community long before the ski resort was built. Many of the locals still work for the Canadian Pacific Railway, which helps Revelstoke retain an authentic small-town charm.

The small-but-mighty downtown packs a serious punch and you’ll find several unique shops, restaurants, cafes, and entertainment options. Après ski is a serious business in Revelstoke and its foodie scene has impressive diversity, with everything from pizza and tacos to Indian food and sushi. Stop by the aptly-named Old School Eatery, housed in a schoolhouse built over 100 years ago, enjoy a beer flight and snacks with sweeping views at Mt. Begbie Brewing Co., and head to Monashee Spirits Craft Distillery for the Duck Fat Sazerac, which involves Sazerac rye being actually washed in duck fat.

To live like a local during your Revelstoke ski trip, visiting one of the area’s several natural hot springs is a must. Choose from easily accessible resort-style hot springs or some so rugged you’ll need a snowmobile to get to them.

Finally, no Revelstoke ski vacation is complete without immersing yourself in the town’s rich history. Check out one of the local museums, including the Revelstoke Railway Museum or the BC Interior Forestry Museum.

Where to stay to ski Revelstoke

Situated just outside the city centre and with arguably some of the best views in the world, the full-service Coast Hillcrest Hotel is the perfect jumping-off point for everything Revelstoke has to offer. Enjoy being “away from it all” while still being just a few minutes’ drive to both downtown Revelstoke and the ski resort. The Coast Hillcrest Hotel is also pet-friendly, so bring Fido along, too!

• Selkirk Tangiers Heli-Skiing headquarters onsite to help plan Revelstoke ski packages
• Two restaurants onsite, the Begbie Room for breakfast and Guides Lounge for dinner
• Daily shuttle to Revelstoke Mountain Resort
• Ski and bicycle storage, plus boot drying room
• Onsite Serenity Spa
• Steam room, sauna, fitness centre, and multiple hot tubs (may be closed, have limited capacity, or have limited hours)
• Lodge-style Valley View reading room with a fireplace and sweeping Monashee Mountain views
• Complimentary passes to the Revelstoke Aquatic Center

Even as the world slowly returns to a semblance of normalcy, it’s important to plan ahead and have contingencies in place. While it’s well worth the journey, Revelstoke is located deep in interior BC. The town is about 5.5 hours from the Calgary International Airport and three hours from the regional airport in Kelowna, or there are a handful of private charter flights from Vancouver. It’s also not uncommon for heavy snowfall to shut down the highway completely, making Revelstoke temporarily inaccessible.

Do plenty of research and monitor the websites and official @revelstoke social media accounts to keep tabs on current conditions and policies. Be sure to verify information – perhaps more than once – via phone before you leave. Of course, protect yourself and those around you by observing local restrictions and guidelines. Travel safe and get #Revelstoked!