Revelstoke Search and Rescue fundraises for new operations centre, p · 11. What’s next for Revelstoke’s short-term rental future, p · 12.
ReDi Grant projects need your vote, p · 20. Natural Selection returns to Revelstoke, p · 22.
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Each issue we distribute 3,000 copies to public venues across Revelstoke, including hotel rooms, shops, restaurants, cafes, community centres — everywhere people meet.
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COVER AND INSET PHOTO:
YETI Natural Selection Revelstoke returns with a host of events for audiences to participate in, including the Snaked Slalom course.
Photo by Mike Yoshida/Natural Selection
Introduction
PUBLISHER
Brandi Schier info@revelstokemountaineer.com
PARTNERSHIPS SPECIALIST
Justin Moore justin@revelstokemountaineer.com
EDITOR
Hollie Ferguson editor@revelstokemountaineer.com
REPORTER
Lys Morton lys@revelstokemountaineer.com
CONTIBUTING WRITERS
Brad Harrison
EDITORIAL DESIGN/ADVERTISING DESIGN
Chris Payne chris@revelstokemountaineer.com
This project has been made possible in part by the Government of Canada through the Local Journalism Iniative.
I spent the last chunk of February watching my two cats, Riley and Neo absolutely glued to the window as the local birds checked out my newly installed bird feeder. Between that, starter seeds showing up in the hardware store and the longer days, it seems things are shifting to the back end of winter.
The energy is a little different as well. I got a lot of interviews crammed into February, and everyone seemed a tad more excited about whatever we were talking about. Whether it was Taryn Kehler chatting with me about Revelstoke Search and Rescue fundraising for a new home or Paul Simon sharing what staff heard from Revelstoke about future short-term rental regulations, there are a lot of wheels hitting the ground after the holiday recovery. And maybe some folks hitting the slopes as well as Revelstoke gets ready for Natural Selection this year. We have those stories and more in this issue.
Also, we have another conditions report for you. Brad Harrison confirms what a lot of us are starting to see; there is one very reactive weak layer under any fresh powder we’ve gotten in the last couple of weeks. He has some tips on what to look out for and how to stay safe as temperatures continue to keep things unsteady.
I’m off to go refill the bird feeder, I hope you have a most excellent end to your winter.
- Lys Morton, community journalist
6
EVENTS
Find out what’s happening in and around Revelstoke this month in the events calendar. Don’t forget to contact Revelstoke Mountaineer to add your event in the newsletter and calendar.
8
CITY COUNCIL RECAP
Subscribe to the Mountaineer’s bi-weekly council newsletter at revelstokemountaineer.com/ newsletter to keep up-to-date on municipal news.
10
CITY OF REVELSTOKE APPROVES
ELECTION PAY POLICY AHEAD OF OCTOBER 2026 LOCAL VOTE
In an effort to streamline compensation for Revelstoke’s upcoming election, council green lights a new policy.
11
SEEKING A NEW HOME TO SAVE LIVES: REVELSTOKE SEARCH AND RESCUE
OPERATION CENTRE COULD SHRINK RESPONSE TIME
Fundraising for a new home base, Revelstoke Search and Rescue hopes to consolidate gear and respond to emergencies faster.
12
WHAT’S NEXT FOR REVELSTOKE’S SHORT-TERM RENTAL FUTURE?
Here’s what city staff heard from residents about future short-term rental regulations.
16
PETER MILOBAR VISITS
REVELSTOKE IN HIS BID FOR LEADERSHIP
MLA Peter Milobar highlights infrastructure, rural issues as key priorities during his visit campaigning for leadership role in the Conservative Party of B.C.
17
GOOD FOOD BOX PROGRAM TO REDUCE PRESSURE ON REVELSTOKE FOOD BANK
The new Good Food Box initiative launched by Community Connections Revelstoke Society provides low-cost produce boxes to help combat high grocery prices.
18
STOKE YOUTH NETWORK EXPANDS ACCESS TO YOUTH PROGRAMMING IN REVELSTOKE
Stoke Youth Network is working to provide more drop-in spaces for youth under 19 in an effort to reduce suicide numbers and build community.
20
REDI GRANT PROJECTS NEED YOUR VOTE
Residents will get a vote on what projects receive Columbia Basin Trust funding Tuesday, March 10.
21
CONDITIONS REPORT
Choosing terrain carefully during B.C.’s February warm-up
22
NATURAL SELECTION RETURNS TO REVELSTOKE FOR SNOWBOARDING COMPETITION
‘It’s like we’re going back to see family every year,’ Natural Selection CEO says.
24
HERE’S HOW TO PARTICIPATE IN THE YETI NATURAL SELECTIONS SNOW WEEKEND
From the DJs to the competition, here’s what you need to know to enjoy the festivities.
25
THE GRIZZLIES CORNER
Recaps and updates on all things Revelstoke hockey.
26
PUZZLES
Check your answers for last month’s puzzles and try your hand at March’s crossword and sudoku.
MARCH 2026 CALENDAR
MARCH
EVENTS
MONDAYS, MARCH 2, 9, 16, 23 AND 30
SOUP AND A SMILE
United Church, 314 MacKenzie Ave., 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Enjoy a bowl of homemade soup, dessert, drink and bun. Come with friends or sit with someone new at this community lunch event hosted every Monday. Entry by donation, $5 recommended, all welcome to attend.
MONDAYS, MARCH 2, 9, 16, 23 AND 30
LIFE DRAWING
Revelstoke Visual Arts Centre, 320 Wilson St., 6 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Artists 19 years and older, of all skill levels are welcome to come practice drawing from a live model. Semi-draped and undraped sessions available, arrive early to claim your spot. Some materials provided, bringing your own is encouraged, $15 per session.
MONDAY, MARCH 2
REVELSTOKE MEN’S
NIGHT
Mountain Archives, 113 First St. West, 7 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
Revelstoke Men’s Night is an evening group dedicated to providing men with a space to build support networks, friendships and community. The group encourages conversation with the goal to reduce men’s loneliness, facilitate open communication and build healthy communities. Free to attend.
TUESDAY, MARCH 3
PIQSIQ, WITH OPENER OH PRAY TELL
Revelstoke Performing Arts Centre, 1007 Vernon Ave., 7:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.
Sisters Tiffany Ayalik and Inuksuk Mackay showcase the art of Inuit style throat singing with PIQSIQ. Explore traditional songs and newer compositions. Opener Oh Pray Tell kicks the evening off with banjo rhythms and boot-stomping poetry and stories. Tickets available at artsrevelstoke.com.
WEDNESDAYS, MARCH 4, 11, 18 AND 25
DROP-IN ART NIGHT
Revelstoke Visual Arts Centre, 320 Wilson St., 6 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Drop by the Revelstoke Visual Art Centre Kitchen Studio with whatever art project you’re working on and enjoy a relaxing environment of other creatives. Free to attend, all ages welcome, please bring your own supplies.
THURSDAY, MARCH 5
ANYTHING
GOES EXHIBIT CLOSING CELEBRATION
Revelstoke Visual Arts Centre, 320 Wilson St., 5 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Get in some last bids on local artwork at the Anything Goes exhibit and then hear who the winning bids are and enjoy an evening of celebrating Revelstoke’s art community. The Anything Goes show is one of Revelstoke Visual Arts Centre’s largest fundraisers of the year.
Arc’teryx Kelowna hosts another free climbing night at Quartzite Climbing Gym. Whether this is the first time you’ve tried climbing or you’re a veteran in the sport, enjoy free rentals and an evening of climbing. Door prizes, drinks for sale, must be 19 years or older. RSVP at community-events.arcteryx.com/quartziteclimbnight20.
