Revelstoke Mountain Resort is known for many things, including North America’s longest vertical drop, and the second steepest vertical in North America. These facts can be daunting for those who are just beginning to learn how to ski or snowboard. The good news is RMR has a lot of surface area, which includes long beginner runs. (The resort will also introduce a new chair lift that will have more beginner and intermediate runs coming in 2020). So while beginner greens currently only account for 7% of the mountain, there is still a ton of terrain to access. This guide will show you how to navigate one of North America’s best and most challenging mountains while still having a cruisy day. So if you’re looking to advance your skills, or are content enjoying the scenery on a chill ride, then have a look at our guide to Revelstoke Mountain Resort’s best beginner runs.

The Last Spike

The Last Spike functions as one of RMR’s main cat tracks. Cat tracks serve as an access road for the cat machine to run up and down the mountain to groom the runs. Because of that, these runs are relatively flat and narrow, so it’s a good option for someone new to riding. Tho it might be challenging to practice wide turns and carving, it is a scenic route and a jump-off point to access all Stoke runs. To access the Last Spike, take Revelation gondola up to Mid Mountain and take the Stoke chair to the top. Head right, moving past Snow Rodeo to the mellow winding trail that stretches from top to bottom. Many people use the Last Spike to test speed and catch some side hits, but this is also the first place to start if you’ve just gotten on skis or a board. Try not to linger too long on the Last Spike tho; there are several other fantastic beginners trails to access that will make any beginner feel like a pro.

Sunshine

Amidst a sea of intermediate blue runs, look for the less steep, broad and curvy slope called Sunshine. Accessed through mid-mountain off the Last Spike, just as the track turns a corner, head straight instead toward lookers left to access the beautifully scenic, wide-open trail. This run is shorter and ends at lower mountain. The rolling, windy hills lined with trees on either side still make it a favorite and can give beginners the confidence to experiment and test limits. Sometimes winters can see insufficient snowfall early in the season.  Slow snow accumulation can affect the quality of your ride, so anticipate a later start in the season for this run. But when the snow is right, this green is king.

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Greenhorn

Breaking off the Last Spike, Greenhorn is a reliable green run on the stoke side. Located at upper mountain, it has both flat and steeper sections and has a few wide turns. Greenhorn is also a shorter run that stems from and connects back to the Last Spike. Should you look to progress to intermediate sections, the blue trails that link off of Greenhorn are pretty achievable. Because Greenhorn has flatter and steeper areas, it’s ideal for a person who is looking to experiment with progression, who can then resume to a cruisy ride with relative ease. Although it’s more narrow than some other green routes, Greenhorn does have some wider areas, ideal for honing your technique. This run is also suitable if you are still on the Last Spike and tire of the same routine dips and turns. The surrounding landscape is stunning, and it passes by The Gnome Zone, which is a beginner park area. More on The Gnome Zone below in our special mentions.

Sally Alley

As someone who reintroduced themselves to skiing in Revelstoke after a seven-year hiatus, Sally Alley was a significant lightbulb moment, and I wish I knew of it sooner. Sally Alley has two very distinct parts; Upper Sally Alley and lower Sally Alley. Spacious trails and a mellow drop characterize the higher section. The bottom section of Sally Alley is one that’s steeper, narrower, and frankly a little more advanced than its higher counterpart. That said, this is a great place to practice your speed. It provides a chance to take corners sharply, and have a race-style run on your beginner lap. This duo is yumminess personified. Accessed through the Ripper Chair, which for anyone entering the intermediate stage, will have you frothing at the mouth. This run is easily the best green on the mountain for its diversity and ability to play around. It is typically a run I would do at the beginning or end of the day to cap off my Ripper experience.  Should you decide to progress to gladed areas, the Sally Alley Glades are the best tree runs to begin your tree skiing journey. They can be fun, challenging at points, but also have easy access to rejoin part of the groomer when you’re ready. Sally Alley Glades will also get a special mention below.

Special Mentions

Gnorm Zone

Not technically a run, The Gnome Zone is an introduction to terrain parks. This area is perfect to practice park tricks. They have a few jumps and boxes that you can experiment with at your pace. Located off Stoke chair, accessed through the Last Spike next to the park, you can find a few smaller park jumps to practice fun tricks and to try and catch some air. The Gnorm Zone is a great beginner area for children and adults.

Royce Sihlis

Sally Alley Glades

Not considered beginner terrain, Sally Alley Glades would be more of a progression step than an area to learn or get comfortable skiing. But if your ability to handle speed and to take controlled turns improves, you could be ready to try Sally Alley Glades. Some of the terrain, especially near the edge of the groomer, is easy to navigate and fun to ski. Do make sure you’re skiing with a buddy, and that you’re up to a standard consistent with skiing glades before attempting to get far into the run.

 Whether you are looking to advance your skills, or are merely happy skiing mellow and comfortable slopes, we hope this guide was helpful and informative. If the former applies to you, stay tuned for a subsequent article “Guide to RMR’s intermediate blue runs” when it’s released!