Revelstoke & Kicking Horse: The Dream Destinations for Advanced Skiers and Snowboarders

If you're chasing heart-racing steeps, narrow chutes, and thigh-burning terrain, then look no further. Revelstoke and Kicking Horse are the perfect destinations to help you progress into the exciting, dizzying heights of advanced skiing and snowboarding.

Over the past 25 years, my hunt for deep powder and steep terrain has taken me all over the world. These days, you’ll find me in Japan most winters, but Canada is where my snowboarding journey started and where I still return again and again. And for the steepest, deepest, most exhilarating terrain of all, where the powder is as reliable as rain at Wimbledon, I know exactly where I’m headed.

Nestled in the heart of British Columbia, Revelstoke and Kicking Horse offer the perfect blend of steep terrain, solitude, and a generous amount of powder for your pound. As they're a simple three-hour drive from each other, most of our customers opt for the thrill of combining both on our BC Powder Ski Safari.

Consider yourself a slick skier or a handy rider? I thought I was too until I was humbled by the mighty terrain found in these blockbuster resorts. These are the reasons 'Revy' and 'The Horse' are the ultimate destinations for winter thrill seekers.

We help advanced and expert skiers find the steepest and deepest resorts every season, based on our personal experience. If you would like to learn more about Revelstoke and Kicking Horse, call us on 01273 224060 or enquire online, and those of us who have skied there can provide first-hand advice!

Revelstoke

With the largest vertical drop in North America, Revelstoke doesn’t just test your legs, it demands your full attention. The tree runs seem endless, ranging from playful glades to steep, technical lines that challenge even the most seasoned skiers and riders. And once there’s a snow dump early in the season, waist-deep powder becomes the norm.

You would think a resort that averages a massive 10.5 metres of snowfall each season would be full to the brim with powder hunters from across the globe. However, Revelstoke remains incredibly quiet because of its limited lodging at the base and in the town. This resort is truly a peaceful powder paradise that expert skiers and boarders need to tick off their bucket lists.

To make the most of the powder, try backcountry guiding, snowmobiling, spend a day with K3 Cat Skiing, or for a truly special once-in-a-lifetime activity, the world-famous Selkirk Tangiers Heli Skiing, which is right on the town’s doorstep. It’s no wonder Revelstoke proudly brands itself as “one of the best places in the world. Period!”

Andy Knights Heli Skiing in Revelstoke
About to embark on the snowboarding adventure of a lifetime with Selkirk Tangiers Heli Skiing

My favourite runs in Revelstoke:

Critical Glades - lower-mid mountain trees with perfect spacing for intermediate-to-advanced riders. Incredible powder access without a hike.

Meet the Neighbours (North Bowl) - legendary terrain off the Stoke Chair. Steep, technical lines, best enjoyed with good visibility.

Aspen Glades - consistently deep, less wind-affected snow. This repeat-worthy, fast-paced descent is covered in powder and is one of the most beloved in ‘Revy’.

How much?

10 nights in Revelstoke including flights, transfers and accommodation typically costs between £1,520 and £2,150 per person depending on departure dates and accommodation preferences. A 9-day adult Revelstoke lift pass costs £411 (£46 per day).
Call 01273 224060 to speak to our team or request a quotation online and we’ll be in touch. Learn more about Revelstoke.

Kicking Horse

If Revelstoke is about endless verticals and bottomless powder, Kicking Horse is all about pure adrenaline. This resort is famed for its 85+ chutes, four ridges and wide-open alpine bowls. Steep, narrow and exhilarating, the terrain is a rite of passage for advanced skiers and riders - earning Kicking Horse a well-deserved cult following and top spot on my list of advanced resorts.

On my fifth visit, I had one of my most memorable runs of all time thanks to my former coach, Canadian snowboard legend Charles “Chucky” Gerrard. Now a full-time heli-ski guide, he greeted me at Kicking Horse's Big Mountain Centre with a grin, a rope slung over his shoulder, and the words: “Good times, my friend, good times.” Moments later, we were rappelling into Dutch Wallet. Legs shaking, heart racing, I was about to complete one of my top-five runs ever.