SATURDAY, MARCH 7 AND 21
REVELSTOKE LOCAL FOOD INITIATIVE WINTER MARKET
Revelstoke Community Centre, 600 Campbell Ave., 12 p.m. – 4 p.m. Come enjoy a range of vendors, from fresh produce to meat, eggs, honey, cider, wine, coffee, baked treats and art items from our talented local artists. Bring cash and your reusable bags to stock up with goodies.
SATURDAY, MARCH 7
REVELSTOKE SEEDY SATURDAY
Revelstoke Community Centre, 600 Campbell Ave., 12 p.m. – 4 p.m. Columbia Shuswap Invasive Species Society invites you to come swap some locally grown seeds, learn about seed libraries and get ready for planting season. By donation, $2 recommended.
SATURDAY, MARCH 7
MEADOWS IN THE SKI MOONLIGHT SKI
Mount Revelstoke National Park, 600 Campbell Ave., 4 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Grab your National Park ticket and strap on your skis for the Illecillewaet Greenbelt Society and Parks Canada’s Meadows in the Sky Parkway Moonlight Ski. Cross Country ski six kilometres to the Monashee Cabin and enjoy live music, hot chocolate, treats and
Grab your friends and hit the mountain Sunday, March 22 for Locals Day. Photo by Lys Morton/Revelstoke Mountaineer
more. Bring your own headlamp and reusable mug.
SUNDAY, MARCH 8
SPINNING THROUGH TIME ICE SKATING CARNIVAL
Revelstoke Forum, 1100 Vernon Ave., 4 p.m. - 7 p.m.
The Revelstoke Skating Club and DJ Spanda invite you to travel through time with their end of year show. Tunes from the 1950s all the way to the 2000s will keep you grooving in your seat as the skaters show off their skills. All ages welcome, admission by donation. Non-perishable donations for the food bank are also welcome.
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 11
BROWN BAG HISTORY: GLACIER HOUSE
Revelstoke Museum & Archives, 315 First St. West, 12 p.m. – 12:45 p.m.
Bring your lunch along and learn about the history of Revelstoke with a new topic every other week. Tickets are $10 and include admission to the museum. This week, learn about CP Rail’s Glacier House, and how the dining stop evolved into a hotel and touchstone for outdoor adventuring in Revelstoke.
THURSDAY, MARCH 12
THE GREAT REVELSTOKE QUIZ
Revelstoke Community Centre, 600 Campbell Ave., 6:30 p.m. – 9 p.m. It’s back! Revelstoke Museum & Archives’ Great Revelstoke Quiz is your chance to show off all the Revelstoke facts, tidbits
and history lessons you’ve been collecting for this very moment. Gather together a team of six and compete for bragging rights and excellent prizes. Tickets at revelstokemuseum.ca or at the museum. Tickets are $120 for a team of 6, $25 for an individual (you’ll be added to a group).
Teens are welcome to make some wonderfully terrible art in this playful challenge. No talent needed, just your imagination. All supplies provided, there will be a prize for the best (worst) art.
Get your Locals Day on and enjoy $20 lift tickets, $10 standard rentals and $20 group lessons. Try out the high-end gear for 50 per cent off. Locals Days are available for everyone living in Nakusp and the Columbia Shuswap Regional District. Bring down proof of residency and enjoy the mountain in our backyard.
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 25
BROWN BAG HISTORY: FAMOUS VISITORS
Revelstoke Museum & Archives, 315 First St. West, 12 p.m. – 12:45 p.m.
Bring your lunch along and learn about the history of Revelstoke with a new topic every other
week. Tickets are $10 and include admission to the museum. This week, hear stories about all the famous visitors Revelstoke has hosted over the years.
THURSDAY, MARCH 26
ARTIST SOCIAL
Lüft Café & Bar, 1500 First St. West, 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
Revelstoke Visual Arts Centre invites you to connect with Revelstoke’s art scene and local creatives at the Artist Social. All ages are welcome to join in for good vibes and great conversations.
FRIDAY, MARCH 20
THE NORTH WIND
The Sound Cellar, 101 First St. West, in the alley, 7 p.m. - 9 p.m. Arts Revelstoke presents The North Wind live at the Sound Cellar. Tuck in to an intimate music setting and enjoy an evening of live music, cocktails and a cosy vibe of folk tunes. Doors open at 6:30 p.m., music starts at 7 p.m.
Swing by Quartzite Climbing Gym Friday, March 6 for free climbing day.
Photo provided by Arc’teryx Kelowna
Check out the Revelstoke Local Food Initiative winter market Saturday, March 7 and 21.
Photo provided by Local Food Initiative/Facebook
CITY COUNCIL RECAP
By Lys Morton
Okanagan College seeks ways to remain in Revelstoke
Okanagan College will end its current building lease, but the college will remain in Revelstoke, Neil Fassina, Okanagan College president told council.
The focus will shift to operating programing statically dependent on availability, he said.
“We’re actually looking at how to work with employers and deliver on-site,” Fassina explained.
Coun. Tim Stapenhurst voiced concerns that offering courses at work locations could restrict who is able to access future educational opportunities, but Fassina explained enrollment through the Okanagan College website and other avenues will remain the same.
“It’s about using space that is the most appropriate without having to carry the burden of a long-term facility operation,” he said.
Okanagan College can tailor some of its programs for community delivery depending on interest, location and local resources. Some of those programs include those in the Health Sciences field such as the Health Care Assistant certificate and first aid training. Trades programs are harder to tailor to community locations due to extensive space and equipment needs that make satellite classrooms hard to provide.
“It’s something that’s going to require some foresight and some partnership,” Fassina told council when Mayor Gary Sulz shared community interest in trades programs.
“The probability of us setting up a full carpentry shop in a community like Revelstoke is low,” Fassina explained, but noted that mobile trailer shops could be a solution if demand was high enough. Okanagan College would then work with Skills Trades B.C. to provide training resources in Revelstoke.
New fire inspection policy brings Fire Rescue Service resources into spotlight
In an effort to work through the backlog of fire inspections needed for over 360 properties in Revelstoke, fire chief Steven DeRousie presented council with an updated fire inspection policy.
The new rubric scores inspection needs based on occupancy, building complexity and usage to Revelstoke Fire Rescue Services which will prioritize high-risk properties such as those with errors in previous inspections and healthcare facilities.
“That way we can assign the inspectors’ time most appropriately and work towards catching up,” DeRousie told council.
Rubric scoring can change over time, with buildings that pass repeated inspections without incident scoring lower and properties that fail inspections scoring higher, triggering more frequent checks.
Inspections are required for commercial spaces, buildings with large-scale fire suppression systems and public properties, with private residences not included unless used for commercial businesses or short-term rentals.
Before council could vote on the fire inspection policy, Coun. Tim Palmer put forward a motion to potentially reallocate Revelstoke Fire Rescue funding and resources towards increasing inspection rates, citing the 2026 Crans-Montana bar fire in Switzerland as an example of delayed fire inspections resulting in deaths and injuries.
“Whether loss of life or loss of property, that is a result of a deficiency of the municipality,” Palmer said, adding he was in favour of the fire inspection policy change but wanted to see work done within the year to shrink Revelstoke’s fire inspection waitlist.
DeRousie said he struggled with the term reallocate,
Revelstoke city council. Photo by Keri Knapp/Keri Knapp Photography
worrying it would mean losing resources in other areas such as fire suppression.
“We would like to be able to do everything all at once. It’s not possible with the limited funding that we have, the limited staffing that we have,” he said, stressing funding reallocations would impact the hiring of a ninth firefighter.
Because Revelstoke Fire Rescue had already started hiring measures shaped around the recently approved budget, Palmer’s motion to reallocate funds would have Human Resource consequences, Sheanna Moore, city director of finance said.
