2009 Ski Vacations - Canada

The newest name for 2009 skiing vacations is Revelstoke.

Revelstoke Mountain Resort is Canada's newest and best ski resorts. According to Peter Hardy, the opening of Revelstoke "could be the biggest news in the sport for 20 years." It is being compared to Aspen, Jackson Hole and other top North American ski destinations.

Revelstoke is located in British Columbia on Mount Mackenzie, near the Columbia River. The primary sources of revenue until now have been mining and lumber. The small, remote town has a population of about 8,500. Previously, Revelstoke was best-known as a helicopter ski spot. The number of heli-skiers is limited and doesn't make the economical impact needed to support the town. Town officials believe the introduction of the resort will be just the change the small town needs to get back on its feet.

The challenge most ski areas face is lack of snow or short winters. Many resorts utilize snow cannons to produce their own snow. Revelstoke sees an average of 12 meters (39 feet) of snowfall every winter. The knee-deep powdery snow makes Revelstoke the perfect location for a successful ski resort.

Aside from a great location and lots of snow, Revelstoke offers more than 500,000 acres of ski area. This includes 20 lifts, 27 gladed and groomed trails, open bowls, steep chutes, and over 100 ski and snowboard runs. All new Leitner-Poma high-speed lifts carry eight passengers at a time up the 4,735 vertical feet slope. The 2007-2008 ski season also opened with a dedicated beginner slope. The beginner slope is outfitted with a new Magic Carpet conveyor lift. Lift tickets can be purchased at the guest services desk, and an ATM machine is available for your convenience.

Snow School tours and classes are available for those who wish to enjoy the day touring Mount Mackenzie or learn to ski. Individual and group packages are available. The type of group package tour available to you is determined by the ability of the group. Complimentary employee-guided tours are offered daily at 9:30 a.m., 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. These tours may act as an introduction to the mountain or just to view the interesting terrain the mountain has to offer.

Private instructional sessions are also available. Full-day or half-day instructional sessions are available, depending on your skill level. With a private instructor, you learn at your own pace, the way it's more comfortable for you. Full-day sessions include helpful training videos, while half-day sessions include instructional photos. Group sessions are also available. Canada often sees a good number of British skiers making their way there each ski holiday season, and UK based ski holiday companies like the Thomson ski holiday company often have ski lessons available to book in advance of arrival.

Revelstoke's day lodge includes a full service restaurant complete with an espresso bar and retail, rental and repair shops. The newly renovated day lodge offers seating for 215 people. The 2,400 sq ft deck seats 140 people, overlooks amazing scenery, and is complete with barbeque grills. The lodge's floor-to-ceiling windows provide stunning views of the surrounding mountains and the Columbia Valley. Lockers are available to store your personal possessions while you enjoy slopes.

In addition to an astounding 4,735 ft lift, Revelstoke boasts North America's longest vertical descent of 6,000 vertical feet. Revelstoke is truly a one-stop ski destination, offering a beginner slope, snowboarding, and lift, snowcat, and helicopter skiing. The resort also offers golf and a wide variety of housing units at very affordable nightly rates.

2009 should be a good year for Revelstoke ski holidays.