Crowds hit the runs for first Locals Day of the season

Crowds from Revelstoke, Nakusp and the Columbia Shuswap Regional District hit the runs at Revelstoke Mountain Resort Sunday, Dec. 14 for the first Locals Day of the season. The day offers $20 tickets and $10 standard rentals along with other discounts for those who can prove residency within Nakusp and the CSRD.

“It essentially doubles my season,” Will Pennington-Little said, often buying a five-day vertical card to use in tandem with the four Locals Days offered each year.

While early-season conditions persist and all terrain below Revelation Lodge remained closed for the first Locals Day, Pennington-Little wasn’t let down.

“The terrain is still a little choppy in some sections, but for early season, it was a great day.”

Rebecca Millens wasn’t going to let early-season conditions keep her and friends from commuting from Salmon Arm to get a few laps in. While a couple of detours kept her from getting first chair, Millens was just happy for a day of snowboarding.

“This is the closest hill for us, so it’s nice to be included in the Locals Day specials,” she said.

For JP Lord, Mackenzie Outpost manager, Locals Day means big crowds and high energy.

“Locals Day is always historically one of the busiest days of the year,” he said, explaining the affordability of lift tickets and rentals is a key draw for families and those with tighter budgets to come try out the resort. 

“It’s a really good opportunity for people who don’t often get the skiing experience to get a few days under their belts,” he added.

Lord also encouraged locals to take advantage of the rental discounts and try out a new sport on the mountain or even explore some of the higher quality gear available.

“It’s a great way to get an affordable switch day, try something else and try a different kind of riding,” he said.

This is advice Pennington-Little is keeping in mind this season, already planning to try some snowboarding gear and lessons at a future Locals Day.

“It wouldn’t be an option if everything was regular price. So, I want to try that out,” he said.

Future Locals Days are scheduled for Sunday, Jan. 18, Sunday, March 22 and Friday, April 3. Fifty per cent of ticket proceeds go to Revelstoke Community Foundation for every Locals Day, with over $7,500 raised Sunday, Dec. 14.