Stapenhurst agreed that Palmer’s motion didn’t solve the need for increased inspections and instead could hinder other firefighter duties.
If the majority of the backlog could be cleared in four months, funding might not need to be moved around, Coun. Lee Devlin added.
“If we can get it done in two years then that’s a different conversation,” he said.
Palmer offered to defer the motion to staff, allowing them to write a report on how best to come into safety inspection compliance before bringing the motion back to council. Moore agreed the deferral gives staff an opportunity to explore potential consequences between reallocating and not reallocating resources to support inspections.
Council voted unanimously to defer Palmer’s motion to staff for further work before presenting to council at a later date.
Council voted unanimously to approve the Frequency of Fire Safety Inspections policy.
City asked to weigh in on regional district short-term rental regulations
Residents in the Columbia-Shuswap Regional District (CSRD) area B asked council to weigh in on an upcoming CSRD board meeting that will decide whether the district will entirely opt into short-term rental (STR) regulations.
David Brooks-Hill, area B director opted into primary residency regulations for the area surrounding the City of Revelstoke, claiming the provincial resources included in the regulation are needed to help the region monitor STRs. The regulations came into effect November, 2025.
Sulz and Stapenhurst both sit on the CSRD board of directors, with Stapenhurst acting as the alternative director for the City of Revelstoke. Only
electoral area directors such as Brooks-Hill can vote. Sulz explained he has been in talks with Brooks-Hill about STR regulations and community concerns about the economic impact fewer STRs in the region surrounding Revelstoke could have.
“He has made it quite clear that, no matter what, he is not going to change his mind,” Sulz said. “It’s up to his residents to persuade him otherwise.”
The letter will be going forward to the CSRD board at the upcoming meeting, and Sulz said he would comment on the council receiving the letter as well.
Austin Luciow asked if it was relevant to show the letter to the Revelstoke and Area Economic Development Commission, which has been monitoring potential economic implications due to the STR regulation. Sulz noted that any comments or work the commission had would have to be brought up with Brooks-Hill. Palmer worried involving the commission could muddy where City of Revelstoke’s involvement in the regional STR regulations actually lies.
“I think there might be an opportunity where this council meets with the area B director on short-term rentals. It’s a dialogue that we haven’t had faceto-face,” Palmer said.
Steven DeRousie was
Photo by Lys Morton/Revelstoke Mountaineer
CITY OF REVELSTOKE APPROVES ELECTION PAY POLICY AHEAD OF
2026 LOCAL VOTE
IN AN EFFORT TO STREAMLINE COMPENSATION FOR REVELSTOKE’S UPCOMING ELECTION, COUNCIL GREEN LIGHTS A NEW POLICY.
By Lys Morton
Municipalities, regional districts and school boards across B.C. will host general elections throughout September and October, and work is already underway to prepare for voting day in Revelstoke.
While Elections BC supports general elections with the Local Elections Campaign Financing Act, local governing bodies are responsible for managing nominations, voting and result tallying.
The City of Revelstoke will manage its own elections, along with Columbia Shuswap Regional District (CSRD) Area B director elections and School District 19 trustee elections.
In the absence of the provincial Local Government Act reimbursement framework, council unanimously approved the Election Official
Remuneration policy to clarify payment for election work.
“Previous administrators have reached out to other organizations to see what they’re paying to make sure that it’s fair and equitable,” Cindy Floyd, director of corporate services explained.
The policy could free up staff time trying to calculate and distribute reimbursements for internal and external election positions.
The new remuneration policy won’t impact the current 2026-2040 long-term financial plan as costs for election official reimbursement had already been worked into the budget, and portions might be covered by the CSRD and School District 19.
From election training sessions to managing election days, most election work and preparation falls outside staff hours. Along with staff working election tasks, the local chief election official can
bring in external contractors to help.
The new policy called for staff to receive their regular hourly rate for all election hours worked, including overtime hours and for contractor positions to be paid based on role. This follows the same route that the CSRD has taken, with other municipalities instead banking hours to be used at a later date.
Nominations for council, mayor, regional district directors and school boards trustees open Thursday, Sept. 1 and campaigning starts Saturday, Sept. 19. Advanced voting opens in Revelstoke Wednesday, Oct. 7 and 14, with general election day hosted Saturday, Oct. 17. The new council will have its first meeting Monday, Nov. 2.
Compensation for Revelstoke’s upcoming election was on the agenda at a Jan. 27 council meeting.
Photo by Lys Morton/Revelstoke Mountaineer
SEEKING A NEW HOME TO SAVE LIVES: REVELSTOKE SEARCH AND RESCUE OPERATION CENTRE COULD SHRINK RESPONSE TIME
FUNDRAISING FOR A NEW HOME BASE, REVELSTOKE SEARCH AND RESCUE HOPES TO CONSOLIDATE GEAR AND RESPOND TO EMERGENCIES FASTER.
By Lys Morton
Revelstoke Search and Rescue is launching one of the largest fundraisers in the city’s history, with a goal of $3.4 million.
The fundraiser is rallying support for the construction of an operation centre to house equipment, run training programs and coordinate rescue calls.
Currently, the team stores rescue and operations gear at the Revelstoke RCMP office, as well as various private storage facilities throughout the city, often increasing response times in situations where minutes matter.
“We have to drive all over town trying to get all of
our equipment so we can rescue in a safe way,” Revelstoke Search and Rescue fundraising team lead Taryn Kehler explained. “You can see how that can really impact our response time and outcomes for people.”
Revelstoke Search and Rescue acquired land by the Revelstoke Airport from the Columbia Shuswap Regional District and is aiming to have the centre completed by Spring 2027. The roughly 1,115 square metre building will include seven heated bays, a dedicated training area, office spaces and enough storage potential for future growth.
“Everybody’s recognized the need for this, considering our community is growing and attracting more and more adventure tourism and more and more people coming to recreate in the area,” Kehler said.
Revelstoke Search and Rescue also helps with wildfire evacuations, missing person scenarios and the range of highway accidents around Revelstoke, and organizers hope its overarching community impact will inspire folks to donate to the build.
While the non-profit already raised over $780,000 and is working with various government levels for additional support, local fundraising will be key in completing the project.
Donations are open on the revsar.ca/donate page, and contributions over $1,000 can be organized with fundraising@revsar.ca. Kehler and her team are also looking to work with local businesses and organizations for future fundraising events, material donations and other in-kind opportunities.
Revelstoke’s history of coming out in full force to help fundraise and support projects like the operations centre has Kehler convinced the $3.4 million goal will be reached. Born and raised in Revelstoke herself, and working as a paramedic, she sees the value the new operation centre will provide for the community.
“People are getting really excited about it.”
Revelstoke Search and Rescue also wants the future site to be used for safety training for folks interested in outdoor recreation.
“Having a centre where we can do proper training and outreach, more of these local education components, that hopefully reduces calls in the future,” Kehler said.
What is Revelstoke Search and Rescue?
Revelstoke Search and Rescue has been operating since 1952, providing cost-free rescues, first aid and support for local RCMP, Revelstoke Fire Department and more.
From local paramedics and regional ski patrollers to highway avalanche control experts, Revelstoke Search and Rescue’s volunteer pool is as expansive as its gear stock. Boasting upwards of 100 volunteers depending on the season, the team is one of the largest search and rescue groups in B.C., Kehler said.
“Revelstoke has been very fortunate that our team is able to have the kind of calibre of training that it does,” she added.
In 2024 alone, the group wracked up over 8,300 volunteer hours, primarily assisting in snowmobile, hiker and alpine skiing rescues. Within the first month of 2026, Revelstoke Search and Rescue has already assisted in 15 different calls.
Volunteers require ground search and rescue training, oftentimes offered through the Justice Institute of B.C., as well as a set amount of hours and calls to stay on the roster, plus local knowledge of the area.
