Gondolas packed for Revelstoke Mountain Resort opening day

Revelstoke Mountain Resort welcomed guests on opening day Saturday, Dec. 6, with throngs of riders lined up at the base. Local radio station Stoke FM was on-site to keep the mood up as overnight campers and last-minute line-ups chatted about this season.  

From riding switch foot on Locals Days to learning every lift operator’s name, everyone has a different goal for the season, with one that seems to be universal no matter who you talk to.

“Just get as many laps in as possible, enjoy as much of the season as possible,” Trevor Noel said, in line for two hours along with friends.

After taking a season off for medical reasons, Marc Taylor was just happy to be back on the mountain. Feeling good after a day of laps, he has hopes for the coming holidays and various opportunities to get out with his family.

“The goal is always to enjoy powder days,” he said.

His daughter Lily Taylor has her sights set on new terrain, particularly Low Dive, a drop feature found in the North Bowl.

“I don’t know if I’ll do it this year, but it’s in the back of my mind,” she said.

The resort’s Mountain Hosts were out in full force, directing guests on where to pick up pre-purchased tickets, where to find a warm drink and what the nightlife hot spots in Revelstoke are.

“It’s one guest, one experience,” Dom Hubaczek, volunteer Mountain Host said, explaining his goal is to showcase Revelstoke hospitality to anyone who visits.

Fresh snow fell for the majority of opening day, a welcome sight for a resort with its lower half of the mountain still closed due to treacherous terrain. While some sections of the mountain were able to open, terrain below the Stoke chair base is closed and mandatory downloading from the Revelation Gondolas remains in effect.

For up-to-date terrain and trail opening information, along with snow and alpine weather reports, check out Revelstoke Mountain Resort’s website.