Every Type of Skiing You Can Do in Revelstoke, BC

Revelstoke, British Columbia, is a destination that offers a diverse range of skiing experiences. Revelstoke caters to every skier's passion, from its renowned resort's meticulously groomed runs to its renowned resort's untouched expanses of backcountry powder.
Alpine Skiing at Revelstoke Mountain Resort
Revelstoke is a premier destination for alpine skiing enthusiasts, offering a blend of challenging terrain, abundant snowfall, and modern facilities. At the heart of this experience is Revelstoke Mountain Resort (RMR), which has been attracting skiers from around the globe since its opening in 2007.
One of RMR's standout features is its impressive vertical drop of 1,713 meters (5,620 feet), the most significant in North America. This substantial descent provides skiers with extended runs that cater to various skill levels. The resort encompasses 3,121 acres of skiable terrain, divided into 75 official runs. These runs range from gentle green circles suitable for beginners to demanding black diamonds designed for advanced skiers. The diverse landscape includes wide-open alpine bowls, perfectly spaced glades, and meticulously groomed trails, ensuring a comprehensive skiing experience for all visitors.
A modern lift system facilitates accessibility to this vast terrain. The Revelation Gondola is the primary access point, transporting guests from the base to mid-mountain and upper elevations. From there, high-speed quad chairlifts, such as The Stoke and The Ripper, provide swift and efficient movement across the mountain. For those new to the sport or looking to refine their skills, the resort offers dedicated learning areas serviced by the Stellar chairlift and a magic carpet, creating a welcoming environment for novices.
Revelstoke's reputation for reliable snowfall further enhances its appeal. The resort receives an average of 10.5 meters (34 feet) of snow annually, ensuring consistent and quality powder conditions throughout the season. This abundance of snow, combined with the resort's varied terrain and state-of-the-art facilities, solidifies Revelstoke Mountain Resort's status as a top choice for alpine skiing in British Columbia.
Backcountry Skiing and Ski Touring
One of the most renowned areas for backcountry skiing near Revelstoke is Rogers Pass, located within Glacier National Park. This area is celebrated for its impressive ski touring opportunities, featuring up to 1,500-meter descents through heavily glaciated alpine regions, steep tree skiing, and mellow alpine bowls. The variety of terrain ensures that skiers can find routes that match their skill levels and preferences. The Alpine Club of Canada also maintains huts throughout the area, providing excellent options for multi-day ski touring trips.
For those seeking guided experiences, several local operators offer tailored backcountry tours. Revelstoke Ski Touring provides exclusive private guided winter backcountry adventure vacations, allowing travellers to experience the mountains at their best. These tours are designed to cater to individual skill levels and preferences, ensuring a personalized and safe adventure.
The Monashee Mountains, accessible from Revelstoke, offer exceptional ski touring opportunities. Operators like Sol Mountain Lodge provide access to this reliable snowpack, delivering legendary backcountry ski touring experiences. The lodge is located in the Monashee Mountain range, offering a quintessential backcountry experience in a quiet and consistently epic setting.
Safety is paramount when venturing into the backcountry. Skiers must have proper avalanche training, carry appropriate safety equipment, and consider hiring experienced guides familiar with the local terrain and conditions. With the appropriate preparation, backcountry skiing and ski touring in Revelstoke offer unparalleled opportunities to explore some of Canada's most breathtaking and challenging landscapes.
Heliskiing Adventures
There several esteemed operators in Revelstoke provide tailored heliskiing experiences. With over 45 years of expertise, Selkirk Tangiers Heli Skiing offers access to 500,000 acres of terrain encompassing more than 400 established runs. Their packages range from single-day adventures to week-long excursions, accommodating intermediate and advanced skiers.
CMH Heliskiing operates out of the centrally located Regent Hotel in downtown Revelstoke, combining wilderness skiing with in-town après-ski amenities. Heliskiing provides an exclusive experience, limiting groups to a maximum of 20 guests, ensuring personalized attention across their expansive 500 square miles of terrain.
For those seeking a blend of luxury and adventure, Bighorn Lodge offers bespoke heliskiing experiences directly from its private helipad at the base of Revelstoke Mountain Resort. This arrangement allows guests to seamlessly transition from opulent accommodations to the pristine slopes of the Monashee and Selkirk mountain ranges.
Heliskiing in Revelstoke caters to a broad spectrum of skiing abilities. While the allure of untouched powder and remote mountain landscapes appeals to seasoned skiers, many operators also design programs suitable for strong intermediate participants. These programs focus on building confidence and technique in varied terrains, ensuring a safe and exhilarating experience for all.
Cat-Skiing Opportunities
Cat-skiing in Revelstoke offers an exhilarating alternative to traditional lift-accessed skiing, providing enthusiasts access to untracked powder in remote backcountry areas. Skiers are transported to pristine terrains that promise adventure and solitude by utilizing snowcats- tracked vehicles designed to traverse deep snow.
Several operators in the Revelstoke area specialize in cat-skiing experiences. K3 Cat Ski, for instance, offers day-ski options with complimentary shuttles from accommodations in Revelstoke or Sicamous. Their packages include safety gear, lunch, and drinks, ensuring a comprehensive and enjoyable day on the mountain. For those seeking an immersive experience, K3 Cat Ski also provides on-mountain accommodations with small group guided packages from their lodges.
Great Northern Snowcat Skiing, established in 1979, is one of the world's longest-running owner-operated cat-skiing outfits. With decades of experience, they emphasize safety and personalized service, offering deep powder skiing adventures in the Selkirk Mountains. Their commitment to guest safety includes comprehensive training and the provision of necessary avalanche safety equipment.
Revelstoke Mountain Resort has partnered with Great Northern Snowcat Skiing to offer a Two-Day Intro to Powder Program for those new to backcountry skiing. This program combines a day of skill development at the resort with a subsequent day of cat-skiing on moderate terrain, providing a structured introduction to powder skiing in a supportive environment.
Nordic and Cross-Country Skiing
Revelstoke, British Columbia, offers a rich and diverse Nordic skiing experience deeply rooted in its historical embrace of the sport. The Revelstoke Nordic Ski Club (RNSC), established in 1891, is one of Canada's oldest ski clubs, reflecting the community's longstanding passion for cross-country skiing.
The club maintains an extensive trail network at the base of Mount Macpherson, approximately seven kilometres south of Revelstoke. This network encompasses 30 kilometres of groomed trails meticulously prepared for classic and skate skiing techniques. Among these, a 6-kilometer loop is illuminated for night skiing, allowing enthusiasts to extend their activities into the evening. Additionally, the area features a 4.5-kilometre snowshoe trail and a dog-friendly loop, ensuring inclusivity for various outdoor preferences.
Ski Jumping Legacy
In the early 20th century, Revelstoke emerged as a prominent center for ski jumping, attracting international competitors. Nels Nelsen Hill, established in 1916, witnessed multiple world records, including a 73-meter jump by Nels Nelsen in 1925. While competitive ski jumping has ceased, the site remains a significant landmark, offering interpretive displays and restored structures that provide insight into the sport's historical impact on the community.