“We want people that are involved in the community, that really know the area and are passionate about it,” Kehler said.
Revelstoke’s surrounding terrain and outdoor recreation industries bring a high volume of tourists to the region, but Revelstoke’s reputation as a safe place to recreate is also a draw, Kehler explained. From Revelstoke Mountain Resort’s ski patrol team to Revelstoke Snow Mobile Club’s active network, safety awareness is front of mind for many organizations.
“People come here wanting to know they’re safe, they’re looked after and that they’re going to have people there to help them out in an emergency.”
Revelstoke Search and Rescue’s equipment and resources will soon be housed in a central location, shaving down future response time. Photo by Bryce Schroers
WHAT’S NEXT FOR REVELSTOKE’S SHORT-TERM RENTAL FUTURE?
HERE’S WHAT CITY STAFF HEARD FROM RESIDENTS ABOUT FUTURE SHORT-TERM RENTAL REGULATIONS.
By Lys Morton
City staff are working through resident feedback following a series of in-person and online group sessions with roughly 60 participants regarding future short-term rental (STR) regulations.
From narrowing in on how STRs could impact specific neighbourhoods to discussing what a “good neighbour” STR would be, staff heard about the regulation nuances residents want the city to consider. In turn, attendees learned of the fine details about Revelstoke’s current and future STR regulations to this point.
“We wanted neighbours to hear from each other and hear different perspectives,” Paul Simon, director of development services said. STR operators, long-term renters, home
owners and real estate agents were some of the groups represented in the conversations, which spanned five sessions in the last week of January.
“We were hearing an appreciation for the complexity of this issue,” Simon added. “The city has been trying to regulate short-term rentals for the better part of 15 years now.”
Following a Feb. 26, 2025 information session, staff and council have been focused on developing a “Revelstoke solution” for STR regulations. Currently, three options are on the table:
• Allowing STRs in specific low-density residential areas deemed appropriate to supporting STRs.
• Allowing STRs in all low-density residential areas within Revelstoke.
• Allowing STRs in all low-density residential areas with a cap on approved business licenses.
Discussing those options during the group sessions, attendees and staff noted positives and negatives for each scenario.
“This question of equity really was front and centre,” Simon said.
While attendees were open to discussing various situations, moods were still split between increasing Revelstoke’s STR stock and stabilizing long-term housing options.
Some agreed work is being done to increase housing and rental stock, but wondered if opening up more STR options could impact that progress.
“We always ask, ‘what can you ultimately live with?’” Simon said, noting compromises on all sides might be needed, including accepting what types of STR operators set up in Revelstoke, whether it’s local residents or larger businesses able to purchase multiple units.
Although the city can regulate how land is zoned and what it can legally be used for, there’s no way for staff to entirely regulate who operates STRs in Revelstoke if the land is properly zoned.
While opening allowances up to the entire city could be the easiest way to guarantee everyone in Revelstoke has a chance to participate in the tourism sector, many residents wished to know what would be the best way to still regulate things.
A cap on business licenses seems an obvious answer. But some pointed out the additional staff resources needed to manage licensing, and the chance for some property owners to hoard licenses. Surprisingly to some, parking regulations could be the solution, with current rules requiring one parking spot per bedroom.
“It would actually kind of keep the reins on it,” Simon said, explaining some properties automatically wouldn’t qualify for STR operations because of a lack of parking.
Staff have been working on the three different regulation policies, but there is a fourth option that could be on the table.
Paul Simon (left) says city staff have been working for years on Revelstoke’s short-term rental future. Photo provided by City of Revelstoke/YouTube
“It might be that we stick with the regulations as they are,” Simon said, adding some attendees expressed that Revelstoke’s current collection of spot zones and bylaws fit the city’s STR needs.
Depending on the option council directs staff to work on and the extent of bylaw rewrites necessary, staff could be presenting the option to the public at a future public hearing for more input.
Residents had until Friday, Feb. 13 to fill out an online survey about the STR options and reach out to str@revelstoke.ca with additional comments. Staff will present survey results to council at an upcoming meeting.
Those looking to keep updated on the project can subscribe on the TalkRevelstoke.ca page for the update newsletter.
What about the provincial principal residency?
One option not in the mix? Revelstoke opting into the provincial principal residency requirement.
Resort municipalities, regional district electoral areas and other specific communities can choose to opt in or opt out of the requirement, which mandates STRs only be operated out of someone’s main property in the span of a year.
The majority of council and many residents have been vocal about Revelstoke staying out of the requirement and instead building a city-specific policy, Simon explained.
While staff aren’t presenting that option, they’re still working on economic impact reports and other data pieces on what a primary residency requirement could mean for Revelstoke. Even though the current council isn’t interested in that option, future council and community members might ask staff what the outcome could be, Simon said.
“Here’s the data that shows what the impact of the community could be if we did that. The potential positives from a housing front and the potential negatives from an economic front as well,” he explained.
The Columbia Shuswap Regional District electoral area B, the regional district surrounding Revelstoke, opted into the principal residency requirement in November 2025. Area B director David Brooks-Hill has vocally encouraged Revelstoke council and staff to follow suit, but at all the group sessions Simon attended, Brooks-Hill’s comments and the principal residency policy weren’t brought up.
“I think people saw that we’re trying to craft something that makes sense for the context of Revelstoke,” Simon said.
TOURISM TALKS
Imagining Revelstoke’s Next Community Space
On March 2, the City of Revelstoke will release a community survey asking residents to help shape the future of indoor recreation in our community
For many locals, the Revelstoke Forum holds decades of memories, from early-morning practices to packed community events That history matters At the same time, Revelstoke has grown, and so have the needs of the people who live here
As City Manager and CEO Evan Parliament recently shared, “This isn’t just about replacing a hockey rink There are other users that are in dire need of community space ” A future multipurpose facility could support far more than ice sports and be designed to serve residents year-round and across generations
The survey focuses on opportunity: What amenities are needed? A walking track? Fitness space? A gymnasium or flexible community rooms? “We want to design this facility based on need,” says Parliament “This survey is asking you to tell us what you think the community needs ”
The survey also provides transparency around potential tax implications, showing estimates for both residential and commercial properties Projects of this scale cannot be funded solely by taxpayers; grants and external funding will also be required
This is a chance to help shape a space that serves Revelstoke for decades to come When the survey launches March 2, we encourage all residents to take 5–10 minutes to share their perspectives.
Learn more at: https://talkrevelstoke ca/planning-for-the-future
The Revelstoke Mountaineer Home Issue arrives
Imagine calling this home
PETER MILOBAR VISITS REVELSTOKE IN HIS BID FOR LEADERSHIP
MLA PETER MILOBAR HIGHLIGHTS INFRASTRUCTURE, RURAL ISSUES AS KEY PRIORITIES DURING HIS VISIT CAMPAIGNING FOR LEADERSHIP ROLE IN THE CONSERVATIVE PARTY OF B.C.
By Lys Morton
Peter Milobar, member of the B.C. Legislative Assembly for Kamloops Centre visited Revelstoke Monday, Feb. 1 as he campaigned to be the new leader for the Conservative Party of British Columbia.
The Conservative Party of B.C. launched its leadership race Friday, Jan. 16 after former leader John Rustad resigned Thursday, Dec. 4, 2025. Milobar announced his bid for leadership the same day the race was called.
“There’s a lot at stake in this leadership race,” he told Revelstoke Mountaineer, explaining the party focus needs to be on showing the public what qualifications current caucus members have for leadership and attracting future candidates in preparation for the next provincial election.
“We have to demonstrate to the public that we do have a serious group of people that have a wide range of skill sets that are very transferable to governing versus opposition,” Milobar said.
