Revelstoke Mountain resort Guide and Visitor Information to help you plan your trip
Our Ulitmate Revelstoke Mountain Resort Guide is here to help you plan the best ski tirp of your life to one of the best ski destinations in Canada.
About Revelstoke Mountain Resort
Where is Revelstoke?
Revelstoke couldn’t be more perfectly placed geographically, lying right smack in the middle of the cold Rockies air and the wet coastal air, which collide reliably throughout the winter resulting in biblical dumps of deep, light fluffy stuff that we all go crazy for. I suppose it doesn’t hurt that Revelstoke Mountain Resort also happens to sit right on a particularly epic stretch of the Selkirk Mountains, which seem to have the perfect blend of gnarly steep terrain, deep forests and open alpine ridges.
Revelstoke is located on Highway 1, roughly 2 hours West of Golden and 3 hours North of Kelowna. The resort sits in the Columbia Mountain Range, which stretch between the Rockies and Coast Mountains. Revelstoke is specifically in the Selkirk Mountain Range, which is a subset of the Columbias.
History of Revelstoke Mountain Resort
Revelstoke has been home to a stoked ski scene for well over a hundred years with the Revelstoke Ski Club having laid down official roots as early as 1914. The actual Mount Mackenzie location of the current ski hill was set up in 1964 and over the years went through boom and bust, eventually changing hands in 2008, where it expanded and was modernized to grow to the staggering resort acreage that is available today.
Now you’ve got the history of Revelstoke Mountain Resort, let’s move on to why you should ski here, plus where and when to go!
How Good Is The Skiing At Revelstoke?
A worthy question and trust me, the skiing is world class. Revelstoke Mountain Resort gets one of the largest snowfalls each year of all North American Resorts, plus boasts the highest skiable vertical feet in North America, at a leg numbing 5620 feet.
Terrain
Revelstoke offers up 3121 acres of skiable terrain, with 75 runs and 45% of their terrain sitting at the advanced level. 4 alpine bowls, all facing different aspects mean far fewer sun crusted or wind blasted days in the bar.
Revelstoke has a variety of terrain to keep everyone happy, which has been a bigger focus for them over the last several years. This is heaven on Earth for tree skiing and alpine bowls, but also has a great range of intermediate groomers, along with a terrain park and kids park. The tree skiing here is mostly well spaced and with a reasonable pitch. Pillows are abundant through the glades and you’d be hard pressed to be bored. The alpine bowls range from steep and bumpy to open and cruisy, with a reliably refilled stash of snow for your pleasure. The blue groomers face south and have a high elevation range, which makes them a really great option to cruise down on sunny spring days, racing your buddies to the beer taps. Revelstoke is known as one of the best resorts in Canada for powder and freeride skiing.
Snowfall
Revelstoke is a heavy hitter when it comes to getting bucketed under loads of snow each winter. With an average annual snowfall of 246 inches, this place gets a whole lot of base and track filled in often (sometimes each run you take).
The snow is a light but plentiful type of snow, sometimes referred to as “Cold Smoke”. This is a result of the cold arctic air travelling south from the far north and colliding with wet coastal systems that move in from the West Coast.
The Skiing Overall
Yep, the skiing and snowboarding at Revelstoke Mountain Resort is damn good and should definitely be on your bucketlist! There are plenty of options for every level or type of skier and boarder. Revelstoke is an amazing place for a family vacation, even with young shredders in tow, but also perfect for a bachelor party or say, an international freeride contest. Read on in our Resort Guide to find out more about visiting Revelstoke!
How to PLan the ideal ski trip to Revelstoke
Apart from the obvious best option of joining one of our guided small group tours of the Powder Highway, or ski basecamps at Revelstoke, there are several other ways to visit this paradise and enjoy!
When to go
The honest answer is most of the time. The third week of December is actually the snowiest time of year to be here, though the snowpack isn’t built up yet. Cold winter temperatures stick around until the very end of March, so historically there isn’t a worry of an early spring melting the snow and fresh snow continues to cycle through every few 3-7 days from mid December through the end of March.
Here is a month by month guide when to ski Revelstoke:
December: zero crowds, frequent storms, low base (more features), cold weather
January: zero crowds, semi-frequent storms, cold weather and a building base
February: the most crowded, solid base, moderate storms, temperatures more comfortable
March: less crowded, longer daylight (more contrast), highest snowpack, moderate storms
April: warmer, high base, less powder, more fun vibes and spring skiing.
My personal favourite time to visit Revelstoke Mountain Resort is the first two weeks of March, which I believe balance the best of daylight, crowds, snow frequency and base.
To Stay or Go- how long to stay?
It would take a good skier or snowboarder several days to explore Revelstoke’s many tree runs, 4 alpine bowls and various pockets. I would suggest a minimum of two days here, and with a local guide you can cover most of the fun spots to ski on the resort within that time. (hint.. this is where our tours come in clutch!)
