Revelstoke

Revelstoke

Overall Rating

Revelstoke

Revelstoke3.5/554
Revelstoke3.5 out of 5 based on 54 reviews
  • Recommend
    81%
  • Would Revisit
    85%

Revelstoke - Reviews

Revelstoke - Reviews

Over Hyped and getting worse

Johnny Hotub
16/10/2024
  • Recommend
  • Would Revisit
  • Rider Type
    Snowboarder
  • Rider Level
    Advanced
  • Rider Age
    36-50
  • Month Visited:
    February
  • Admin Rating
    4

Over Hyped and getting worse

Johnny Hotub
16/10/2024
I have been going to Revy for almost 10 years and all I can say is it has gotten worse and worse. The resort is focused on one thing…money. The hotel at the base is borderline gross. The carpets are stained. The couches are completely worn out. The tv’s don’t allow you to plug in your iPad or phone. And the cost has quadrupled. There are a total of 2 restaurants but 1 is kinda fake.
Now let’s get to the mountain. Its fine. It’s not great at all. There is not a lot of fall line skiing. Most of the trees are very tight and there is no, zero, dead fall cleared so until mid/late January the trees are not good or safe. The grooming is atrocious. There are 3 lifts. THREE. And to get to the top you have to take a long gondola. Unload in the middle. Get back in the gondola. Then you have to ski to the Stoke Chair just to then take that to the top. There are Lot of traverses to get back to the two real chairlifts or the gondola at the bottom. When there is snow it can be great. But that applies to all resorts. On a POW day the lines at the base are enormous because there is only one gondola for the entire resort base. This is not the ski mountain you think it is. It could be much better but the owners are much more interested in getting your money than improving skiing. The resorts boasts 3000 acres of skiing but it’s more like 2000 or less due to all the traverses and unskiable acreage. Also, there is no snowmaking. Quite often the entire mountain is only open from January to maybe March. Before or after that you can only ski the top 1/3 of the mountain. Let that sink in….
Finally, the town is being destroyed by Airbnb and developers. Revy is a small blue collar town being taken over by Airbnb and developers. Home prices have shot up 400%. Million dollar townhouses are being built that no one in town can possibly afford. No kids or young families can afford to stay in their hometowns.
Check out the rankings anywhere and you will find out Revy is not in any of the top 5. And it shouldn’t be. The owners and management have ridden a wave of hype that is quickly dying as more and more people realize this mountain is hard to get to and not that great. The owners and management are way way too proud of themselves and they have done absolutely nothing to improve things since I started skiing there. I used to go 2-3 times a year. That has dropped to once in December because it’s cheap and uncrowded… but this might be my last year.
So sure, go and check it out. Then compare it to any other real resort and its deficiencies are glaring. To summarize, the mountain is Mid at best. The skiing is at best Mid. The town is dying.

As a note, there is great touring and great heli/cat/snow machine skiing so if that’s your plan go for it. But there are many many better resorts.
See our video here

Victim of own success

SnowStash
14/02/2024
  • Recommend
  • Would Revisit
  • Rider Type
    Skier
  • Rider Level
    Advanced
  • Rider Age
    N/A
  • Admin Rating
    3

Victim of own success

SnowStash
14/02/2024
Sadly Revelstoke is becoming a victim of its own success. Rising prices and rising numbers are quickly eroding the experience. On a powder day its skied-out within a few hours except for hidden scraps. Its a shame because the terrain is good. The resort and town are growing fast and that will only increase numbers further.
Snowfall in the last couple of seasons has been the lowest since the resort first opened and with that has come higher freezing levels. Much of the lower mountain has had poor snow cover and many of the mid mountain runs are plagued with brush/scrub which should have been cut back. Time will tell us if this is a long term trend.
Don't be fooled by the official Snow Reports or Alpine Forecasts.
See our video here

Keeps on growing

JB
13/12/2023
  • Recommend
  • Would Revisit
  • Rider Type
    Skier
  • Rider Level
    Expert
  • Rider Age
    51-70
  • Month Visited:
    December
  • Admin Rating
    4

Keeps on growing

JB
13/12/2023
Terrain expansion continues and much more beginner/family friendly with the new Magic carpet and snow school building at the top of the gondola as well as the addition of the beginner/intermediate Stellar chair a couple winter ago. This all ties nicely into the Ripper area avoiding the need to ride the Stoke chair to the summit.

There's lots of alpine terrain with North Bowl, Greely Bowl, Sub peak (hike) and Separate Reality. The trees lower down offers some amazing glade skiing that preserves secret powder stashes for days. First week of the season and already nearly all the terrain on the chairlifts are open and holding some great powder as you can see in my photo from North Bowl on Sunday. Monday they opened up Greely and was even deeper. Meanwhile most other resorts have little terrain open and very rocky. Revelstoke's got the goods all season long.
See our video here

Revelstoke Moutain Resort (RMR) Getting questionable.

John Cheresna
28/07/2023
  • Recommend
  • Would Revisit
  • Rider Type
    Skier
  • Rider Level
    Advanced
  • Rider Age
    51-70
  • Month Visited:
    January
  • Admin Rating
    3

Revelstoke Moutain Resort (RMR) Getting questionable.

