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1st time out west: Revelstoke vs Whistler

21K views 89 replies 26 participants last post by  The_Squid 
#1 ·
Hoping to do a ~week long trip out to BC. Contemplating what's the better choice of a mountain.

Whistler is much bigger, but also much busier. I'm probably gonna have a few days during the week, but also the weekend. Would Revelstoke be considerably more traffic-free on Sat-Sun?
 
#3 · (Edited)
Well I have never been to either so my opinion doesn't amount to much but since there aren't many posts here yet I will offer my crappy opinion regardless haha.

Whistler is the biggest&best resort in North America. If I was going out west for the first time, that place would be at the top of my list. All resorts can get busy but they have the lifts to handle the crowds.

Revelstoke is new and has a huge vert but they only have 3 lifts, what if one lift is being repaired, your trip is basically done. Whistler has 37 lifts.

Just my 2 cents.

PS I'm super jealous, both resorts have been dumped on. They both have had about 4 meters of snow already. Either place will be epic!
 
#4 ·
Depends what you want. If you want the whole winter atmosphere... then Whistler is better. If you just want to ride, then hit Revelstoke.

Whistler has lots of lifts; but on weekends they all bottleneck in a couple, which makes for huuuuuuuge lines; especially on good days when they shut down some areas for avy control. Thats ok if you're going to ride several days and dont mind getting fewer runs per day; or take the weekend off and just ride the weekdays.

Whistler is crowded.
 
#6 ·
I did a week at Whistler 3 years ago, and a week at Revelstoke last year.
(I'm also from Toronto btw.)
They are both places I would go back to readily.
Both are ski-in/ski-out accommodations. Revelstoke has the gondola all of about 100 metres from the accommodations. Whistler is a bit more of a walk depending on your hotel location, but hardly onerous.

If you haven't been to either yet, I would choose Whistler first.
Just the amount of terrain available is enough to easily keep you occupied for a week.
Yes, weekends can be busy, but still manageable.
The village provides lots of options for apres and dining if that is important.

If you're into park riding at all, Whistler has 4, Revelstoke has none.
Snow tubing and ice skating is available at Whistler if you want to do something different one day.

Having said all of the above, I have to admit I can't wait to get back to Revelstoke. It is more suitable for advanced riders btw, so factor that in to your decision. And the highest vertical in North America provides for long, challenging runs.

You can't go wrong with either resort.
With the above in mind, I'm leaning towards Revelstoke. I'm very beginner level at park and might just get my fix of that locally. What I really really want is powder. Some nice glades. Not having to bump into people. Not waiting for more than 2 chairs at a time.

I'm sure Whistler would be fun as well, but for various reasons I typically choose the slightly less popular option when given a choice. Was a bit upset when I realized that it takes 2.5 hours to get to Revelstoke from either of the two nearest airports, but then noticed it's about 2 hours from YVR to Whistler as well. Getting some riding done on the day of arrival is gonna be tough either way.

Whistler's lift tickets are quite a bit pricier (not that I blame them, so much more terrain), is that indicative of the relative cost of food and accommodations as well?
 
#5 ·
I did a week at Whistler 3 years ago, and a week at Revelstoke last year.
(I'm also from Toronto btw.)
They are both places I would go back to readily.
Both are ski-in/ski-out accommodations. Revelstoke has the gondola all of about 100 metres from the accommodations. Whistler is a bit more of a walk depending on your hotel location, but hardly onerous.

If you haven't been to either yet, I would choose Whistler first.
Just the amount of terrain available is enough to easily keep you occupied for a week.
Yes, weekends can be busy, but still manageable.
The village provides lots of options for apres and dining if that is important.

If you're into park riding at all, Whistler has 4, Revelstoke has none.
Snow tubing and ice skating is available at Whistler if you want to do something different one day.

Having said all of the above, I have to admit I can't wait to get back to Revelstoke. It is more suitable for advanced riders btw, so factor that in to your decision. And the highest vertical in North America provides for long, challenging runs.

You can't go wrong with either resort.
 
