Adventurous skiers who thrive on wild experiences and reconnecting with nature know that British Columbia combines vast mountain landscapes with abundant powder. On Canada’s west coast, no two ski days—indeed, no two runs—need ever be the same.
Revelstoke Mountain Resort, RED Mountain Resort and Big White Ski Resort still fly a bit under the radar with the international jet set, which is just the way intrepid stoke-seekers like it. Get ready to push off into a winter wilderness of waist-deep powder, thigh-burning vertical and wide-open spaces. So, strap on your helmet, zip up your jacket, buckle up your boots and snap into your bindings, because we’ve got nine new experiences to add to your BC bucket list.
North America’s Biggest Vertical Drop
It’s been 11 years since Revelstoke Mountain Resort opened, and this mega-sized mountain continues to delight and astonish thanks to its staggering 5,620-foot vertical drop. That’s the highest in North America—greater than Whistler-Blackcomb, Jackson Hole, Aspen and Sun Valley. The resort is flush with fast-cruising runs, like Snow Rodeo, and double-black steeps, like the infamous Kill the Banker: a gnarly, off-camber test that runs right under the Revelation Gondola. And if the most vertical in North America isn’t enough to lure you to Revelstoke’s slopes, perhaps an average annual snowfall of 34 feet will do the trick. Revelstoke is known for its consistent snowfall and holds the Canadian record at a whopping 80 feet.
Snowcat Skiing for Just Ten Bucks
Powder fanatics who are used to the “goods” (inside lingo for “untracked snow”) being gone by noon at most resorts will be thrilled by RED Mountain Resort’s lasting pow stashes. To extend the fun, RED also fires up a Pisten Bully 200 snowcat to access powder runs over on Mt. Kirkup. Score some of the sweetest freshies and experience skiing and riding on 200 acres of world-class snow—all for just $10/run (Canadian, I might add). Head to the cat pickup at the top of Grey Mountain to take the trip over to Mt. Kirkup. The cat runs from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. daily, and no reservations are necessary (note: RED Mountain lift ticket required).
“It’s the Snow”
Why do people from around the world come to Big White, Canada’s largest ski in/ski out resort? That’s easy: “It’s the snow.” Storms from Okanagan Lake drift across the dry, high Monashee Mountains and dump 25 feet of fresh snow annually. At Big White, you don’t need double-black diamond skills to have fun. Float weightlessly over a cushion of snow so forgiving that you barely need to set an edge to turn. Better yet, ski through the famous “snow ghosts”: the enchanting, snow-caked trees that decorate the upper regions of the resort.
Step up the Challenge on Sub Peak
Accessing Revelstoke’s most stomach-churning chutes and spectacular Selkirk scenery requires shouldering skis and following a well-defined boot pack up to the Sub Peak of Mt. Mackenzie. If you’re an expert mountaineer, like local legend Greg Hill, this trip will only take a few minutes; for the rest of us mere mortals, it’s more like 25 minutes. Once you get to the top, you can walk out along the ridge and jump into the double-black diamonds of the North Bowl, or enjoy more moderate, open slopes on the sun-kissed South Bowl.
Gorgeous Glades With Unlimited Lines
The best thing about tree skiing at RED are the famous forests of old-growth fir, cedar and pine trees that cover the slopes. The diversity of tree skiing options spread across this resort—combined with the lack of crowds—will make you feel like you’re deep in the backcountry. Get some one-on-one time with the freshly fallen powder as you float through the trees and laugh with every turn. First time to RED and not sure where to go? Their volunteer Snow Hosts will actually take you off-piste into the trees to find the best hidden stashes and secret spots—talk about Canadian hospitality!
World-Class Powder and Wine
In addition to the effervescent snow at Big White, you can enjoy the dozen award-winning wineries that are all within an hour’s drive. All of the on-mountain restaurants and bars serve up locally produced shiraz, pinot gris, chardonnay and of course, sparkling wine. As far as après ski goes, let’s just say that Big White rocks. You haven’t lived until you’ve danced on the table at Snowshoe Sam’s or downed a delicious flaming coffee at the Gunbarrel Grill.
Big Timber and Bigger Snowfalls
Massive stands of forest abound at lower elevations at Revelstoke Mountain Resort. These cedar, hemlock and fir trees are not only huge, but their limbs and branches literally groan under the blanket of Selkirk powder. They’re widely spaced and easy to ski around—just aim for the open spaces and always ski with friends.
Slide Into the Slackcountry
Slackcountry skiing offers an incredible way to reconnect with nature. Untamed skiing and riding await beyond RED’s boundaries for properly equipped parties that have route-finding skills and avalanche awareness experience. Whether you’re on telemark skis, alpine touring gear or split snowboards, there’s a place in the skin-track for you. Explore O.B. terrain on Mt. Roberts, Record Ridge, Whitewolf Ridge, Mt. Kirkup and Mt. Plewman. The best part? Peaks like Mt. Roberts and Mt. Kirkup can even take you right back to the chairlift (Paradise Chair and Grey Chair, respectively).
Tackle the Cliff
Yes, Big White’s bread and butter clientele are the families who vacation here annually; but there’s more than enough challenging terrain for skiers of all skill levels. The Cliff chairlift services a horseshoe-shaped amphitheatre of chutes and gullies—look for the entry points along the fencing at the top. The Cliff is a giant snow collector, but get there early; this Okanagan favorite is known for its early-risers and fresh track poachers on big pow days.