With political roots as city councillor and mayor of Kamloops, Milobar started his provincial political career in 2017 in B.C. United, formerly B.C. Liberal party, as the Kamloops-North Thompson MLA. Milobar was announced as the Kamloops Centre candidate for the Conservative Party of B.C. Sept. 3, 2024 shortly after B.C. United leader Kevin Falcon suspended the party’s campaigning during the
provincial election.
Before boundary changes during the 2024 election, Milobar’s riding stretched from Kamloops up to Avola. Like Columbia River-Revelstoke’s Scott McInnis, Milobar said he juggled how to stay connected with small communities across a large riding.
“It’s kind of a give and a take, back and forth in terms of trying to get into that community and making sure that community knows you are alive to their issues.”
Many interior MLAs struggle with the same challenges, and Milobar explained he’d pull from his own experience to help them balance rural and urban needs and stay connected.
“It’s never for lack of wanting to be in community,” he said.
When it comes to provincial projects such as the Trans-Canada Highway twinning through Revelstoke, Milobar wants to provide clear direction and deliverables.
“It’s not that this government hasn’t been building infrastructure, but everything is behind schedule and over-budget,” he said.
Milobar pointed to his time as Kamloops mayor as evidence of his skills to keep projects on track and on-budget, including negotiating contracts with local firefighter services.
“We still needed to grow as a city, but we had to operate it in a way that is respectful of the tax dollars,” he said, noting that line of thinking carries over to the provincial scale.
Milobar also wants to see a clearer delegation between municipal, provincial and federal responsibilities, noting how often he’s seen provincially funded and created programs set up in municipalities only for the city to be left with the project once initial funding runs out.
“I have a lot of sympathy for cities that feel they still need to continue that programming even though they can’t afford it and it starts hammering at their property taxes.”
Who can vote for a provincial party leader?
Only registered party members can vote in party leadership races. Potential and current members have until Saturday, April 18 to be in good standings with the party in order to vote in the leadership election.
To be a member in good standings, a membership must be purchased, personal information sent in and verification requirements passed. Members in good standings will receive voting ballots for the online voting portal before Sunday, May 10 and the new leader will be announced Saturday, May 30 at the Conservative Party of B.C. leadership convention.
Provincial parties and federal parties are not the same, and membership with one doesn’t mean membership with the other, Milobar stressed.
“They are two independent things. People won’t get to vote unless they buy a B.C. Conservative membership,” he said.
You can sign up to become a Conservative Party of B.C. member through the conservativebc.ca/ membership page. Memberships cost $25 for a fouryear term and all membership fees are eligible for a tax credit.
Peter Milobar and supporters were at River City Pub Monday, Feb. 1 as Milobar campaigns to be the new Conservative Party of British Columbia leader.
Photo by Lys Morton/Revelstoke Mountaineer
Revelstoke’s new Good Food Box program offers a range of fresh produce for $40 a box, helping residents with food prices before they become food insecure. Photo provided by Community Connections Revelstoke Society/Facebook
GOOD FOOD BOX PROGRAM TO REDUCE PRESSURE ON REVELSTOKE FOOD BANK
THE NEW GOOD FOOD BOX INITIATIVE LAUNCHED BY COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS REVELSTOKE SOCIETY PROVIDES LOW-COST PRODUCE BOXES TO HELP COMBAT HIGH GROCERY PRICES.
By Lys Morton
Community Connections Revelstoke Society’s latest pilot project is aiming to provide more food security for those who need grocery help. The Good Food Box, priced at $40, contains roughly 10 kilograms of fresh produce sourced regionally, worth on average $60.
The program was launched to support folks struggling with rising grocery prices who don’t need the full support the Revelstoke Food Bank provides.
“This helps alleviate some of the pressure the food bank is feeling,” kitchen manager for the Neighbourhood Kitchen and Good Food Box organizer Austin Luciow said.
The program currently offers 20 boxes bi-weekly to help Luciow and other program organizers tease out any kinks in the system and gauge need. Unsold boxes are diverted to Revelstoke’s food bank stock.
Good Food Box registration forms can be found on the Community Connections Revelstoke Society social media pages. Payments are made online or through eTransfer to Community Connections. Boxes are picked up every other Wednesday from 4:30 p.m. to 6 p.m. at the Outreach Building, located at 416 Second St. West.
Folks who don’t need the boxes but want to support the initiative can purchase those that are unsold after 11 a.m. on the Wednesday boxes are distributed, Luciow said. To indicate these won’t be picked up, include a note specifying the donation.
How the Good Food Boxes are stocked
Community Connections purchases bulk items at commercial cost from suppliers such as Demille’s Farm Market, which already makes deliveries to Southside Market. Demille’s waives the delivery fee for Good Food Box items, a cost that can sometimes run $20 per delivery.
“It’s not a lot, but it does add up and it takes away from the amount we can purchase,” Luciow said.
Revelstoke boasts local produce sources such as Fight Light Farm and Terra Firma, but the Good Food Box Program isn’t purchasing from them just yet.
“We don’t want local farms to be undervaluing what they’re growing to support the program,” Luciow said, adding organizers will be working in the future to find a way to bring on local farmers while keeping Good Food Box prices down.
“My hope is to get to that point where I could see a partnership with First Light and their cold storage area,” he added, explaining the Neighbourhood Kitchen’s current cold storage capacity is largely maxed out throughout the week.
As the program continues to run and test out interest, Luciow and his team are already picturing ways to expand such as tailoring the boxes with smaller options for clients who can’t get through 10 kilograms of produce and offering items such as eggs and meat. The team is also looking at ways to use the Good Food Box model as a possible structure for a ready meals program.
Who is accessing Revelstoke’s Good Food Box?
While the project is still in its early phases and no concrete data has been collected, program organizers have seen a range of clients, from those already accessing the food bank to others who might not be struggling with grocery prices but still wanted to support the project.
While Luciow and volunteers have clarified the intention behind the program to some who originally signed up, he’s certain the program will be assisting who it was designed for as more information gets out into the community.
“At the end of the day, if we are able to sell all the boxes then we can run this at cost neutral and be able to continue the program,” Luciow said.
As for assessing who needs and doesn’t need the program, he explained food bank volunteers and staff aren’t in the, “food policing business.”
“If someone is at the point where they are needing to come to the food bank to ask for help, that’s the hardest thing for people to do,” Luciow said, noting the conversation around who is “deserving” of access to the food bank, and now the Good Food Box, happens annually.
“At the end of the day, food is a human right, and us standing in the way of people being able to survive in this town is not our job.”
STOKE YOUTH NETWORK EXPANDS ACCESS TO YOUTH PROGRAMMING IN REVELSTOKE
STOKE YOUTH NETWORK IS WORKING TO PROVIDE MORE DROP-IN SPACES FOR YOUTH UNDER 19 IN AN EFFORT TO REDUCE SUICIDE NUMBERS AND BUILD COMMUNITY.
By Lys Morton
Stoke Youth Network is broadening accessibility to activities for youth under 19 with programming designed to increase “third spaces,” or gathering places outside of home, work and school. Work to increase these drop-in activities, which include everything from snowboarding camps to sewing classes, comes as a 2025 report by the B.C. Coroners Service, which studied ways to reduce suicide deaths in youth. Currently the the second highest cause of death among children and youth in the province, the coroners service reccommends building community as a key way to reduce suicide in teens.
Sam Green, youth liaison for Stoke Youth Network, and staff at Revelstoke Secondary School have seen a rise in mental health struggles and families seeking support.
One call to action in the coroner’s study was for the province to work with municipalities in identifying existing physical spaces that could be developed into third spaces for youth programs and community outreach.
“That third space rhetoric is kind of what Stoke Youth Network exists for,” Green explained.