#8 · (Edited)
Interestingly, Revvy has a 161 cm base and Whistler 169 cm. Yes, it's a GREAT season start at Whis. But with the ammount of people running over those extra 8cm base, i'd take the 161.

Mt Baker has 290cm base :yikes: !!

Again, Whistler is way worse on weekends so if you do weekdays it won't be as bad. Weekdays are ok. But forget about waiting for 2 chairs.

Yes lift prices reflect overall costs. Whistler is more expensive in every way. It is more awesome though. Really..... the atmosphere, terrain and overall vibe is pretty amazing. But the crowds.....

Last sunday I waited 2hrs to get out of the parking lot at the end of the day. And i was in the 'hush - mostly local' parking. My first run was at 11am after being in the lineup at 8:30am (opening time). I was delayed a bit from a crash in the highway, and it was a 39cm day :D so ppl were stoked. Really... the crowds are brutal.

Oh and that 2hr from YVR to Whistler is pretty awesome. Beautiful scenery.
 
#13 ·
I would let the weather decide for me. Both are epic hills, and both can have lineups out the ass. If I had to plan in advance and pick just one it would be Whis or rather Blackcomb. The sheer size of it is mind blowing and the terrain and views trump Revy. But don't get me wrong Revy is still a really awesome hill as well. It's got more vertical than Whistler but you most likely will not be riding from top to bottom till your ready to leave.

But if it's your first time out west the coast has way more to offer and Whistler itself is just such a experience you'll never forget. Revy is kind of more a sleeper town, like most stores will be closed on Sunday kind of place. And it's pretty isolated to boot. You could however get really lucky and make it into Revy during a storm and the next day have the highway closed in both directions for avalanche control, or even an avalanche effectively cutting off anyone not in the town of Revelstoke from getting there before noon or at all, and you having fresh tracks all day. Conversely you might not make it in either. Pretty sure the road to Whistler is closed a whole lot less.

Unless of course you hate citys and and want a more sort of get away from it all get back to nature kind of trip, then Revy hands down.
 
#16 ·
I would let the weather decide for me. Both are epic hills, and both can have lineups out the ass. If I had to plan in advance and pick just one it would be Whis or rather Blackcomb. The sheer size of it is mind blowing and the terrain and views trump Revy. But don't get me wrong Revy is still a really awesome hill as well. It's got more vertical than Whistler but you most likely will not be riding from top to bottom till your ready to leave.

But if it's your first time out west the coast has way more to offer and Whistler itself is just such a experience you'll never forget. Revy is kind of more a sleeper town, like most stores will be closed on Sunday kind of place. And it's pretty isolated to boot. You could however get really lucky and make it into Revy during a storm and the next day have the highway closed in both directions for avalanche control, or even an avalanche effectively cutting off anyone not in the town of Revelstoke from getting there before noon or at all, and you having fresh tracks all day. Conversely you might not make it in either. Pretty sure the road to Whistler is closed a whole lot less.

Unless of course you hate citys and and want a more sort of get away from it all get back to nature kind of trip, then Revy hands down.
That's probably gonna be it. It's not that I hate cities per se, but I live in a big city and I want something different for a getaway. Would have to postpone the actual bookings for about a month due to potential scheduling conflicts with other things, but I'll probably be back for more newbie questions later on ;)

It's either I make it out west or I won't even have an excuse to wipe the cobwebs off my board this season... :hairy:
 
#18 ·
Whistler is crowded on weekends, way over priced and is on the coast so the snow is typically damp and heavy ( with the odd exception when a front comes in from the East like last Friday!). Take the extra effort to go to Revy if you want to experience what BC has to offer by way of champagne powder without crowds and reasonable prices and amazing terrain. It is worth the extra drive.
 
#24 ·
Don't think just because Revy has three lifts you can explore it all in a week, I've been riding there for 3 or 4 years mind you only like 5 times a year but I'm still discovering new stuff all the time. I'd even go so far to say it's almost like 1 lift. You take the gondy to the Stoke chair and have a choice of wide open bowls or trees or mellow cruisers or endless moguls if that's what your into. The Ripper chair is there basically to get you back to the Stoke chair, but it's also a mellower beginner kind of area compared to the rest of the terrain. You will be greatly rewarded for doing a little 10-15 or so minutes of hiking too which is kind of what Revy is all about, or like an hour hike to where the cat skiing is. Yeah Revy will blow your expectations away I think. Hope you get some big dumps when you come out here.
 
