Powder Highway Road Trip – Stop #3 – Revelstoke, BC (Photos +Video)

Stop #1: Sun Valley, Idaho

Stop #2: Naksup, British Columbia

For the past four ski seasons, I have kicked-started my winter at Revelstoke Mountain Resort  (RMR). A classic, old railroad town with around 7,000 residents dispersed around the southwest side of the legendary Rogers Pass, Revelstoke is one of the most beautiful mountain towns in North America. It’s roughly a five- to six-hour drive from all three major population centers (Calgary, Vancouver, and Spokane), making it accessible, but still remote enough to preserve the small-town charm.  The newly constructed ski resort (2007) represents the heart and soul of the Powder Highway and offers the longest vertical descent in North America. With an average annual snowfall measuring around ten meters, skiers and snowboarders flock from every direction to experience Revy’s epic champaign powder.

Revelstoke Local Vitals:
• Longest vertical descent, 5,620 feet,  of any resort in North America
• Top Elevation: 7,300 feet
• Lift service: 1 Gondola; 2 high speed quads; 2 magic carpets
• Best Hotel: Sutton Place Resort
• Heli operation: Selkirk/Tangiers

My favorite part of RMR is the lift service featuring a gondola with over 5,600 vertical feet, as well as detachable quads named the Stoke and the Ripper.  Top-to-bottom nonstop runs will challenge even the strongest and best skiers in the world producing copious amounts of lactic acid (aka severe “leg burn”).

Since 2010,  Revy has been the host of the Canadian Freeskiing Championships, bringing together the best freeskiers from around the world. I have had the opportunity to participate in this competition for the past three seasons, and most athletes will argue that it is the best stop on the entire  tour.

The town of Revelstoke is young and welcoming, and the mountain will challenge you like no other. After a solid day of face shots and steep landings, accessed by the one and only “Stoke” chair, you can look forward to delicious Asian fusion appetizers and gourmet burgers coupled with an epic cocktail at the Rockford Wok Bar and Grill. Don’t be shocked if the pro skier shredding the epic lines on the flatscreen TVs is sitting right next to you at the bar reminiscing about the killer day they had riding lifts or cats or helicopters. RMR is the only resort worldwide that offers a centralized hub including gondola, cat-skiing, and heli-skiing.

This year, we are staying at the Sutton Place Hotel, which offers amazing views of the surrounding mountains as we look down over the main plaza. The beds are super comfortable with cozy down pillows and relaxing hot tub just steps away.

For a true locals experience take the bus into town and check out the Modern Cafe for a cup of coffee and homemade baked goods. This place will be sure to make you feel at home and their breakfast panini are the best way to start your day.  Another local favorite spot is the Village Idiot with the best pizza in town and a great place to catch up on the latest ski and snowboard films. Revelstoke, Revy, or Rev,  no matter what you call this place, the one thing you can count on is the Stoke!

Stop #1: Sun Valley, Idaho

Stop #2: Naksup, British Columbia

About the Road Trip
There is nothing like a good road trip to set the mind free. “Hitting the open road in search of adventure is a part of the American Dream,” said Pat Bauman, an original member of the K2 Performers. In the early 1970s, Bauman teamed up with local Sun Valley skiers—John Clendenin, Charley McWilliams, Jim Stelling—to tour the country in a flashy, red-white-and-blue motor home with the intent of showing people just how much fun it can be to strap a pair of skis to your feet. Inspired by this original band of skiers, a new generation of Eddie Bauer guides and athletes start their own road trip and head north into Canada to search for perfect conditions along the infamous Powder Highway.