The History of Skiing in Revelstoke, BC

Revelstoke, British Columbia, has a storied skiing history that spans over a century. Revelstoke's evolution reflects a deep-rooted passion for skiing from its early days as a hub for ski jumping to its current status as a premier destination for winter sports enthusiasts.

Early Beginnings and the Formation of the Revelstoke Ski Club

In 1890, a Norwegian miner introduced skiing to Revelstoke, arriving with "Norwegian snowshoes," as locals called them. This sparked interest among residents, leading to the formation of the Revelstoke Ski Club in 1891, recognized as Canada's oldest continuously operating ski club. By December 1914, the club had formalized its status, and by 1915, it boasted over 100 members, reflecting the community's growing enthusiasm for the sport.

The Golden Era of Ski Jumping

Mount Revelstoke became a focal point for ski jumping activities. 1915, the first Winter Sports Carnival was held, featuring ski jumping as the main event. The following year, the "Big Hill," later known as Nels Nelsen Hill, was established within Mount Revelstoke National Park. This venue hosted numerous competitions, attracting international athletes and spectators. Local athlete Nels Nelsen set multiple world records on the hill during the 1920s, with a notable jump of 240 feet in 1925. In 1922, Isabel Coursier made history by setting a women's world record with a jump of 25.6 meters (84 feet) at 16.

Transition to Alpine Skiing and Resort Development

As interest in ski jumping waned during the 1960s, the focus shifted towards alpine skiing. In 1961, a poma lift on Mount Revelstoke enhanced access to slalom runs and ski jumps. 1964, Austrian ski instructor Paul Mair and local logger Don Sinclair opened the Mount Mackenzie Ski Hill, laying the foundation for what would eventually become Revelstoke Mountain Resort. By 1973, a double chairlift was installed, and the area saw the introduction of helicopter skiing in 1977 and cat skiing in 1978, diversifying the skiing experiences available to visitors.

Modern Developments and Revelstoke Mountain Resort

Revelstoke Mountain Resort officially opened in 2007, offering the highest vertical drop in North America at 1,713 meters (5,620 feet). The resort has since become a major attraction for skiers worldwide, contributing to the town's economic growth and international reputation as a premier skiing destination. Recent developments include luxury accommodations, new chairlifts, and expanded skiable terrain. These enhancements aim to position Revelstoke alongside renowned ski destinations like Whistler and Banff, attracting a global clientele and fostering a vibrant community centred around winter sports.

From its early days as a hub for ski jumping pioneers to its current status as a world-class alpine skiing destination, Revelstoke's history reflects a community's enduring passion for skiing. The town's continuous evolution in the skiing world underscores its commitment to embracing new opportunities while honouring its rich heritage.