RMR: conditions so good skiers were “blown away”

Skiers wait in line at the base of the mountain on Saturday. Some skiers tried to beat the rush by lining up at 5:30 am. The conditions on the upper mountain were worth the wait. Photo courtesy of Karilyn Kempton/Revelstoke Mountain Resort
Skiers wait in line at the base of the mountain on Saturday. Some skiers tried to beat the rush by lining up at 5:30 am. The conditions on the upper mountain were worth the wait. Chris Tait photo courtesy of Karilyn Kempton/Revelstoke Mountain Resort

By David F. Rooney

Revelstoke Mountain Resort’s “sneak peek weekend” is winding down but the results have made resort management “very happy,” says RMR Marketing Director Ashley Tait.

“Yesterday we doubled last year’s opening day attendance,” she said in a Sunday afternoon interview. “The overall feedback has been excellent. The conditions are so good that skiers are telling us they are simply blown away.”

She did not have any real numbers, as it is the resort’s policy to never rep0rt true numbers, only percentages.

Tait said it was a near-flawless weekend with no major incidents — just a few cases of skiers requiring first-aid. And there were, of course, some long lineups with eager skiers and boarders lining up at 5:30 am on Saturday.

The feedback from skiers and boarders, particularly local residents, is important, she said, adding that “if we’re making the locals happy that’s a great way to start” the season.

And the season could get even better for RMR. Tait said the resort is picking up anecdotal evidence that many out of province skiers are looking for alternatives to Whistler.

RMR will be closed until Friday as it prepares for the full operations.

Here are a few images from the slopes this weekend:

With fantastic conditions up above, standing in line for an hour or more was well worth it. Photo courtesy of Karilyn Kempton/Revelstoke Mountain Resort
With fantastic conditions up above, standing in line for an hour or more was well worth it. Photo courtesy of Karilyn Kempton/Revelstoke Mountain Resort
Of course, getting to the top meant getting a few flakes in your face, especially if, like these four boy, you were the very first people in line — at 5:30 am. Photo courtesy of Karilyn Kempton/Revelstoke Mountain Resort
Of course, getting to the top meant getting a few flakes in your face, especially if, like these four boy, you were the very first people in line — at 5:30 am. Photo courtesy of Karilyn Kempton/Revelstoke Mountain Resort
Worth the wait? This skier thinks so. Photo courtesy of Karilyn Kempton/Revelstoke Mountain Resort
Worth the wait? This skier thinks so. Photo courtesy of Karilyn Kempton/Revelstoke Mountain Resort
Ski Patrollers Troy Leahey (left), RMR's senior avalanche forecaster, and professional Ski Patroller Scott Dixon were ready for the slopes. Photo courtesy of Karilyn Kempton/Revelstoke Mountain Resort
Troy Leahey (left), RMR's senior avalanche forecaster, and professional Ski Patroller Scott Dixon were ready for the slopes. Photo courtesy of Karilyn Kempton/Revelstoke Mountain Resort
RMR employees like this one had something to smile about with the snow conditions on Mount Mackenzie. Photo courtesy of Karilyn Kempton/Revelstoke Mountain Resort
RMR employees like this one had something to smile about with the snow conditions on Mount Mackenzie. Photo courtesy of Karilyn Kempton/Revelstoke Mountain Resort
These two boarders looked eager for action. Photo courtesy of Karilyn Kempton/Revelstoke Mountain Resort
These two boarders looked eager for action. Chris Tait photo courtesy of Karilyn Kempton/Revelstoke Mountain Resort
A boarder leaves the Mackenzie Outpost for a run on the slopes. Photo courtesy of Karilyn Kempton/Revelstoke Mountain Resort
A boarder leaves the Mackenzie Outpost for a run on the slopes. Chris Tait photo courtesy of Karilyn Kempton/Revelstoke Mountain Resort
Dan Treadway zips over a ledge leaving a contrail of powder behind him. Photo courtesy of Karilyn Kempton/Revelstoke Mountain Resort
Dan Treadway zips over a ledge leaving a contrail of powder behind him. Photo courtesy of Karilyn Kempton/Revelstoke Mountain Resort
Dan Treadway negotiates the trees but... Photo courtesy of Karilyn Kempton/Revelstoke Mountain Resort
Dan Treadway negotiates the trees and... Photo courtesy of Karilyn Kempton/Revelstoke Mountain Resort
... tumbles. Of course, like any avid skier he got up, shook himself off and continued down-slope. Photo courtesy of Karilyn Kempton/Revelstoke Mountain Resort
... drops into a drift deeper than he is tall. Of course, like any avid skier he laughed and continued down-slope. The slopes will be closed until Friday, Dec. 4, when full operations resume for the season. Photo courtesy of Karilyn Kempton/Revelstoke Mountain Resort

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