Sledding Revelstoke: A Rider's Guide to Canada's Mountain Sled Capital
Ask sledders anywhere to name the capital of mountain riding and most will say Revelstoke. The town sits between the Selkirk and Monashee ranges on the Trans-Canada, and the mountains around it collect 12 to 18 metres of snow a year with mild winter temperatures. We're a BC company, and Revelstoke is the kind of place our racks are built for.
Boulder Mountain
Boulder is Revelstoke's flagship zone and the one most visitors ride first. It has something for every level: groomed trails for beginners, open bowls, technical tree runs and steep chute climbs. Riders know its landmarks by name, from Alberta Hill and Super Bowl to Sugar Bowl, the Bull Pen, Monster Bowl and Kirkup Lakes. The Boulder Cabin makes the lunch stop.
The main staging area sits at 4177 Westside Road, a few minutes from town. Turn off Highway 1 just west of the bridge and follow Westside Road. Stop at the Welcome Centre for conditions and maps, then buy your pass at the ticket booth.
Frisby Ridge
Frisby runs a more relaxed pace than Boulder. A long groomed access trail climbs through the trees and tops out on a wide alpine ridge with open, rolling terrain and big views. It suits intermediate riders who want room to explore without committing to Boulder's steeper lines. You can reach it from the Boulder lot via the Streeter Street trail when conditions allow.
The unmanaged zones
Most visitors stick to Boulder and Frisby, but locals ride plenty more: Sale Mountain, Keystone and Standard Basin, Turtle Mountain, Mount McCrae, Hall Mountain and Eagle Pass toward Sicamous. The club recently added a new parking lot at Keystone. These areas get no grooming or on-site services, so ride them with local knowledge, a strong group and full avalanche gear.
Trail fees and closures
The Revelstoke Snowmobile Club, founded in 1968 and one of the oldest and largest clubs in BC, grooms and manages Boulder and Frisby. You pay a daily trail fee of $30 per rider at the trailhead booth, or buy a club membership if you'll ride more than a few days. Keep your ticket on you, since staff check. Camping in the Boulder and Frisby parking lots is not allowed.
Revelstoke has mountain caribou closures that change how and where you can ride. Check the club's wildlife closure maps before every trip, and respect CMH heli-ski tenure boundaries and signed ski runs in the area.
After the ride
Rentals and tours. SledRent.ca sits right at the gateway to Boulder and Frisby off Highways 1 and 23. If you or a friend don't have avalanche training yet, Great Canadian Tours runs half-day guided trail tours up into the alpine.
Breweries. Mt. Begbie Brewing has brewed in Revelstoke since 1996 and has a pile of Canadian Brewing Awards to show for it, including golds for its Cream Ale and High Country Kolsch. Its tasting room sits just outside downtown. Rumpus Beer Company opened downtown in 2019, and Forbes called it the best après adventure spot that year. It's small and cozy, like the rumpus room it's named after.
Something stronger. Monashee Spirits Craft Distillery on Mackenzie Avenue pours its own spirits in the heart of downtown, a good stop before dinner.
Food. The Village Idiot on Mackenzie Avenue serves pizza, burgers and local beer to a crowd that's usually still in its gear.
Where to stay. Revelstoke has plenty of sled-friendly hotels along the highway with room for trucks and trailers, and a growing list of lodges and rentals near Westside Road that put you minutes from the Boulder lot.
Avalanche safety
Revelstoke is home to Avalanche Canada, and for good reason: the terrain that makes it famous also slides. BC recorded 12 avalanche deaths last season, well above the recent average of four to eight, and several involved snowmobilers. Read the Avalanche Canada forecast for the North Columbia region every morning. Carry a transceiver, shovel and probe, ride with a partner, expose one rider at a time, and take an AST course if you haven't already.
Carrying your gear
Boulder and Frisby see more sled-skiers and splitboarders every year. The Port Tack Racks Patrol Rack bolts to your tunnel and carries skis or a board on each side, with room in the middle for fuel and a gear bag. It's built for exactly this kind of day.
FAQ
How much does it cost to ride Boulder or Frisby?
The daily trail fee is $30 per rider, paid at the trailhead booth. A club membership covers the season.
Which zone suits a first-time visitor?
Boulder. It has groomed access, a warm-up cabin and terrain for every level. Frisby works well for intermediate riders who want open alpine without the steep lines.
Can I camp at the staging areas?
No. Camping in the Boulder and Frisby parking lots is not allowed.
How much snow does Revelstoke get?
The mountains around town average 12 to 18 metres a year.
Do I need to check closures?
Yes. Mountain caribou closures apply in parts of the Revelstoke area. Check the club's closure maps before you ride.