Ski jumping pants soar over Revelstoke

The construction barrier that blocked off the Nels Nelsen ski jump on Mount Revelstoke for the last half of summer came down recently, so we hiked up to take a look at what’s been going on.

Looking down through the pants over Revelstoke. Photo: Aaron Orlando/Revelstoke Mountaineer

There’s a newly renovated take-off platform at the top of the Nels Nelsen jump area, and atop it sits a pair of metal pants and vest that you can lean into to simulate the take-off point of this historical ski jump.

Looking up at the sculpture from below. Photo: Aaron Orlando/Revelstoke Mountaineer

It’s very similar to the pants installed a few years ago at the Rogers Pass summit area created by Revelstoke artist Rob Buchanan — a perfect place to grab a souvenir picture.

Friends (from left) Kent Christensen, Will Combaluzier, and Will Millar ham it up atop the new ski jump sculpture and platform in the Nels Nelsen Recreation Area in Mount Revelstoke National Park. Photo: Aaron Orlando/Revelstoke Mountaineer

Last year, Parks Canada was working on the ski jump bases located about 100 metres down the slope. Workers upgraded the rock work and added metal guardrails.

This year, in addition to the new take-off platform and metal pants, the area has been brushed and trees removed allowing for better views. It’s a bit easier to get up to the top now that it’s been brushed, but it’s still a bit of a scramble once you get past the judges’ tower.

For context, here is the old jump platform, with the new sculpture above. Photo: Aaron Orlando/Revelstoke Mountaineer

We’re sure Parks Canada has an official opening ceremony planned for next season, but like many other curious Revelstokians, we had to see for ourselves.

Also in the Nels Nelsen Recreation Area this summer, work continues on the kids’ bike track, and the parking area was paved.