Photos: One-hour flight to Revelstoke Ski Resort offers great aerial views, easy access to slopes with perfect powder

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      There are three mountains that most Vancouverites think of when they want to plan a day-trip for skiing, snowboarding, or snowshoeing: Cypress, Grouse, and Seymour.

      For those who want a longer getaway, it’s usually the two-hour or so drive up to Whistler—a renowned destination for snow junkies. 

      But what if you’re looking for a new mountain to check out? The B.C. Interior is home to plenty of snow-covered peaks for winter activities, but you can expect long-haul drives before reaching your destination.

      With that being said, city dwellers probably don’t think much of Revelstoke Mountain Resort, unless they are university students who have signed up for a weekend trip that includes roundtrip transportation.

      So when the Straight was recently invited to try out a new one-hour flight to this relatively new ski resort, we got excited because the trip would have otherwise taken over eight hours by bus.

      The PCA check in counter.
      Tammy Kwan

      We arrived at YVR’s South Terminal at 9:30 a.m., and proceeded to check in at Pacific Coastal Airlines’ counters—travel company Everything Revelstoke teamed up with this airline to bring direct flights to the small B.C. town that will be offered from January 26 to March 19 (twice weekly).

      By 10:00 a.m., we walked out to board our plane (a Beechcraft 1900C that can seat up to 19 passengers, sans flight attendants and a washroom) that was waiting for us on the tarmac.

      The flight will be a one-hour commute to Revelstoke.
      Tammy Kwan

      The flight took off at 10:30 a.m., and we were offered some snacks and drinks—cookies and fruit juices. Albeit we were seated next to the noisy engine, there’s nothing that earphones and little music can’t tune out.

      We had our nose glued to the window, because when do you ever get to sit in a small aircraft that flies at a low enough altitude to give you great views and photo opportunities of the city and its surrounding landscapes?

      Revelstoke—a small B.C. town.
      Tammy Kwan

      The spectacular views continued throughout our flight to Revelstoke; seas of clouds, snowy mountaintops, and eventually, the small town that Revelstoke Mountain Resort calls home.

      At 11:30 a.m., our flight’s pilot and first officer gave us a smooth landing before allowing us to disembark from the plane.

      After being given a tour of the dainty airport (literally one standalone building) and taking a bus ride up to Revelstoke Mountain Resort for a quick lunch, we were shuffled back onto the plane for our return trip to Vancouver.

      We arrived back at the Straight’s office by 4:00 p.m., and continued on with our day.

      The short hour-long flight was as easy as hopping into a car and driving up to your closest mountain. We definitely approve of this commute—next time we just have to remember to bring our skis and snowboards so we can have a go at the slopes. 

      Take a look at the photos below for a peek inside our short adventure.

      YVR's South Terminal is quiet in the mornings.
      Tammy Kwan

       

      Getting ready to board our flight.
      Tammy Kwan

       

      The aircraft is small, but offers comfortable seats.
      Tammy Kwan

       

      A photo-worthy view.
      Tammy Kwan

       

      Revelstoke's airport.
      Tammy Kwan

       

      A map of Revelstoke Mountain Resort inside the airport.
      Tammy Kwan

       

      A shuttle bus at the airport will take guests directly to the ski resort.
      Tammy Kwan

       

      Revelstoke Mountain Resort is a newcomer to the ski world.
      Tammy Kwan

       

      There are 69 runs and areas on the mountain.
      Tammy Kwan

       

      One of Revelstoke's accomodation.
      Tammy Kwan

       

      The gondolas that take you up to the slopes.
      Tammy Kwan

       

      An aerial view of the runs at Revelstoke.
      Tammy Kwan

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