Revelstoke, British Columbia, a scenic alpine town of 8,000, is drawing global attention—including from Elon Musk.
When listing the world’s top ski destinations, few would immediately think of Revelstoke, a small Canadian town tucked away in British Columbia’s mountains.
Yet, a major redevelopment project currently underway is set to change that. In the coming years, Revelstoke could be spoken of in the same breath as Whistler and Banff, with its growing reputation as an elite ski destination drawing increasing attention.
Last season, the slopes at the base of Mount MacKenzie buzzed with the voices of Canadians, Brits, Americans, and Australians. While long known as a heliskiing paradise for the ultra-wealthy, Revelstoke is now attracting a broader crowd. Tech billionaires Elon Musk and Jack Dorsey have been spotted among its high-profile visitors, both opting for stays at the exclusive Bighorn Lodge, which boasts its own private helipad—though not at the same time.
Even longtime residents are surprised by the pace of change. A retired couple who relocated from Canada’s East Coast to be closer to family recently remarked on the surging property prices. “Our neighbour’s place—a simple ranch—just sold for C$895,000 [£500,000]. Who would pay that?” they wondered. A passing skier, overhearing the conversation, chimed in: “Revy is changing, for sure.”
The transformation has been in motion for nearly two decades. Efforts to develop Revelstoke into a premier ski resort began in 2007, but momentum stalled during the global financial crisis. That changed when the billionaire Gaglardi family, owners of Northland Properties, took over and reignited the project.
Construction crews are now at work reshaping the landscape. Parking lots are being cleared to make way for a luxury resort and golf course, roads are being rerouted, and three new chairlifts will soon extend the skiable terrain and lengthen the season, which typically runs from December to mid-April. Plans also include much-needed staff accommodations to support the growing community.
Between the resort and the town, Mackenzie Village is taking shape, with 1,000 homes starting at C$659,999. Meanwhile, development in the town itself is accelerating. New shops and restaurants are opening, older buildings are being restored, and a total of 5,000 new homes are planned, changing the face of Revelstoke.
“It’s like Whistler 20 or 30 years ago, but it’ll never be another Whistler,” says David Evans, the British CEO of Mackenzie Village Developments. “The ski area is enormous, but the town itself will remain exclusive simply because we don’t have the land mass to expand.”
With a population of just 8,000, Revelstoke is physically constrained by the Columbia River and surrounding mountains, ensuring that it will never match Whistler’s sprawling size. However, in terms of skiable terrain, it will far exceed it. Whistler, when combined with neighboring Blackcomb, offers 8,171 acres of skiable land. Once the upgrades are complete, Revelstoke will boast nearly 10,000 acres.
John Sparrow, an estate agent with Century 21 in Revelstoke, agrees that exclusivity will define the town’s future. “The quality of skiing here is just as good—if not better—because we don’t have the crowds. But there’s far less real estate available and far less room to grow,” he explains. “That allows us to maintain the charm of a small alpine town. Growth is carefully managed to preserve that character.”
Revelstoke’s appeal is distinct from European resorts. Here, the town and ski area remain separate, and the culture is focused on serious skiing rather than leisurely long lunches. There are no slopeside après-ski parties with DJs, and you won’t find skiers stopping for vin chaud and fondue. Instead, skiers carve through runs with names like Hot Sauce and Fast Fred’s, pausing only for a quick burger before jumping into their 4x4s.
As development continues, the planned connection between the resort and the town via Mackenzie Village will bring new energy to the area. More restaurants, bars, and accommodations will enhance the après-ski scene, ensuring that while Revelstoke’s alpine charm remains intact, its reputation as a world-class ski destination only grows stronger.