Revelstoke can also be paired really well with a few other resorts to make a multi-resort adventure. If you are travelling in or out of Calgary, you will be passing Kicking Horse and Lake Louise ski resorts, both of which offer some great alpine terrain. If you are travelling from Kelowna, you will be near Silverstar, Bigwhite and even Sunpeaks. If you are driving up from Spokane area, you will be passing Whitewater and Red Mountain, which also cater to tree skiing enthusiasts. While the Powder Highway is a big area, with fairly treacherous winter roads, Revelstoke can be combined with a few other resorts, but is also a fantastic standalone ski vacation hot spot.
Backcountry skiing near Revelstoke resort
Revelstoke has a ton of absolutely world class backcountry skiing. Roger’s Pass is one of the best places to backcountry ski and snowboard in Canada and is only an hour from the town of Revelstoke.
You can also take the lift to the top of the resort and skin out to some incredible sidecountry areas, like Montana Bowl, Tobacco Bowl and Highway Bowl, all filled with epic lines.
There are several backcountry ski lodges near Revelstoke as well, which you can stay at with a multiday guided ski package, or an unguided accommodation only package at some.
Our top Runs At Revelstoke Mountain Resort
OK, first an foremost, let me be honest. We run tours that bring travelers to the best powder stashes and terrain pockets on the mountain, so we can’t give up our secrets (unless you join our tours!), but we will give you the next best set of runs. Below are some areas on the mountain we would recommend. in our guide to Revelstoke Mountain Resort!
Expert skiers/ snowboarders
Meet the Neighbours and Parachute from Stoke Chair. These are both short, steep and narrow lines off the ridge above North Bowl that open up into some lesser skied areas of the mountain. Point down and come out cruising fast over a powder pocket with a good runout. Watch for horizontal ditches as people cheat their way in from the skier’s right (don’t do this).
Back 40 and Lower Back Glades are a often forgotten powder playground. They pull right, so if you fight left you should be into the good stuff.
Powder Monkey Glades- most people stay within sight of the Ripper Chair, so venture further right for the goodies.
Discipline- hike up Subpeak from Stoke Chair and you’ll find Discipline dropping out from right beneath your feet. Most people pucker up and head right, but if you hit the left side you’ll find some spicy sections between rock outcrops.
(By the way, none of this is considered good advice. Trees have dangerous tree wells and when I say spicy sections, think laying on a stretcher for hours with a concussion and spinal. Assess each run for yourself and as we say “if you can’t see it, don’t ski it”)
Tally Ho Glades- Most days there are some fun pockets of pow left in these glades and if you hit the far right, it’s usually the least tracked.
Kill The Banker is the obvious choice for what we would call an adventure on the snow. Watch for ice, rocks, roots, logs, poles and holes. When it’s good…. it’s good. When it’s bad… it’s bad, but always worth it!
Intermediate runs for skiers and boarders
Snow Rodeo is one of the best, most continuous, wide open, cruisy, wind blowing through your helmet runs on the planet! Highly recommend and just keep going ‘til the wheels fall off and you couldn’t muster another turn!
Devil’s Club usually has some lesser skied sections and some awesome views while you’re at it. There is one small section with moguls, but other than that, this is the perfect place to perfect your skiing off groomers!
Where to stay in Revelstoke | Vacation guide
The town of Revelstoke has seen much development over the past ten years and there are several great accommodation options now. Below are a few of our recommendations.
Sutton Place Hotel - Best for ski in/ ski out
The Sutton Place Hotel is a comfortable mid to high end hotel with condominium style rooms right at the base of Revelstoke Mountain. There are two great outdoor hot tubs, two restaurant/ bars and the rooms are very comfortable and spacious.
Sandman Hotel- Best on a budget
The Sandman Hotel is across town but a great option for those looking to save their dollars for extra apres beer at Rumpus Brewery. The rooms are fine, there are two indoor hot tubs and a Denny’s attached.
The Bison Lodge- Best for the ultra elite
The Bison Lodge leaves little to be desired, with saunas, hot tubs, fantastically fancy timber frame lodge style accommodations, a private chef and helipad outside the door. Choose this option if you’ve won the lottery, or just sold your tech company.
Best Western- Best for ev owners
The Best Western Hotel is a great option right next to the Sandman on the edge of town. An outdoor hot tub, EV charging stations, indoor gym and nice, comfortable rooms make this a perfectly reasonable choice.
Glacier Lodge- Best for unique cabin experience
The Glacier Lodge is one of our favourite places to stay in Revelstoke, with unique and cozy cabin options. The lodge is a few minutes outside of town, so you feel more secluded without having to drive too far each day to access the resort.
Where to eat and Drink in Revelstoke
The dining scene in Revelstoke has been evolving over the past decade and offers some really great options now! Below is a list of our favourite places to dine in Revelstoke and where to do Apres in our Revelstoke Mountain Guide!