While Stoke Youth Network has been focused on providing structured programming for teens, Green and former youth liaison Ainslee Arthurs have heard a desire for a more casual drop-in space in
Revelstoke, particularly in the winter when access to the outdoors is limited.
In her role, Green hears directly from local teens about the events, activities and opportunities they want to see. With ideas ranging from community dances and Dungeons and Dragons campaigns to back country skiing and the Common Roots program, Green is open to any potential activity.
“My goal is to create as much programming as possible for youth to find belonging and connection in the community outside of school and their home,” Green explained.
Achieving this goal means working with organizations and local businesses to offer programs as low-barrier as possible, such as the
Stoke Youth Network’s Ski After School program works with School District 19 and the Revelstoke Nordic Ski Club to give youth a chance to hit the trails.
Photo provided by Stoke Youth Network/Facebook
free ShredHERS and Shred COED mountain biking with Revelstoke Cycling Association funding support.
“This is preventative care,” Green explained. “It’s ensuring that kids have a place to go and connect before they get to that [crisis] point.”
Although the Stoke Youth Network is not involved in the planning for Revelstoke’s future multipurpose facility, Green said a community dropin space is high on the wishlist for many youth in Revelstoke, even while cautioning that the space won’t fulfil all the youth needs in Revelstoke.
“Talking with other Youth Networks, those spaces kind of get taken over by one group and it gets hard to bring new people in,” she added.
Building opportunities with the Youth Access Fund
Working to reduce financial barriers to recreational opportunities, such as equipment costs, lesson prices and pass fees, Stoke Youth Network introduced the Youth Access Fund, a grant and community-funded program.
“This really could not happen without the community, and it supports our community by supporting our families,” Green said.
This funding helps cover some of the costs of Stoke Youth Network programs
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MOUNT REVELSTOKE
Winter fun in March
The Illecillewaet Greenbelt Society has groomed a 6.5 km trail on the Meadows in the Sky Parkway, leading to Monashee Cabin. Remember your park pass. Keep your pets on a leash and dispose of their waste. Not into skiing? Snowshoe the peaceful Soren Sorensen loop instead.
Dreaming of summer?
Demand for camping reservations remains high—popular spots go fast! Check out the Parks Canada Reservation Service to book a site today! Consider Snowforest Campground at Mount Revelstoke for the ultimate family-friendly getaway.
Connect with us
Visit the Revelstoke Office for details on shoulder season activities, grab a Parks Pass, and check out local merchandise. Every purchase supports visitor programs in Mount Revelstoke and Glacier national parks!
301B 3 Street W, Revelstoke, BC mrg.information@pc.gc.ca /MRGnationalparks parks.canada.ca/mountrevelstoke
MONTREVELSTOKE
Des activités
hivernales en mars
La Illecillewaet Greenbelt Society a aménagé un sentier de 6,5 km sur la promenade des Prés-dans-le-Ciel, menant au refuge Monashee. N'oubliez pas votre laissez-passer et tenez votre chien en laisse! Le ski ne vous tente pas? Partez plutôt en raquettes sur la paisible boucle Soren-Sorensen.
Vous rêvez déjà de l'été?
La demande pour les emplacements de camping demeure forte et les plus populaires partent vite! Consultez le système de réservation de Parcs Canada pour réserver le vôtre! Pensez au terrain de camping Forêt de Neige pour une escapade familiale inoubliable.
Rendez-vous au bureau de Revelstoke pour en savoir plus sur les activités hivernales, vous procurer un laissez-passer pour les parcs et découvrir les produits locaux. Chaque achat contribue aux programmes destinés aux visiteurs des parcs nationaux du Mont-Revelstoke et des Glaciers! Venez nous visiter
301B, 3 rue Ouest, Revelstoke, Colombie-Britannique e mrg.information@pc.gc.ca /parcsnationauxMRG parcs.canada.ca/montrevelstoke
REDI GRANT PROJECTS NEED YOUR VOTE
RESIDENTS WILL GET A VOTE ON WHAT PROJECTS RECEIVE COLUMBIA BASIN TRUST FUNDING TUESDAY, MARCH 10.
By Lys Morton
Revelstoke residents will get a say on what projects and organizations get Resident Directed (ReDi) Grant funding Tuesday, March 10 at the community voting night, hosted at the Revelstoke Community and Aquatic Centre. Applicants submitted project pitches and funding requests to Revelstoke’s ReDi Grant committee and representatives will present before supporting votes are cast.
All community members are welcome to attend and only those at the community voting night will get to weigh in on ReDi Grant projects. From food security initiatives to summer festivals, the pitches are all aimed at impacting Revelstoke in a social or environmental way.
Over the years, the ReDi Grant program has supported the Revelstoke Golf Club, Community Connections Revelstoke Society, Arts Revelstoke,
Open Mountains Project Society and more.
Last year, the City of Revelstoke was granted over $383,000 to distribute to local ReDi Grant applications.
Over 40 different projects were pitched by 35 organizations, with a combined request of nearly $824,000. The ReDi Grant committee presented its recommendations for approved pitches at a following general council meeting, which were then sent to the Columbia Shuswap Regional District (CSRD) board meeting for final approval by the CSRD Area B director.
“Applicants and organizations have their people come to support them,” City of Revelstoke community development coordinator Meghan MacIsaac said. “But we want to see the community as a whole come out, even people that aren’t directly involved or impacted by these projects.”
ReDi Grants are funded by the Columbia Basin
Trust, an organization that was created to help communities impacted by the Columbia River Treaty dams and reservoir flooding. Part of the Columbia Basin Trust’s work over the decades includes securing assets and payments to impacted communities through revenue generated by the damming of the Columbia River.
The trust partners with municipalities and First Nations throughout the Columbia River basin to help evaluate applicants and award grants. The City of Revelstoke’s community economic development department oversees the ReDi Grant administration for the city along with surrounding communities such as Beaton and Trout Lake.
“These are resident directed grants. We want to feel, to hear the support from the community and what they would like the monies to go towards,” MacIsaac said, encouraging residents old and new to Revelstoke to come and vote.
ReDi Grant pitches will be presented to the community Tuesday, March 10. Photo by Ryan Watmough
CHOOSING TERRAIN CAREFULLY DURING B.C.’S FEBRUARY WARM-UP
AS TEMPERATURES CLIMB, A WIDESPREAD WEAK LAYER IS BECOMING INCREASINGLY REACTIVE, CATCHING RIDERS OFF GUARD AND ELEVATING AVALANCHE DANGER ACROSS MANY REGIONS.
By Brad Harrison
A significant shift in weather and avalanche conditions is underway across British Columbia. A strong warming trend is developing as an atmospheric river transports mild air into the province. Adding to the concern is a widespread layer of large surface hoar resting on a crust that has recently been buried across most forecast regions, an especially worrisome setup as temperatures rise.
Recent avalanche activity demonstrates how reactive this layer is. Both natural and rider-triggered avalanches have been reported, with several catching backcountry users off guard. Remote triggering has also been observed, indicating continued instability in the snowpack. Freezing levels climbed to around 2,000 metres early in the month in many areas and are expected to rise above 3,000 metres in the south. With periods of sunshine mixed in, conditions are likely to shift quickly toward a spring-like feel.
While some details remain uncertain, the overall trend is evident: avalanche danger is increasing, and widespread natural avalanches are possible. Along the coast, more rain will fall on an already saturated snowpack. The main concern stays in the Interior, where warm temperatures have yet to test this weak layer. With mild conditions expected to continue into the weekend, dangerous avalanche conditions are likely to persist across many areas.
Looking ahead, a strengthening ridge of high pressure will keep conditions mostly dry while maintaining well-above-average temperatures across much of B.C. This pattern is expected to persist in the short term, representing a sharp departure from the colder conditions observed recently. For many areas, it will feel more like early spring than mid-winter. Confidence is growing that this ridge will start to break down Mid-February, allowing a return to a more typical weather pattern.
