A Local’s Guide: Revelstoke 

On the western side of Roger’s pass in between the Monashee and the Selkirk Mountains sits the small mountain town of Revelstoke, BC. It is a far cry from the ski resorts found in Colorado or Whistler, BC. It has the small-town mountain charm that seems to be missing from some of the bigger resorts these days. It may be small, but despite being small the massive snowfall and access to incredible terrain within the resort and throughout the backcountry is incredible. Originally built as an industry town because of the railroad and dam Revelstoke has evolved into a backcountry skiing mecca. The nearest international airport Kelowna is only about 2 and a half hours away, but with so much to do in Revelstoke, it is hard to get yourself to go anywhere else. Here are some of our favorite things to do in Revelstoke during the winter!

You can’t go to Revelstoke without exploring Roger’s Pass. Long known as Canada’s ski touring capital Roger’s Pass is just a short drive from Revelstoke. The ski touring is located in Glacier National Park on Roger’s Pass between Revelstoke and Golden, BC. You don’t have to worry about any mechanized traffic poaching your hard-earned lines. National Parks have a strict no mechanized access rule. There is a wide variety of terrain found on Roger’s Pass from mellow open alpine bowls to steep couloirs, and fun tree skiing. Getting up high will provide you will endless views of the Selkirk Mountains. You need to have lots of experience and training to get into this terrain. We recommend you hire a local guide such as Powder Guides Ski Adventures to help you on your ski tour adventure. The fully certified ACMG ski guides have spent years explore Roger’s Pass and have all the beta to make the most out of your ski touring day! 

When your legs are can’t handle any more ski touring and you need some extra help getting up high check out:  Revelstoke Mountain Resort. Known for the longest vertical in North America this is one ski hill you don’t want to miss. Don’t let the fact that there is only one gondola and two chair lifts fool you. There are lots of steep, technical lines inbounds, as well as lots of deep, fluffy, snow to be skied. Check out North Bowl off of the Stoke chair after a big storm and you won’t be disappointed. There is always powder stashes to be found, and lots of terrain to explore. 

If you have the time and the cash on hand spending a day heli-skiing in Revelstoke is a truly unique experience. The lines you will ski will be ingrained in your memory forever. 

Favorite Eats:

To get your day started we recommend you head to one of the two La Baguette locations in Revelstoke. One is conveniently located at the base of the ski hill while the other is downtown behind the Save On Food. The coffee and breakfast choices will get you fueled for the day. If you need a lunch to take with you the yam and turkey wraps are a sure bet. All of the sweets are just a delicious as they look, and always pair well with a cappuccino. Be forewarned you will not be the only one looking for your coffee fix in the morning.

After a long day exploring the Revelstoke area on skis, there is nothing like rehashing over some beers and a good meal. The best place in town for this is the Beerhouse. Big shared tables, craft beers, and a newly expanded food menu. Ski movies play in the background while everyone talks about the sick lines they skied that day. The Beerhouse is known for its spin on the traditional mac and cheese which is perfect after a long day of ski touring. If mac and cheese is not your thing check out the tuna dish (my personal favorite) 

Another local’s favorite in Revelstoke is the sushi at Kawakuba. Revelstoke isn’t right on the ocean, but Kawabuka makes some killer sushi rolls. The laid back atmosphere and great food is the perfect way to end a fun day skiing in the backcountry. You will leave full and ready to do it all over again tomorrow. 

Nightlife

Even though Revelstoke is a small town there are still a couple of places to head out for a night on the town. The Regent has frequent live music and pool tables. If you really want to get your groove on Traverse is the only night club in town and will have beats pumping late into the evening. 

If you are looking for something a little different, but truly Canadian on Friday’s at 7 pm there is drop-in curling. Drink a couple of pitches of beer and test out your curling skills. Open to all skill levels. Or go cheer on the local hockey team, The Grizzlies. The check the season schedule to see if there is a home game http://www.revelstokegrizzlies.com/leagues/schedules.cfm?clientID=4563&leagueID=1520

Revelstoke is a great little mountain town tucked into the interior of British Columbia. The town is great, the people are friendly, and most importantly the skiing is epic!