#26 · (Edited)
Sounds like you're leaning towards Revelstoke, and justifiably so!

Both are amazing resorts in their own right. Whistler has way more infrastructure in the village, is generally more accessible and attracts crowds from all over the World. Lift line-ups can be brutal at weekends meaning that you end up covering very little terrain, and fresh lines are difficult to be had if you miss the first lift up. As someone else quite rightly mentioned, three lifts at Revelstoke does not mean less terrain covered. It has a vast ski area and now the longest vertical in North America. To top it all, the snow quality in Revelstoke trumps that of the coastal wet snow, and the resort has had bumper snowfall already this season.

If you have not already booked your trip, please check us out at www.powderrangers.ca. We have some great deals for Sutton Place and Sandman Revelstoke, lift tickets and much more. And also anywhere you like in Whistler if you end up going there!

Can you fly direct to Kelowna from Toronto? There is shuttle service from Kelowna Airport to Revelstoke if you prefer not to drive.

You're in for an awesome trip! Good times :)
 
#28 ·
Thanks for the link, will check it out.

I was gonna fly AC on a reward flight, would have to go through YYC or YVR. Will play around with the dates and stops combos to see if there is any chance of arriving early enough to hit the slopes same day. I just noticed WestJet does have a direct flight, but it arrives in Kelowna after 8 pm, and flies back to Toronto at 10 am which doesn't sound that great. I'll be coming with a partner and it will probably be more cost efficient to just rent a car.

Gotta wax my board!
 
#29 ·
New information came up and apparently I'm free for the next 2 weeks... Maybe I should go now instead of March? :grin:

Don't wanna pay retail for flights and Aeroplan is showing me that the best I can get is a flight to Calgary on Dec 25. Arrives at 6:30 pm, add in half an hour to pick up the boards and the car and maybe I can be heading in the general direction of SNOW at 7?

Stupid question. Would it be ok to drive to Revelstoke that evening, considering lack of sunlight. Are the roads gonna be maintained ok?

I routinely do a 2 hour drive home starting at 10 pm from my local hill of Blue Mountain and don't mind it, but I've never driven in the real mountains in the winter.

I suppose it should be ok as long as it's not in the middle of a snow storm, but what do I know...
 
#34 ·
Rogers Pass can be sketchy during a snow storm. Consider stopping at Kicking Horse for the first night and ski a day or two there. That way, you're already more than half way to Revy and can tackle that section of the drive during daylight when you know the roads are clear.
 
#30 ·
Right now, go to Whis. Snowfall warning at the moment. YYC to Revy can be some intimidating road to manage. If it's snowing in Revy, it's snowing at Rogers. Bring food water and clothing. Getting stuck on a closed hwy for 7 hours isn't such a great time. Gotta leave by 5 to make it back to the airport ? Don't bet on it as the hwy gets closed quite often for accidents, avy control and other maintenance. Better if you have more time. Land, go to banff, ski then do a day or 2 at kicking horse, then make your way to Revy after constantly consulting the drive bc site to make sure you make it. Honestly go to Van if you're travelling ASAP, Revy will be there later, it's the coast that's getting hammered now. Revy in 2016 then next year plan a trip to Terrace/Shames.
 
#36 ·
Yup Hwy 1 from Calgary to Revy as mentioned can be brutal. The Airport is also about as east as you can get in the city, meaning you gotta drive through the whole damn thing, so tack on another 45 mins if traffics good just to get out of Cowtown. Might make more sense to drive to Banff and overnight it there. But whatever just play it by ear. I would try to get an AWD or 4WD vehicle from the rental place.
 
#38 ·
You're out of the city in 20 minutes if you take Stoney Trail.

Highway 1 is much better than it was 10-15 years ago. Just take your time, especially if you're not accustomed to high-mountain passes. Be prepared for a few hour delay in Rogers Pass if they're blasting and clearing.