Interior B.C. weather and snow
Before the ridge fully settles in, the Interior will see a couple of weak systems moving through. On Sunday, Feb. 8 a cold front passed during the afternoon and evening, bringing a quick burst of snowfall ranging from one to 10 centimetres. Snow levels started near 1,500 metres before dropping to around 1,200 metres as the precipitation eased. Winds were moderate from the southwest to westsouthwest and should stay below impactful levels.
Another system arrived on Monday, Feb. 9 as a warm front moved through, bringing some snow. This appears to be another short-lived, light event, with totals generally between one and eight centimetres.
Over the second week of February, snowfall was forecasted to be lighter, with about three to eight centimetres for Sun Peaks and five to 10 centimetres for Revelstoke.
For skiing, you’ll want to stay higher in the mountains. Terrain above about 1,500 metres will have the best snow, while at lower altitudes it tends to feel wet, heavy or patchy as temperatures increase.
Staying safe in varying conditions
With so much change happening, relying on the information available to us is more important than ever. One of the advantages of recreating in B.C. is the variety of forecasting and observation tools at our disposal. Avalanche Canada’s Mountain Weather Forecast, Windy and YR.no are all reliable sources. Even DriveBC highway forecasts can provide valuable insights into temperature trends and upcoming weather. If it’s been a while since your last avalanche course, a refresher with a local provider is always a good idea—especially during seasons marked by persistent weak layers.
If you’re heading into the backcountry, preparation is key. Understand what the avalanche ratings indicate for your day out. High means natural avalanches are likely, and people are very likely to trigger slides. Considerable means natural avalanches are possible, and human-triggered slides are likely— conditions where small decisions can have big consequences. Moderate means that natural avalanches are less likely, but human-triggered avalanches remain a possibility, especially where weak layers are known. These ratings should directly influence your terrain choices and travel plans.
Staying safe begins with being well-informed and communicating clearly with your group. Be willing to adjust objectives as conditions evolve and let observations—rather than rigid plans—guide your decisions. Travelling in the winter mountains always involves risk, but slowing down and making cautious choices can significantly reduce it. Respect the terrain, keep an eye on each other, and be prepared to idle back when necessary.
Skiers should use caution when recreating in variable conditions. Photo by Brad Harrison
NATURAL SELECTION RETURNS TO REVELSTOKE FOR SNOWBOARDING COMPETITION
‘IT’S
LIKE WE’RE GOING BACK TO SEE FAMILY EVERY YEAR,’ NATURAL SELECTION CEO SAYS.
By Lys Morton
This March, Revelstoke will again host one of the largest snowboarding competitions in the world. YETI Natural Selection Revelstoke returns to Revelstoke Mountain Resort’s Montana Bowl for two days of freeriding competition. Twenty-four competitors will hit the slopes, with half the field returning from 2025.
Natural Selection qualifiers take place in Myōkō, Japan and Powder Mountain, Utah this year. But what is it about Revelstoke that has the competition returning for the fourth year for the crowning event?
“From day one, I feel like we’ve been embraced by the people,” Carter Westfall, Natural Selection Tour co-founder and CEO said. “We appreciate the hospitality and the support. I don’t think you get that necessarily everywhere.”
Before bringing YETI Natural Selection to Revelstoke, the team was working on an event at Jackson Hole Mountain Resort with the competition remaining at the resort. In its first year in Revelstoke, Natural Selection headed out to the backcountry and streamed the event to the resort.
“More people showed up to watch it than had ever shown up in Jackson,” Liam Griffin, Natural Selection Tour COO and co-founder said. Those crowds grew even more last year, when the competition took place in the Montana Bowl for the first time, an area that can be skied in and skied out from the main resort.
“We’re used to feeding off each other’s energy but now we’re feeding off the crowd’s energy,” Griffin said, explaining most freeriding competitions take place in isolated backcountry but Revelstoke’s new location is helping change expectations.
“I’m at the top of the venue, I can’t see the crowds. But I can hear them, just this wall of sound that comes up the mountain when a rider leaves my line of sight,” he said.
It’s not just the throngs of snowboard fans who show up for opening ceremony and competition dates that makes Revelstoke one of the best hosts the Natural Selection Tour team works with. It’s every business and organization they interact with leading up to, during and after the competition.
“It’s coffee at [Spilt Milk], dinner at either Kawakubo or Paramjit’s Kitchen and a visit to [Society Snow and Skate] and all the other gear shops in town,” Griffin listed when asked his favourite spots around town. While he may not live in Revelstoke full-time, Griffin said it doesn’t take long for staff to recognize him and welcome him back with a preferred order.
Hosting Natural Selection in Revelstoke Mountain Resort’s Montana Bowl means more crowds can cheer on competitors such as 2025 winner Spencer O’Brien.
Photo by Colin Wiseman/Natural Selection
“I can hear them, just this wall of sound that comes up the mountain,” Liam Griffin, Natural Selection Tour COO says when describing the support Natural Selection receives from the crowds.
Photo by Chad Chomlack/Natural Selection
“It’s like we’re going back to see family every year,” Westfall added, explaining shops like Revelstoke Trading Post have become highlights for his kids over the years. Whether it’s the team at Rockford Restaurant or staff at Craft Bierhaus, Westfall said there’s nowhere to go wrong in town.
“I have media all over the world who are trying to figure out how to get here,” Lora Bodmer, Natural Selection Tour head of communications said. While it’s easy to sell the range of terrain on and off the resort that Revelstoke provides, town authenticity has become a highlight for her.
“Last year, during St. Patrick’s Day we were at Craft Bierhaus enjoying a meal, and your local Highlanders pipe band paraded in and performed for us. That feels so uniquely Revelstoke,” Bodmer shared.
While the town and community have easily won over the Natural Selection Tour team and all riders who have competed over the years, the surrounding terrain is a highlight for them all.
“It’s been a really weird winter season for a lot of places,” Griffin said, adding that events throughout the season have been rescheduled or entirely canceled due to low snowpack or poor conditions. “But we have more snow now in Revelstoke than we did at the end of the event last year. I haven’t had to worry about what we’ll get at Revelstoke.”
YETI Natural Selection Revelstoke takes place between Tuesday, March 10 and Sunday, March 15, with official competition dates called depending on weather and conditions. Audiences in Revelstoke can watch the competition at Revelation Lodge or ride out to the base of the competition zone and watch the action in person. You can also watch online through redbull.com/ NSTsnow.
Snowboarders from around the world tell the Natural Selection Tour team that Revelstoke’s energy is unlike any other venue they’ve competed in. Photo by Chad Chomlack/Natural Selection
HERE’S HOW TO PARTICIPATE IN THE YETI NATURAL SELECTION WEEK
FROM THE DJS TO THE COMPETITION, HERE’S WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW TO ENJOY THE FESTIVITIES.
By Lys Mortion
SATURDAY, MARCH 7
KICK OFF PARTY
TRAVERSE, 312 First St. West, 9 p.m. – 2 a.m.
Celebrate the start of Natural Selection’s Revelstoke stop with B.C. DJ Sundog, featuring Oh Nassi. Must be 19 years and older to attend, ID is required. Tickets available at revelstokemountainresort.com.
Join Canadian Powder Guiding and Arc’teryx for a series of backcountry clinics. Whether you’re looking to brush up on your touring skills, get an introduction to ski mountaineering or learn how to best find your line, there’s something for everyone. Registration at booking.capow.ca/en/category/revelstoke-camps.
Everyone is welcome to come and enjoy the additional sunshine and some good tunes as you wind down from a day on the hill or attending other Natural Selection Tour events.