John Cheresna
28/07/2023
I Have been going there since 2008/9
Part of the RMR experience and enjoyment came from the always friendly happy staff.
The staff at the Revelation lodge have always been good though.
In the last few years, that has done a 180º. I have so much to say but will limit them to a few this year.
For example , I bought a spring pass and on the second day of using it I had to stop on one of the few good days they had this year (Not RMR's fault, just nature) and go back to Customer service (C/S). All because they lost the consent form I did do. They were the ones arrogant and rude, when I said I did (something RMR makes you do before getting your pass). No sorry for the inconvenience etc, you know C/S stuff.
I did not yell at them, but I am naturally a bit loud (all the time) and my ears were a bit plugged, so I might of been a bit loud, but not rude. The manager came out, because she was just behind the wall and said I was being rude to staff. I asked her where is is getting that from and she pointed to the computer screen where I was accused of yelling at staff back in 2019. I did not do that, but I phoned in a complaint about a worker, keeping the large doors open at the Revelation lodge for well over 10 minutes, which was obviously making the whole lodge cold. When I asked him to close the doors between deliveries, he told me to mind my own business. That's when I called C/S. That is why I was put on the shit list, just for making a legitimate complaint on behalf of many people. Four years ago. UNBELIEVABLY .
The next day I was injured. It was very painful. When I hobbled across the village, many quest asked if they could help, but not one employee even asked if I was OK.
While I was changing the pain mimicked a painful heart attack. 3 times staff walk right buy, not even asking, again fellow skiers helped, but staff ignored me and my condition.
A few days later things even became more bizarre. I went to the Rockford while waiting for somebody ( I was still in pain). I asked the waitress, " I have no problem with anybody here, but could I get the managers email to complain ( about how rude their staff had become) about C/S and bypass C/S because might not pass it on.
UNBELIEVABLY the waitress accused me of swearing at her. When I said WHAT in amazement, she stuck to her story. I could not make this story up if I tried.
By then I was furious about the amazingly bad attitude staff had. I went to another manager to make a complaint. They never go back to me.
Recently I contacted management with a detailed email of these and other things that has happened. Here is a copy and paste on his reply…

Hello John,

I have seen this before. I am not clear on what you are expecting from us. Could you be specific?

Peter

I am not trying to extort money, just an apology and a promise to talk to staff about being better staff.

No way was that happening.

Now to the hill itself. While the number of quest has grown exponentially, the facilities are far behind, and what they do have, is often out of service.
The lift have been going down more often as well, because RMR has maxed out the capacity.
Up keep/cleanliness is bad in many lift cars their are dozens if not hundreds of dead flies stuck between the windows.
I have pictures of all of this, but for some reason will not post. I will email them to PH and hopefully they will ad them to my report.
See our video here

meh

Rob
06/07/2023
  • Recommend
  • Would Revisit
  • Rider Type
    Snowboarder
  • Rider Level
    Advanced
  • Rider Age
    36-50
  • Month Visited:
    February
  • Admin Rating
    3

meh

Rob
06/07/2023
It's steep, that's good. Sometimes the snow is great too.
But overall, the resort is making its transition from a remote quiet lovely ski town into a busy overcrowded and overpriced Whistler 2.0 - pretty rapidly. Parking lots are full most weekends and during peak season, the shuttle is no real alternative as it's full or late or doesn't show at all. Powder is tracked out in no time, even secret spots. They charge an arm and a leg for 3 (!!!) lifts where you can stand in line and enjoy an actually good view.
For families unaffordable and for beginners too steep. For advanced riders it offers good terrain, but so do others.
See our video here

Revelstoke

04/01/2023

Janet

Powder Puppy
Powder Puppy

Janet

Powder Puppy
Powder Puppy
  • Recommend
  • Would Revisit
  • Rider Type
    Skier
  • Rider Level
    Advanced
  • Rider Age
    36-50
  • Month Visited:
    December
  • Admin Rating
    3

Revelstoke

04/01/2023
We visited Revelstoke for the first time Dec 27-31 for a training camp for our kids’ ski team. Great snow for early season. Temps were a little warm so lower 1/3 or mountain was receiving raining instead of snow making it quite icy. Top 2/3 was fantastic snow. Not overly crowded given we were there over the holidays. My kids are expert skiers and said it’s now their favourite resort! We can’t wait to get back there!
See our video here

Great mountain, mediocre resort

John
10/10/2022
  • Recommend
  • Would Revisit
  • Rider Type
    Snowboarder
  • Rider Level
    Advanced
  • Rider Age
    36-50
  • Month Visited:
    February
  • Admin Rating
    4