Andy (White Helmet) Rappelling into Dutch Wallet
That's me in the white helmet, caught right before the drop into Dutch Wallet. Even though the day looked cold, the adrenaline was already hitting, and I can confirm my palms were definitely sweating!

The resort's aptly named Big Mountain Centre guiding is genius. Because the terrain is so serious, using their guidance is essential to avoid missing out on carving the best hidden lines. The BMC’s inbounds guiding service starts from just £98 per person (based on a group of six, full day BMC tour with guide) and ensures you hit the very best terrain safely. For advanced skiers and snowboarders, it’s money extremely well spent.

Kicking Horse isn’t only about hair-raising descents. There are sweeping bowls, cruisy groomers, and plenty of serene spots to rest your legs while admiring the Purcell Mountains.

Andy on Kicking Horse's More Mellow Terrain
Carving lines into Kicking Horse's more mellow terrain

My favourite runs in Kicking Horse:

• Dutch Wallet (CPR Ridge) - rope-assisted entry, cliffside chute, and sheer adrenaline. Terrifying, thrilling, and absolutely unique.

Truth & Dare (Terminator 1 North Ridge) - one of the gnarliest chutes you’ll find anywhere. Steep, exposed, and only for the brave when snow conditions are prime.

It’s a Ten - a 10 km intermediate-friendly groomer that sweeps from summit to base, framed by jaw-dropping peaks. Fast, wide, and unforgettable.

How much?

10 nights in Kicking Horse including flights, transfers and accommodation typically costs between £1,300 and £2,300 per person depending on departure dates and accommodation preferences. A 9-day adult Kicking Horse lift pass costs £788 (£88 per day).
Call 01273 224060 to speak to our team or request a quotation online and we’ll be in touch. Learn more about Kicking Horse.

Combine Them Both on the BC Powder Safari

On their own, Revelstoke and Kicking Horse are bucket-list destinations. Together, they create the ultimate ski adventure: the BC Powder Ski Safari. Linking these two resorts lets you experience the contrast between Revelstoke’s endless vertical and Kicking Horse’s steep, adrenaline-fuelled terrain - all in one 10 night itinerary (5 nights each in Revelstoke and Kicking Horse).

Transfers are not necessarily a part of the holiday you traditionally look forward to. But from the moment you pull out of Calgary airport in your SUV and set out along the Trans-Canada Highway, your jaw will drop at the rugged scenery. With the Rockies towering on either side, it’s one of North America’s most spectacular road trips - vast, dramatic, and every bit as awe-inspiring as the snow that awaits at these two giants.

Andy & Chris on Minewanka Lake on route to Kicking Horse
Stopping off to admire the rugged scenery surrounding Lake Minewanka on the Trans-Canada Highway

How much?

A 10 night BC Powder Ski Safari itinerary including flights, SUV hire and 5 nights each at Revelstoke and Kicking Horse typically costs between £1,660 and £2,600 per person depending on departure dates and accommodation preferences.
Call 01273 224060 to speak to our team or request a quotation online and we’ll be in touch. Learn more about the BC Powder Ski Safari.

When Is the Best Month to Visit?

For the best conditions, I highly recommend timing your trip for February or March. By then, the snowpack has filled in, and with regular snow dumps to top everything up, the mountains are at their absolute best.

Speak to a Specialist

Over 30 years, we've helped thousands of advanced skiers find the perfect resort to test their mettle and enjoy the world's most challenging terrain. As our team has skied both of these resorts, you can speak to us for personal advice and top tips based on our first-hand knowledge.

Keen to tackle testing expert terrain and proudly claim to have carved through two of Canada’s giants? Enquire online or call our friendly team on 01273 224060 and we'll be in touch with a tailor-made price.

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