Revelstoke Mountain Resort is a destination designed for those who seek some of the most challenging and rewarding ski and outdoor experiences in North America. With the continent’s longest lift-served vertical drop and a reputation for deep, consistent snowfall, it has grown into a premier location for both winter and summer activities. Since its opening in 2007, the resort has continued to expand, offering world-class terrain, lift systems, and year-round recreation that attract visitors from around the world.
Beyond skiing and snowboarding, Revelstoke provides a variety of activities, from backcountry touring and cat skiing to summer adventures like mountain biking and paragliding. The resort blends modern infrastructure with a deep-rooted history in the local community, making it a compelling destination for those looking to push their limits in an outdoor setting.
The Most Vertical Descent in North America
Revelstoke Mountain Resort offers the longest lift-served vertical drop on the continent. It is a destination built for those who want more from a ski season—more descent, more powder, more challenging terrain. The resort has expanded rapidly since opening in 2007, attracting visitors from around the world who come for the scale and variety of the terrain.
The Resort combines lift-served skiing with extensive opportunities for backcountry exploration. The lift system connects a wide range of terrain, from steep alpine bowls to long tree runs. The powder on the mountain is unmatched, with annual snowfall averaging over ten metres.
A Century of Skiing in Revelstoke
Revelstoke has been a centre for skiing for more than a hundred years. Norwegian immigrants introduced the sport, and by the early 1900s, the town had a growing community of skiers. Before modern ski lifts, skiers would hike up Mount Revelstoke to access untouched snow. A small ski area operated in the region for decades before the resort opened in its current form in 2007.
The town has a strong connection to skiing beyond just the resort. Historic ski jumps from the early 20th century remain, and backcountry touring has been part of the area’s culture for generations. The combination of modern resort development and longstanding traditions makes skiing in Revelstoke distinct from other major destinations.
Terrain and Lift System
The numbers at Revelstoke truly stand out. The vertical drop is 1,713 metres, making it the longest in North America. The skiable area covers over 3,100 acres. The terrain includes groomed runs, steep chutes, glades, and alpine bowls. The mix of difficulty levels allows for variety, though advanced terrain dominates.
The lift system is simple but effective. A high-speed gondola serves as the main access point, with two additional high-speed quad chairlifts. A fixed-grip quad and a magic carpet serve beginner areas. Future expansion plans aim to increase the lift-served terrain significantly.
Recent Expansions and Future Plans
Revelstoke Mountain Resort continues to grow. A three-phase employee housing project is in development, with the first building expected to be completed by 2025. This will add hundreds of beds for staff, improving conditions for those who work at the resort.
Further expansion projects include additional lifts and terrain development. The resort aims to increase its skiable area to 10,000 acres, which would make it the largest in North America. Other improvements include expanded parking, road realignments, and facility upgrades.
Activities Beyond Skiing
Revelstoke Mountain Resort operates year-round. In summer, the mountain hosts a range of activities. The Pipe Mountain Coaster is a gravity-fed ride reaching speeds up to 42 km/h. Mountain biking trails span the full vertical drop, with a mix of technical and flow-style riding. An aerial adventure park includes rope courses and climbing elements for different skill levels.
Hiking trails extend from the base to alpine areas, with routes passing through forests and open mountain terrain. Sightseeing opportunities include views of the Columbia River and surrounding peaks. Other options include tandem paragliding, disc golf, and guided outdoor experiences.
Activities at the Resort
Winter Activities
Alpine Skiing and Snowboarding: The resort offers a variety of terrain, from wide groomed runs to steep glades and technical chutes. The mix of beginner, intermediate, and advanced trails provides something for all skill levels. The powder conditions and long vertical descent make for a challenging and rewarding experience.
Cat Skiing and Heli-Skiing: Revelstoke is one of the few resorts where visitors can access both cat skiing and heli-skiing directly from the resort. These services take skiers and snowboarders into remote backcountry areas for deep powder runs on untracked terrain.
Nordic Skiing: A network of cross-country skiing and skate skiing trails wind through the landscape, offering a mix of groomed and backcountry-style trails. These trails provide a quieter and more endurance-focused way to experience winter in Revelstoke.
Snowshoeing: Designated snowshoe trails provide access to winter terrain without the need for skis. The trails range from gentle walks to more challenging routes, giving visitors a unique perspective on the mountain landscape.
Guided Backcountry Tours: Professional guides lead groups into the backcountry, providing expert instruction on navigation, avalanche safety, and route selection. These tours cater to experienced skiers and snowboarders looking to explore beyond the resort’s boundaries.
Avalanche Safety and Training Courses: The resort offers avalanche awareness and safety training courses, helping skiers and snowboarders understand the risks of backcountry travel. These courses cover beacon use, snowpack assessment, and rescue techniques.
Summer Activities
Mountain Biking: The resort’s lift-accessed bike park offers trails ranging from smooth beginner routes to technical downhill tracks. The "Fifty-Six Twenty" trail runs the full vertical drop of the mountain, providing a long and varied descent.
Hiking and Trail Running: Well-maintained trails lead to scenic alpine meadows, lakes, and viewpoints overlooking the Columbia River. Routes vary from short beginner-friendly hikes to full-day treks.
The Pipe Mountain Coaster: A gravity-powered alpine coaster that allows riders to control their speed while winding down the mountain. The ride reaches speeds of up to 42 km/h, offering an exciting descent.
Aerial Adventure Park: The adventure park features a multi-level course with rope swings, suspension bridges, climbing elements, and zip lines. It offers a mix of beginner-friendly obstacles and challenging high-altitude sections.
Paragliding: Tandem flights provide a high-altitude perspective of the resort and surrounding mountains. Flights launch from the upper slopes, offering extended soaring experiences over the valley below.
Disc Golf: A professionally designed disc golf course runs through the lower portion of the resort, offering a mix of wooded and open fairways. The course provides a relaxed but skill-based summer activity.
Scenic Gondola Rides: The Revelation Gondola operates in the summer, allowing non-skiers to access alpine hiking trails and take in panoramic views of the surrounding peaks.
Fishing and Kayaking: The Columbia River and local lakes provide opportunities for freshwater fishing and kayaking. Guided trips and equipment rentals are available for those looking to explore the waterways.
Staying at the Resort
The Sutton Place Hotel is the main on-mountain accommodation. It offers ski-in/ski-out access and a range of suite-style rooms. The hotel includes on-site dining, retail shops, and guest services tailored to winter and summer visitors. Additional lodging options are available in the town of Revelstoke, a short drive from the resort.
Conclusion
Revelstoke Mountain Resort stands out as a premier destination for outdoor enthusiasts seeking year-round adventure. Whether carving through deep powder in winter, exploring technical mountain bike trails in summer, or taking in panoramic views from the gondola, the resort offers a wide range of activities. With ongoing expansions and a commitment to enhancing guest experiences, Revelstoke continues to attract visitors looking for both challenge and variety in a mountain setting.
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