Great mountain, mediocre resort

John
10/10/2022
First, let me start by saying I love Revelstoke and have left other reviews on here. I return every year.
However, readers should pay very close attention to the reviews that give Revy 3 stars because those reviews seem much more accurate and clearly detail the “resorts” shortcomings and are much more realistic.
This is not a “resort”. It is a great mountain with 3 chairs and a town. There is no “resort”. Let me repeat that….there are 3 chairs. 3. There is one hotel and two restaurants at the base. Those restaurants have limited menus, hours, and seating. I’m f you stay for a week you’ll be bored senseless. There is no resort nightlife. There are no spas. No dancing. Nothing but the mountain. Staying at the base hotel feels a bit isolating. Though it is a nice hotel. Though prices are now crazy. Try Airbnb.
The mountain is amazing. Especially when it snows. However, as other reviews state the mountain doesn’t ride as long as it is. The lower 500-1000 feet is pretty much just a feeder for the one gondola at the base. And in December only the top half is open. That also needs repeating. If it’s warm, early season, etc, the bottom half of the mountain is CLOSED. You have to download on the gondola.
The one gondola at the base is a major issue. And it feeds to a single lift as well. So during the busy season you have to wait in two long lines in the morning in order to even make it to the top of the mountain. They need way more lifts. That said the lines are usually minimal after 11am and non existent early season. However, they really need more lifts to open up the mountain and decrease base lift lines.
The mountain is “wild”. The runs are barely marked, they are huge, and many areas feel un patrolled. Which I love but again, not really a “resort”. They finally put a warning hut in last year off the ripper. But other than that there are minimal mountain comforts. One restaurant on mountain. 2 bathrooms. A couple benches maybe.
The town is great. Again, it’s not really a resort town though it is changing a lot and getting fancier and more expensive. The problem is the mountain is starting to not match the premium prices in town. Rentals and hotels are going for Whistler type prices but without all the Whistler options and glitz. It’s kinda becoming a ripoff where it was once a great deal.
I guess my biggest issue with Revy is that the “resort” and and a lot of visitors seem to think this is a resort. A destination. It’s not. If you like nightlife, restaurants, spas, fancy accommodations, and lots of options to ski this is not the place. It’s a very blue collar town with a nice mountain that needs a lot of improvement. Definitely come. Explore. Powder days are amazing. The mountain is huge and wild. But don’t come here with your kids and fancy ski gear thinking you’ll be happy. You won’t. Go to Whistler. Go to park city. Go to vail. Those are resorts. This is a mountain. Change your expectations.
See our video here

Powder Paradise

Seb
11/07/2022
  • Recommend
  • Would Revisit
  • Rider Type
    Skier
  • Rider Level
    Expert
  • Rider Age
    18-35
  • Month Visited:
    February
  • Admin Rating
    4

Powder Paradise

Seb
11/07/2022
Absolutely amazing resort that rewards the advanced/expert skier. Spent a season here and wow does this place reward on a pow day, would easily be one of the best resorts to ski with fresh snow, the entire place turns into an absolute playground.

The best skiing to be found here is the trees off Ripper. The entire section is basically a bowl, choose a direction and ski as far or near as you like.

The only downside, I believe, is that the place can be hard to navigate for those who haven't been before, and you'll keep finding yourself funneled to a cat track which no one likes. I would recommend getting a guide/instructor to show you around at least one day, to make full use of the resort - seriously you won't regret it. This is what makes the place so great for locals, you can find untracked turns 3 days after a pow day.

Best time of year to go, as with all Canadian resorts is February. December can be really cold and it might not snow for you (which is when this resort really shines).

If you like groomers though, then you're still in for a treat. Long steep groomers perfect for some well-tuned slalom skis.

Kids wise... a bit harder. The resort is really geared towards advanced skiers/boarders, so I don't believe kids will get the best out of Revy. Check Silverstar (ski in ski out), Fernie or Sun Peaks

The town of Revy is also really nice with some great spots to eat. It's a rarity in that the town has existed as a railway hub for a long time before the ski resort, so it's actually a pretty normal Canadian mountain town which has some banging spots to eat and drink. Recommend The Village Idiot for pizza any dae.
See our video here

Overpriced

Zack
27/03/2022
  • Recommend
  • Would Revisit
  • Rider Type
    Snowboarder
  • Rider Level
    Expert
  • Rider Age
    36-50
  • Month Visited:
    March
  • Admin Rating
    3

Overpriced

Zack
27/03/2022
145 for a day and they had the audacity to close a major lift at 2:30. Most lifts close at 3pm.
Staff seems really grumpy and unhappy. No benches for snowboarders to strap in. Very poor grooming and blue runs can unexpectedly turn into a full mogul run, due to lazy and inadequate grooming practices.
Not a great resort for families. Good for backcountry glade runs on December powder days only.
See our video here

The Stoke is the Greatest Place on Earth

Live to Ride
14/10/2021
  • Recommend
  • Would Revisit
  • Rider Type
    Snowboarder
  • Rider Level
    Expert
  • Rider Age
    36-50
  • Month Visited:
    February
  • Admin Rating
    2

The Stoke is the Greatest Place on Earth

Live to Ride
14/10/2021
The mountain is Sick and the powder is insane. Visited the Stoke three times and every time it dumped and there were no lines. Heading back again this year, can’t get enough. If you can only hit one resort in your life, hit the Stoke (I know locals call it Revey). I hope to be a local soon..,,,,,,,
See our video here
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