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Of all the things this sophomore resort at the bleeding edge of B.C.’s Selkirk Mountains is renowned for, powder tops the list. These days, when people want the guaranteed deep stuff, they either go to Japan or Revelstoke. And while Revelstoke Mountain Resort (RMR) is hard to get to and isn’t as developed as some of it peers (RMR lingers at the bottom of reader satisfaction for on-mountain amenities such as lodging, dining, and food), it is nonetheless massive, and did introduce a new lift last season—the Stellar Chair—that eases congestion and offers more beginner and intermediate terrain.
Still, most everyone agrees this is a “skier’s mountain,” and “not for the faint of heart.” It’s laced with serious freeride terrain, along with the longest vertical drop on the continent (5,620 feet). It comes in at No. 8 for Challenge, No. 4 for Snow, and No. 10 for Value. If what you’re looking for is a hidden freeriders’ paradise, very off the beaten path, with a “great vibe to the overall community,” then this is your mountain. — Matt Coté
Revelstoke’s 2021 SKI Magazine Reader Resort Survey Rank: 26th in the West
Average Snowfall | Acres | Trails | Lifts |
420 | 3120 | 69 | 5 |
- WHAT’S NEW: With the Canadian border potentially closed for the season, and RMR having posted a successful summer, this may be a private playground for those north of the 49th parallel this winter, and a throwback to even deeper times.
- OFF-THE-MAP TRAIL: Hike to Sub Peak and drop in just inside the resort boundary—to skier’s right of Powder Assault, or “The Banana Hammock,” as it’s locally dubbed—and get the most uninterrupted fall-line run on the mountain.
Revelstoke Mountain Resort’s Website
Read about No. 27 in the West for 2021: Snowbird, Utah
Wondering which resort got 25 in the west? Read about Squaw Valley-Alpine Meadows, Calif.
Revelstoke’s 2020 SKI Magazine Reader Resort Survey Rank: 21th in the West
The number 21 doesn’t just belong to Roger Clemens anymore. Soon RMR might steal his nickname—the Rocket—because this 12-year-old resort in the British Columbia heartland is about to take off. Born of a tipsy beginning just before 2008’s economic downturn, Revelstoke was supposed to become the largest resort in Canada and is busy catching up to that promise with a phase of new lift building. For years it’s been an underdog enclave of peaks, pillows, and powder for core skiers willing to go the extra mile (RMR ranks near the bottom for Travel Ease), but those who do make the pilgrimage do it for a reason. “Biggest expert terrain in Canada,” one reader boasts.
RMR has the longest vertical drop on the continent (5,620 feet), giving it high marks for Challenge, as well as Value and Overall Satisfaction. The uniquely authentic Victorian burg at the resort’s foot also continues to win hearts. “Revelstoke, the town, is one of the most charming mountain towns in North America.” We concur. — Matt Coté
- WHAT’S NEW FOR 2020: The Stellar quad bridges the gap between the Stoke and Ripper chairs, offering new beginner and intermediate terrain and relief of bottlenecking at the other lifts.
- BRAGGING RIGHTS: Kill the Banker. Almost 3,000 vertical feet of bumps and cliffs right under the gondola.
- DOWN DAY ACTIVITY: Soak in Halcyon Hot Springs, south of town.
Read more:
SKI Magazine’s 2019 Review of Revelstoke Mountain Resort, B.C.
Up-and-comer Revelstoke is quietly gaining in popularity not just regionally, but with Americans as well. This place has it all—over 3,000 acres of terrain, an authentic town with charm for days, a growing dining scene, and snowcat and heli-skiing—from the base area. Not too shabby.
Skiers come here for adventure: spend a few days exploring the resort’s abundant glades, bowls, and long cruisers (vertical rise: 5,620 feet!), then book a day or two in the Selkirks via cat or heli. Options = good.