Condition update. Revelstoke
You have probably seen a few photos and videos floating around the internet about the early season conditions here in Revelstoke. Chris Rubens kicked things off with a nice line in Rogers pass in what looked like hero snow followed by loads of instagram photos and facebook bragging. So just how good or bad is it out there?
Mcrea
The truth is that it's real good up high but gets real sporty real fast as you lose elevation. Sunday we were up on Mcrea peak, a local early season favorite and found a lower than expected snowline. We were able to most of the road but lack of traction at 1350m left us 5km from the actual trail head. I would recommend a snowmobile drop ( if you have that luxury ) or others with snow chains where able to make it to the trail head. There was about 35 cms of snow on the road so bring something with a little clearance. Once there you will be greeted by a supportive 50-80cm base and loads of fun lines to choose from. Pillows and little cliffs were had but it's still a real early season snowpack , bring a helmet and skis you don't mind banging off of rocks
Monday we made the drive up to Rogers pass for another early season classic. A little overnight snow covered the parking lot and the real thin spots at the trail head. There was about 5cm of snow at the trail head but coverage got consistently better to actually being great at the 3km marker. We made a push to the alpine and got to ski some really dry snow between 2300m and 2000m which then got progressively “supportive” as we hit 1700m and found the temperature crust. This wasn't all bad as it does keep you and your bases off the junk. The classic bobsleigh run on the out has heinous! Really slow going and I would strongly recommend a helmet for this time of year. Well worth the effort with all the stump and rocks lurking just beneath the surface .
Rogers pass
Rogers pass
David on Cheops
Early season conditions persist but some great skiing to be had if you don't mind putting in the extra effort. Getting high is key and once up there the skiing is good, deep and dry. Get out there and enjoy the exercise because it just might be a season of long slogs to elevation based on this long term El Nino forecast.