MONDAY, MARCH 9
NATURAL SELECTION OPENING CEREMONY
Revelstoke Performing Arts Centre, 1007 Vernon Ave., 7 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Hear all about the new competition style and meet the tour riders for this year’s Natural Selection competition.
The Snaked Slalom is back, and it’s time for pro riders to set their time to determine drop order for the Saturday, March 14 competition. Find the course under the Stellar chair.
TUESDAY, MARCH 10 TO SUNDAY, MARCH 15
NATURAL SELECTION COMPETITION WINDOW
Revelstoke Mountain Resort, 2950 Camozzi Rd., time TBD
Mother Nature will have the final say what two days competitors will hit the slopes for Natural Selection 2026.
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 11 TO SATURDAY, MARCH 14
ARC’TERYX REBIRD REPAIR POP UP Revelstoke Business and Visitor Information Centre, 301 Victoria Rd., 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Bring your Arc’teryx gear down and have it repaired by the professionals. Stop by 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. and enjoy complimentary hot beverages from Spilt Milk and YETI.
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 11
NST AND YETI FILM NIGHT
The Roxy Theatre, 115 MacKenzie Ave., 7 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. Natural Selection Tours and YETI host a screening of Wayward , a documentary showcasing the way women’s snowboarding is changing the sport culture and the athletes who are shaping the sport. Tickets available at The Roxy Theatre and Skookum Ski Shop.
THURSDAY, MARCH 12
NST ART GALLERY EXPERIENCE
Alpine Echo Gallery, 1701 Coursier Ave., 5 p.m. – 7 p.m. Natural Selection Tours hosts an art show at Alpine Echo’s newest gallery space. Free to attend, all ages welcome.
The Snaked Slalom is open to the public! Test your time against the pros and compete against others in your age groups to see who takes home the crown.
SATURDAY, MARCH 14
CLOSING PARTY
TRAVERSE, 312 First St. West, 8 p.m. – 1 a.m. It’s time to wrap up the fun and send the YETI Natural Selection Revelstoke winners home with a bang. Come down to TRAVERSE Night club and enjoy the fun.
Try your hand at the Snaked Slalom course and see how your time compares to the pros Saturday, March 14.
Photo by Mike Yoshida/Natural Selection
Check out the Natural Selection opening ceremony at Revelstoke Performing Arts Centre Monday, March 9. Photo by Chad Chomlack/Natural Selection
THE GRIZZLIES CORNER
RECAPS AND UPDATES ON ALL THINGS REVELSTOKE HOCKEY.
By Lys Morton
The Revelstoke Grizzlies welcomed the Osoyoos Coyotes back to the Revelstoke Forum Friday, Jan. 23 to a crowd of over 900 fans. Goalies for both teams locked it down throughout the first period, and the game remained scoreless until eight minutes into the second period when Jake Neufeld was able to get one past the Coyotes during a power play. Jake Phillips-Watts pushed the lead just a little farther near the end of the third period, scoring a 2-0 win for Revelstoke.
The Saturday, Jan. 24 game against the Grand Forks Border Bruins saw a crowd of 800 on the edge of their seats as the teams battled it out right into overtime. Neufeld wasted no time getting the home team on the board, scoring under a minute into the first period. The score remained 1-0 for the Grizzlies right until the first 16 seconds of the second period, when Maguire Nicholson netted a second goal. A fight 15 minutes into the period saw penalties for both teams, and the Border Bruins nabbed its first goal during a powerplay shortly after.
The Bruins took the lead in the third with back-to-back goals. Phillips-Watts tied things back up in the last half of the third period, pushing the game into overtime. It wouldn’t last long, with the Bruins sneaking one past goalie Austin Seibel within two minutes of overtime, giving the visiting team a 4-3 win against Revelstoke.
The team hit the ice at the Kamloops - McArthur Park Arena Friday, Jan. 30 with Neufeld getting past the Kamloops Storm less than a minute into the first period. Connor Shymoniak followed with a second goal during a power play, but The Storm quickly tied things with back-to-back goals before the first 10 minutes of the period were up.
Kamloops took the lead in the second period during a power play for high sticking, but Neufeld evened things back up with his second goal of the game. Jake Baker put the team back in the lead just before the end of the second period.
It was a long grind for both teams throughout the third period until The Storm scored two goals past Seibel, sending the Grizzlies home with a 4-5 loss.
The team was back in home territory Saturday, Jan. 31 to welcome the Merritt Centennials to the Revelstoke Forum and a crowd of 970.
Neither team could find the back of the net during the first period, and the score remained zeros across the board until later into the second. Tensions were high, with the Centennials earning close to an hour combined in
penalty time compared to the Grizzlies’ four minutes. The visiting team used a powerplay for slashing to get the first goal of the game. Nicholson put the Grizzlies on the board in the second half of the second period.
The score was tied heading into the third, with the Centennials quickly taking the lead with two goals in the first 10 minutes of the period, the second during a power play for slashing. Jett Patola wouldn’t let that be the end, and scored back-to-back goals during a power play and again when the Grizzlies were short handed due to a check to the head and game misconduct penalties.
Neither goalie let the puck past during overtime, pushing the game into a shootout. The Centennials finally scored after six rounds, but Diego Smith kept the Grizzlies in the running. The shootout went another four rounds before Liam O’Neil scored the winning goal, final score 4-3 for Revelstoke.
The Revelstoke Forum stands were packed once again Friday, Feb. 6 when the Grizzlies hosted the 100 Mile House Wranglers. Nine hundred and sixty attendees watched the Grizzlies lock out the Wranglers in a 5-0 win for the home team.
Maddox Popke and Patola made quick work of the scoreboard, both putting points up just over a minute into the first period. Walker Overwater gave the Grizzlies a healthy three-point lead before the period wrapped. He was back with another goal near the end of the second period, taking advantage of a power play after a small scuffle saw penalties for both teams. One more power play helped Kyle Dodd seal the deal late in the third period as he netted Revelstoke’s fifth and final goal of the game.
The Grizzlies hit the road Friday, Feb. 13 to take on the Sicamous Eagles. There was no home ice advantage for the host team, with the Grizzlies scoring another shutout win, 7-0.
Phillips-Watts got the Grizzlies going halfway through the first period, putting the team on the board during a power play. He was back early on in the second period with another goal. Nicholson was close behind with the Grizzlies’ third goal, nabbing the point unassisted. Faris Meddeb pushed the Grizzlies lead even farther, and Dodd netted one more goal for the team before the end of the second. It was Overwater’s game in the third period, with Revelstoke’s sixth and seventh goals scored before the end of the game.
The Grizzlies had one more shutout win Saturday, Feb. 14 against the Merritt Centennials in front of a crowd of nearly 940.
It was a night of high energy and high penalty counts, with a major fight breaking out at the end of the game. None of it kept Neufeld from scoring both of Revelstoke’s goals, one late in the first period and the final one just before fighting broke out in the third. The home team took the win, 2-0.
Revelstoke hosted the Eagles Tuesday, Feb. 17 and the visiting team finally put an end to the Grizzlies’ shutout streak but couldn’t knock them off their win streak. The Grizzlies earned a 3-1 win in front of a crowd of 850.
Blake Cameron opened scoring early in the first period, but the game locked down for the rest of the period and late into the second before Nicholson snagged a second goal during a power play. The Eagles answered back with their only goal of the game less than a minute after, wrapping up the second period. The Grizzlies held their lead throughout the third period, and Logan Kearley sweetened the pot with a final goal in the last second of the game after the Eagles pulled the goalie to put one more player on the ice.
The Grizzlies’ goalie Austin Seibel and player Brock Hudson were all smiles Saturday, Feb. 14 after a shutout win against the Merritt Centennials. Photo by Matthew Timmins Photography
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