It was that good. And to the credit of the operations staff it went off with hardly a glitch. I have to be honest, I expected a gong show. And one can hardly see how it could be anything but. With acres and acres of open glades with cliffs and soft landings, the most hyped opening of the decade attracted hordes of people. Throw into the mix recent snowfall snowfall of epic proportions, the Revelstoke Mountain Resort opening was a beacon of light to the freeskiing world.
Things went smoothly and the terrain tired out most of the followers before the lifts stopped spinning. In fact, by the time the lift closed at 2:50pm, there was hardly anyone still riding. Not that all the pow had gone- late in the day it was filling back in.
There was the usual rush for great snow but it was fun to see everyone with the same advantage. From the best freeskiers in the world to the local families, no one had more beta than the other person as they exited the 'Stoke:' the upper high speed quad chair. What everyone found was anabundance of great tree skiing and a cliff hucker's paradise; all covered with deep snow.
The mountain skis really playful. Think a combination between Red Mountain and Blackcomb. That Blackcomb analogy could also come from the misty snow that fell all day. No one could really see what lay beyond the boundaries yesterday and I can't wait to get back here to find out.
Today was the grand opening, but tomorrow will be just another pow day. It's late at night and after a big day and a good dinner I'm just trying to get ready for tomorrow. It has snowed probably 10 cms in town since I've been down.
But that's just life in Revy. 'There is only 60% chance of flurries out right now,' says Revy locals Eric and Chris, 'You should see it when it dumps.' Every one else in the room kinda of shrivels in the shadow to the truth just spoken. From Rockies boys to Fernie heads, Nelson diehards to Whistler pioneers, no body was able to say too much in retort. Everyone had to acknowledge it was a pretty amazing experience they had just had and to be ready to shred in Revelstoke this winter is to put oneself in the right place at the right time.
Check out the Revelstoke Mountain Resort web page for more info and stoke.
Thanks to the
Comfort Inn in Revelstoke for a cosy place to rest our weary legs after a day on the hill.
