Revelstoke: The Vertical Frontier of Canadian Skiing
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Revelstoke: The Vertical Frontier of Canadian Skiing

Revelstoke isn’t just a ski resort—it’s a pilgrimage. Set deep in British Columbia’s Selkirk Mountains, “Revy” is a place where skiers whisper about bottomless powder, 5,600 vertical feet of descent, and lines that go on forever. This isn’t a mountain for the faint of heart—it’s a playground for those who live for leg burn, face shots, and wild terrain that feels untouched by time.

Quick Stats

  • Location: Revelstoke, British Columbia, Canada
  • Elevation: 1,680 ft base / 7,300 ft summit
  • Vertical Drop: 5,620 ft (the largest in North America)
  • Skiable Terrain: 3,121 acres
  • Annual Snowfall: ~413 inches
  • Number of Runs: 75 (plus endless off-piste and backcountry options)
  • Lifts: 5 (including the Revelation Gondola and Stoke Chair)
  • Vibe Check: Raw, soulful, and powder-obsessed

The Vibe

Revelstoke is for skiers who crave the real thing—deep snow, steep faces, and no-nonsense mountain culture. The town itself feels like an old logging village turned powder mecca. You won’t find glitz here, but you’ll find grit—and some of the friendliest locals in Canada. The mountain’s terrain is massive, with long alpine bowls, tree runs that seem endless, and powder stashes that can last for days. Après here feels like a reward, not a scene—cold beer, tired legs, and big smiles after big descents.

Must-Ride Runs

🟢 Greens

  • The Last Spike – a 9-mile cruiser that winds from summit to base with jaw-dropping views.
  • Greenhorn – mellow, scenic trail perfect for warm-up laps or families.

🟦 Blues

  • Snow Rodeo – classic blue with flowy turns and perfect corduroy.
  • Hollywood Bowl – wide open, rolling terrain that feels like a film set on powder days.
  • Turtle Creek – long, intermediate run with great snow and fewer crowds.

♦︎ Blacks

  • Kill the Banker – steep, relentless, and one of Revy’s most famous leg-burners.
  • Hot Sauce – spicy tree line with deep snow and serious pitch.
  • Greely Bowl – massive alpine bowl where freeride dreams come true.

Après + Town Stays

Après in Revelstoke is understated but full of soul—no pretension, just good food, craft beer, and mountain energy.

  • Rockford Grill – modern slopeside restaurant with hearty Canadian fare and killer cocktails.
  • The Village Idiot Bar & Grill – iconic downtown spot with pizza, poutine, and local vibes.
  • Craft Bierhaus – 20+ taps of BC’s best brews, perfect for post-pow storytelling.
  • The Taco Club – casual and delicious, serving mountain-town tacos and margaritas.
  • 112 Restaurant & Lounge – refined dining with a classic ski-lodge feel.
  • The Sutton Place Hotel – ski-in/ski-out luxury at the base of the gondola.
  • The Explorers Society Hotel – boutique stay downtown with rooftop hot tub and local charm.

Travel Tips

Fly into Kelowna International Airport (YLW) and drive 2.5 hours east along the Trans-Canada Highway. The journey itself is stunning—towering peaks, frozen lakes, and endless evergreens. Revelstoke rewards those who plan ahead: bring avalanche gear if exploring beyond the resort, and book heli or cat-skiing early (Revy is famous for both). The best snow usually hits from late December through early March, but spring offers long days and silky corn snow.

Fun Facts

  • Revelstoke boasts North America’s longest vertical drop at 5,620 feet.
  • The area gets over 400 inches of snow annually thanks to moist Pacific systems and cold interior air.
  • Home to world-renowned heli-skiing operations like Selkirk Tangiers and CMH.
  • The resort’s Last Spike trail is one of the longest continuous groomers in the world.
  • Locals call it “Revy” — and yes, it has its own distinct culture of powder obsession.

Why It Made Our Top 50 List

Revelstoke made the list because it’s as pure as skiing gets—massive terrain, endless snow, and a community built around the love of winter. It’s where you go to test your limits, chase your best turns, and remember why you fell in love with skiing in the first place.