December 21, 2023 | Words by Alison Jones
Known for its grand storm cycles, an almighty amount of terrain, and its easily accessible location by land or air, heli-skiing in Revelstoke has a worthy mythical status.
If the nearly 20 m (60 ft) average annual snowfall isn’t enough, Revelstoke calls to those who want to notch vert in the back of the beyond. This place pulls on the deep roots of skiers looking for the type of untracked lines that make for the best stories around the table when they return home.
With that, here’s what you need to know about heli-skiing at CMH Revelstoke.
The early bird gets the best terrain
Although the past decade has seen Revelstoke’s ski town popularity surge, its storied snow and terrain have lured skiers for decades.
The first heli-skiing in Revelstoke happened in 1971 when CMH’s founder, Hans Gmoser, set up shop as the first heli operation in the area. It was then that he secured the biggest expanse of pristine heli-accessible terrain in the area.
Our heli-skiing tenure in Revelstoke spans across the Monashee and Selkirk mountain ranges. It’s home to more than 240 runs across nearly 1,600 sq. km (617 sq mi)of glaciated alpine, wide-open bowls, steeps and perfectly spaced trees. More terrain details >
Since the ’70s, CMH has guided thousands of people through Revelstoke’s premier heli-skiing experience, and it holds strong as the promised land for those looking for the time of their lives on planks of wood.
The perks of an in-town location
Think of your heli-skiing hotel in Revelstoke as the best of both worlds: wilderness by day, in-town location by night.
During your time in Revelstoke, you’ll call the historic Regent Hotel home. Centrally located in downtown Revelstoke, it’s a tried-and-tested classic full of character and characters.
It shares a deep connection with its iconic setting in Canada’s premier powder destination, where revered halls have borne witness to countless tales from heli-skiers, both past and present.
Here are three reasons we think Revelstoke’s location is a major bonus:
- Keep skiing on down days – If weather or conditions call off a planned day of heli-skiing, we can usually arrange for you to ski at nearby Revelstoke Mountain Resort so you can keep turning, even if the heli’s rotor isn’t.
- Dining and nightlife choices abound – CMH Revelstoke’s downtown location means you’re close to a range of restaurants, bars and aprés ski options. Make a dinner reservation at the Regent Hotel’s relaxing 112 Dining Room, or head out into town for a bite of your choosing (see below for recommendations).
- Easy to access – As an in-town location, there are no extra heli-transfers or logistics to get to and from CMH Revelstoke.
How to get to CMH Revelstoke
Your easiest and most direct access to Revelstoke is by flying into Kelowna International Airport (YLW) a day or two before your trip starts. We recommend staying at the Kelowna Four Points by Sheraton Hotel.
When you’re ready and rested, you’ll make the approx. 2-3 hr. drive from Kelowna to Revy. You can do this either by CMH coach, private transfer, or self-driving. More info >
Many of our guests choose to add on a couple of pre-heli-ski days before their trip starts to warm up their legs with some laps at Revelstoke Mountain Resort.
Choosing a trip
Heli-skiing in Revelstoke has something for everyone. We offer three different types of trips, catering to ability levels from Relaxed to Expert.
If you’re unsure about your skill level, take our Heli-Skiing Quiz.
Signature Heli-Skiing Trips in Revelstoke
These heli-skiing trips in Revelstoke are great if you have a Good-to-expert level ski ability and are looking for the iconic CMH Heli-Skiing experience. You’ll ski with up to 10 like-minded others on multi-day trips, logging around 100,000 vertical feet of skiing and riding! View available trips >
Powder Intro Trips in Revelstoke
Our Powder Intro trips are ideal if you have a Relaxed-to-Strong ski ability and are looking for your first real backcountry powder experience. These multi-day trips have up to 10 guests and are led by two guides. You’ll be lifted to wide-open runs where you can hone your power legs. View available trips >
Private & Exclusive Heli-Skiing Trips in Revelstoke
Another great option if you have a Relaxed-to-Expert ski ability and want the ultimate customizable heli-skiing experience. On these multi-day trips, you’ll have private guides and your own helicopter. Ski with who you want, at the pace you want. View available trips >
Head to our online planning centre for more information about equipment, what’s included, and FAQs.
How to Après the Revy way
Revelstoke is a mountain town with every reason to boast about its post-ski scene. If you don’t get your fill with the full offerings at the Regent Hotel, there’s more than enough on offer nearby.
Try out Kawakubo for sushi, Chubby Funsters for traditional Canadian dishes (don’t miss the poutine!), and Woosley Creek for more bistro cuisine. Not to mention the craft beers served at Monashee Spirits Craft Distillery and Craft Bierhaus.
If you’re looking to fill your cup with something other than food and drink, take a stroll down the main drag’s back alley to experience Revelstoke’s Art Alleries, test your accuracy at Peak Axe Throwing, or catch a Junior B Revelstoke Grizzlies hockey game, eh.
In summary
With its diverse terrain, CMH Revelstoke seamlessly caters to the skiing preferences and skill levels of every group.
Whether you’re a first-timer with a taste for the best snow or a vertical-hungry veteran looking to turn and burn, CMH Revelstoke is a ‘lifetime’ type of trip – the only thing is, once you visit, you’ll likely return.