Revelstoke

Tucked away in British Columbia's pristine Selkirk Mountains, Revelstoke Mountain Resort stands as a testament to nature stunning mountain peaks and huge snowfall. This powder paradise commands respect with North America's biggest vertical drop - a heart-pounding 5,620 feet that beckons skiers from around the world to test their limits. But numbers only tell part of the story; it's the mountain's soul that sets it apart.

What truly distinguishes Revelstoke is its location which catches a huge amount of snow. Winter storms rolling through the Selkirks blanket the terrain with over 450 inches of snow annually, transforming the resort into a wonderland that frequently requires snorkels. The town itself defies the typical resort template. Rather than glossy boutiques and chain restaurants, you'll find family-owned cafes and local gear shops. This authenticity extends to the slopes, where seasoned locals welcome newcomers into their powder-hunting brotherhood with a genuine warmth that's becoming increasingly rare in the ski industry.

On my first visit to Revelstoke, I was charmed by sidewalks bordered by chiseled, waist-high snowbanks and heritage-style houses that were adorned with fluffy white mounds. The natural world as I knew it had expanded tenfold, and I never looked back. Mountains dusted by snow in late September, rivers that originate at the base of hanging glaciers and trees so large you’d need six people to encircle it, arms outstretched. I never knew how many coffee shops a rural mountain town needed until they became my neighbors. Or how the three blocks at city center come to life after a Revelstoke Grizzlies hockey game—excited fans jumping from bar to bar.

Revelstoke is special in more ways than one, but the skiing is beyond comparison. Expansive and remote terrain combines with the world’s only inland temperate rainforest climate to create a place that’s not just unique; it’s one-of-a-kind. Imagine the volume of precipitation in a rainforest, only it’s snow. This is the reason that Revelstoke Mountain Resort (RMR) is home to several world-renowned freeride competitions—the terrain provides an unparalleled skiing experience.

Revelstoke offers a diverse range of skiing experiences across its vast terrain, which spans 3,121 acres. The resort is known for its challenging runs, but it provides options for all skill levels, with specialized zones catering to beginners, intermediates, and experts.

Revelstoke is not primarily known for beginner skiing, but it does offer a few accessible runs. The Beginners Area, accessed via the Mtn. Coaster and Revelation Gondola, provides gentle, wide-open slopes ideal for those just starting out. The lower mountain features several green runs that are perfect for building confidence on skis. Snow School programs are available for those new to skiing or snowboarding, ensuring a supportive learning environment.

Intermediate skiers will find a variety of challenging, yet manageable runs on Revelstoke’s mountain. The Ridge Rocket Chair and Revelation Gondola provide access to several blue runs that are well-suited for intermediates, such as Sorels and Freeway. These runs are longer and more varied, with moderate gradients that allow skiers to progress at a comfortable pace while enjoying the expansive terrain​.

Revelstoke is renowned for its expert-level terrain, which is a major draw for advanced skiers. With 45% of the trails rated as expert-level, the resort offers some of the steepest and most challenging terrain in North America. The North Bowl and South Bowl provide ample opportunities for advanced skiers to test their skills on steep, powder-filled slopes. Trees and chutes, such as The Ripper, offer thrilling, technical runs. The resort also features heli-skiing and cat-skiing options, offering unparalleled access to backcountry terrain​. Revelstoke’s vertical drop of 5,620 feet (1,713 meters) is the longest in North America, ensuring that expert skiers will enjoy a thrilling experience from top to bottom.

Tucked away on Canada's Powder Highway, Revelstoke pulls skiers from around the world for it blower pow and extremely fun technical terrain. The resort is holds numerous Freeride competitions every year because the terrain is just that good. The town its self has an incredible vibe as well, with so much. snow falling every year you can get literally stuck there for days on end and the locals have a enduring and welcoming demeanor about them make this small town feel like home.