Just watch for the slednecks in their jacked-up diesels with stadium lighting. They're more likely to be drunk than other users.
 
#37 ·
Thank you guys! I've played it by ear and booked a trip to the Caribbean instead. Feel like I need a little more time to consider the logistics of a BC trip, so will do it later, hopefully the snow will still be there.

Pretty sure it will be Revy :)
 
#40 ·
So Revelstoke wins!

While checking compatible flight schedules, I'm eyeing a flight that goes YYZ-YVR arriving at 1am, then on to Kelowna at 7am. That way I can definitely get to something like Big White on the same day and have some fun before heading to Revy in the evening.

There is only one tiny problem. What do I do in YVR for 6 hours in the middle of the night? Am I nuts for even considering it?
 
#41 ·
While checking compatible flight schedules, I'm eyeing a flight that goes YYZ-YVR arriving at 1am, then on to Kelowna at 7am. That way I can definitely get to something like Big White on the same day and have some fun before heading to Revy in the evening.
FYI - Big White is about 45 mins in the opposite direction from Kelowna airport

Might want to check Silver Star instead - it is more 'on-the-way' to Revy than Big White
 
#47 ·
What day of the week is it? Realistically you could probably take the train and go downtown and do whatever you want for a few hours... but there isn't a hell of a lot open at that time of night, and you'll be without a car.
 
#50 ·
If this is your first time out west I would avoid the "super resorts" and go to smaller less crowded places with equally awesome terrain......you can have the greatest terrain on the planet but if you havn't had significant fresh snow for weeks then it's all for not.

Also with super El'Nino looming and about to hit I'd be heading south this winter NOT north.

Good luck!!
 
#52 ·
I've done south over Christmas, now it's time for snow :)

I've slept more than a couple times in an airport terminal, it's not that bad. Just find a corner and lay on the ground...
That's what I'm thinking. Will make sure to pack the snow pants/jacket in carry on!

That's how I would feel, except add in hard labour and an occasional pre-mature old man complex... I'd be nappin' for sure! ;) There's more than likely somewhere you can relax, veg out, whatever. I'm not very familIar with the INSIDE of YVR, only flew out of there a few times, sorry!

You can pretty much take your pick where you should go from Kelowna, you're on the right track!
As long as I'm conscious and able to stand unassisted on the day of arrival, we'll be hitting Silver Star on Feb 12. Anyone care to join?

After that it will be Revelstoke for the next 8 days. I know many people like to hop different mountains, but I find I enjoy myself better when I chill in the same spot for a while and don't have to drive over an hour every day. If anyone from around there wants to meet up, I'm game for fun people who like eating and drinking with strangers who slowly turn into friends.

Maybe you can convince me to give up my sheltered city existence and move West. >:)
 
#55 ·
Revy's pretty much the greatest place on earth, provided it snows.

Things to do off hill,

1) the aquatic centre. Kick as pool, lazy river, water slide steam room and sauna. But I heard they fucked up the sauna this year and put in new wood panelling, used to be cedar. Open early weekdays till late, not as much on weekends.

2) taco club. Fuck yeah.

Start perusing http://list.thestoke.ca to gain some insight on what's happening in town.

Also, please tell everyone that revelstoke sucks and you hate it there. Used to be such an awesome place till it filled up with tourists.
 
#56 ·
Revy's pretty much the greatest place on earth, provided it snows.

Things to do off hill,

1) the aquatic centre. Kick as pool, lazy river, water slide steam room and sauna. But I heard they fucked up the sauna this year and put in new wood panelling, used to be cedar. Open early weekdays till late, not as much on weekends.

2) taco club. Fuck yeah.

Start perusing The Stoke | Classifieds - Revelstoke, BC to gain some insight on what's happening in town.

Also, please tell everyone that revelstoke sucks and you hate it there. Used to be such an awesome place till it filled up with tourists.
1) Add bikini to the packing list: check.
2) Fuck yeah!
3) It looks like tomato shortage is happening... Uh oh!
4) RE tourists: can I pass for a local if I have holes in my socks?
 
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