Old School Eatery- Best all around restaurant
Enter an old schoolhouse for a taste of Revelstoke’s delicious fare. Old School Eatery is a well known and well liked restaurant with a wide variety of tasty and healthy meal options that don’t feel so much like you’re eating at a restaurant. There are yummy options from across a variety of ethnicities and a bar that leaves nothing to be desired.
Village idiot- best for local character
The Village Idiot has been hand feeding locals and visitors alike for many years now with a creative menu, and decor to make you feel like you’re in downtown Revelstoke. Ample vintage skis, mugs of beer and rosy cheeked skiers and snowboarders ensure you feel right at home here. Come early for a seat as there is usually a line.
Craft Bierhaus- best for beer and meat lovers
This is the place to go if you want a wide variety of beer on tap, and definitely the place to go if you are looking for a hunk of animal protein to repair your muscles. Some of the best beef ribs I’ve ever had came from Craft Bierhaus, along with some top notch ramen and mac & cheese bowls. Shared tables offer some opportunity to meet other travelers or locals too!
Rockford bistro- best for on mountain eats/ apres
Rockford Bistro is right at the base of the hill, so you don’t have to crawl far after successfully skiing from top to bottom at the end of the day. A good selection of beers, capable bar tenders and friendly staff ensure you get the alcohol you need to celebrate your big day on the slopes. The food is very good too, with some really good salads and a variety of other options that are sure to delight you.
Begbie Brewery- Best for dark beer
Begbie Brewery is a few minutes out of town but well worth the trip. If you like dark beer, this is the place to be with some really great options that warm you from the inside out, while also cooling you down, if that makes sense?! A few nice food options mean you don’t have to leave to get some dinner, just in case the beer is too good to depart from.
rumpus brewery- Best local brewery feel
Rumpus Brewery is a small but mighty brewery in downtown Revelstoke and steps away from other restaurants and shops. The beer is good, vibe is great and that’s about all we need right? This brewery is small so I would recommend coming early if you have a big crew.
Monashee Spirits- best for spirits
Looking to quench the kind of thirst that only a sultry bourbon can help with?! Monashee Spirits is your go to then. A highly awarded and top rated distillery, this place doesn’t disappoint even the most high brow scotch connoisseur. Limited seating means you should come early!
Equipment rentals in Revelstoke
Revelstoke Powder Rentals
We recommend Revelstoke Powder Rentals in our Revelstoke Resort Guide, which is near the downtown and offer some really good choices for skiing and snowboarding, plus gear for backcountry touring. You can even rent pants, helmets and goggles here, which come in super clutch if your bag is delayed. This is also a great spot to get a wax job or a quick repair!
Frequently asked questions about skiing at Revelstoke Mountain Resort
Is revelstoke good for families?
I would say absolutely yes, though I would say it’s great for families who are looking to ski a real mountain. If your kids love to ski and don’t mind a big day, this is the place for you. There is a surprisingly good terrain park, a Gnome Zone, a bunny hill, beginner terrain and cruisy blue runs to suit any beginner to intermediate rider. The town is fairly limited but does have some fun evening activities, like nearby hot springs, bowling, snowshoe tours, a cinema and really fun aquatic center.
When is the best time to visit revelstoke for powder?
Short answer is anytime, though if we had to pick something more specific, I would say around Christmas for most frequent dumps with a shallow snowpack, or end of Feb/ early March for reliable snowfall with a deep snowpack.
What’s the best way to get to revelstoke?
Flying into Kelowna and taking the shuttle to town is likely your easiest option. There is one bus per day to and from Calgary, though the times aren’t convenient. You can rent a car from Kelowna or Calgary as well.
How many Days do I need to ski Revelstoke?
As many as you can, though I wouldn’t come here for less than two days if you want to cover some terrain. The runs are long and while there are only 75 runs, most of the mountain lies between the runs, so there is a ton to explore.
Can I heliski in Revelstoke?
Yes, you sure can! Groups of 4 can book a ride with Eagle Pass and individuals or groups can book with Selkirk Tangiers. Both are great options and have various packages to choose from.
Is there cat skiing in revelstoke?
There are plenty of great cat skiing options around Revelstoke, but they only cater to multiday packages, and don’t offer day cat skiing. You can combine a trip to Revy with a multiday cat or heli option to build the trip of your dreams!
When does the season start/ end in Revelstoke?
The ski season typically goes from mid December through mid April.
Join A Guided Group Ski Trip To Revelstoke mountain Resort with Fresh Adventures!
Our fully guided ski trips on the Powder Highway make it effortless for you to experience the best skiing Canada has to offer at not just one, but many of the best freeride resorts in Canada in one trip! Join us for 6-12 days of absolute bliss on a Powder Highway Tour and get the goods with our local guides. Or plan a private trip for you and your friends!
About the author
Alex Ross- Lead Guide/ Founder
Let’s just say Alex didn’t want to work a real job when he grew up. He had his heart set on avoiding any kind of accounting, human resources, compliance, marketing and business administration, in order to be free for his dream job as a ski guide. Now he guides people on skis, but mostly does accounting, human resources, compliance, marketing and business administration work!