March 22, 2010 Red Mt & Revelstoke

After leaving Big Sky, we had planned to visit Ski Discovery or Montana Snowbowl. Unfortunately both ski areas were suffering from the poor snow pack. OK, next stop Lookout Pass or Schweitzer. The forecast was for showers likely until 11am and then rain. Hence, another day off, so we drove to Red Mt.near Rossland, BC. We spent the evening in the deserted ski area parking lot and woke to a couple of inches of new snow and sunshine.

It had been 10 years since our last visit which was in a powder storm, so it was pleasant to see the mountain. Red is doing the real estate development thing, but it’s still relatively small. The ski area has expanded its advanced terrain and has extensive glades on almost all aspects of Granite Mt. Red Mt. is still serviced by an old double, and its northerly aspect preserves the snow quality. Conditions were typical spring freeze/thaw, so we stayed mainly on the groomers which had received a couple of inches of new overnight. The place was deserted. I think there were more Mountain Hosts than clients. We bought senior tickets for $42 each and cruised until 1pm. The ski area has a Backcountry Guides office and numerous Backcountry access gates. The surrounding terrain is easily accessed and extensive. There are all aspects with glades, chutes and bowls on Mt Roberts and Grey Mountain which are both an easy skin from the ski area.

Late afternoon we started driving north from Rossland to Revelstoke past Nakusp and along Arrow Lake to the free ferry at Galena and eventually on to Revelstoke. We have driven this road in a storm, but this trip was on a sunny, spring day. WOW, the views are big and the scenery beautiful. Heading north, views of the Monashees is worth the drive. Distant peaks, ridges and snowfields excite the imagination of touring in a pristine environment. We arrived at Revelstoke in the early evening, and stopped by the Aquatic Center for a soak in the hot tub and a drift around their indoor serpentine pool with a current. They even supply the floating devices if you can snag them before the kids grab them all. We then drove to the ski resort base area for the night; things looked pretty dismal. As the sun was setting, I could see that there was no snow on the base runs and so little snow on the runs between the upper gondola station and the mid gondola station that skiing that area was probably not possible. During the night we had rain at the base area and a couple cm of new snow on the upper mountain. Guest Services confirmed that up and downloading on the gondola was mandatory. The Ripper and Stoke chairs were operating and 7 runs were groomed. With the freeze/ thaw cycle, we decided it wasn’t worth the money for such limited terrain given the current conditions. We had such a great time last year at Revelstoke, we decided to return again under better conditions. There are no snow banks in Revelstoke, kids and adults are walking around in shorts and T-shirts – spring has definitely arrived. I checked the local avy report and things were not encouraging. I noticed a word that I haven’t seen before in an avy report when describing the conditions as “touchy”. The local news media has been highlighting the 3 recent avalanche incidents.

We’re heading west for some free skiing at the Okanogan Resorts, thanks to Warren Miller Entertainment!

Photo 1: From Red Mt. with Mt. Roberts (L) Granite Mt. (Center) Grey Mt. (Background)
Photo 2: Mt. Roberts

Thanks for the report. I've been curious about Red Mountain for quite some time now.
The weather vibe you describe in Revelstoke sounds very similar to how its been here in Leavenworth for the last 5-6 weeks.
Which ski area are you refering too by Revelstoke? (Kicking Horse?). I haven't been up that way.

Many miles you put on the rig there Zap and Jill.
Movenhike- Revelstoke now has a ski hill (I think it had a 1 or 2 life hill before but this thing is big), it is amazing terrain but has been plagued with inconsistent snow and financial troubles. I have skied once and it was a sheet of ice, did not even leave a mark in the "snow" however, hard to argue with the quality of the terrain. When it snows there it is undoubtedly one of the best hills in N. America. They do get snow unlike some other hills nearby.

Glad to see Red has yet to lose its spirit. That place has some of the kindest townsfolk and locals of anywhere I have ever been. Have never been there for a good dump but keep going back anyway. Real-estate is trying to kill the place, er, I mean "put it on the map", locals and pass holders are nothing but awesome. I know a lot of retired Aussies and Kiwi come for the season due to cheap passes and good skiing.

Where to next?

Zap you may want to check on the blackout dates for those tickets- you may be ok but Paul and I are here at Revelstoke and happened to run into friends doing a similar road trip as you describe. They just came from Big White and abandoned plans to ski Silver as they discovered it was spring break blackout time. They got a 3 day deal in Revelstoke then plan to head East.
Snow is pretty good up top - had to hike for it and the downloading not so bad. North bowl and Galena have really nice packed pow. Good vis, no crowds, storm coming tonight.

Good stuff, Zap.
It's always fun when you share your trips with us.

...driving north from Rossland to Revelstoke past Nakusp and along Arrow Lake to the free ferry at Galena and eventually on to Revelstoke.  We have driven this road in a storm, but this trip was on a sunny, spring day.  WOW, the views are big and the scenery beautiful...

Thanks for the TR and nice photos, Zap!  Reminded me what a gas Red Mtn's trees are on a powder day...

The scenery is great and so is the hot spring just above the road about 20 miles south of Galena.  It's near where Highway 23 deflects slightly NE from it's mostly northerly course.  Look for two dirt roads joining from opposite sides.  Head away from the 'lake' and reach a switchback right away (best to park here) that climbs about a hundred yards to the minimally-improved pools on a small bluff with a tremendous view of the Monashees.  Highly recommended after any Revelstoke adventure!