As winter deepens in Revelstoke (talk about March madness, over 120 cm of snow in the past week!), every storm, temperature shift, and bluebird day leaves its mark on the snowpack. For our guides, understanding these changes is key to finding the best runs while staying safe in the mountains. To get a pulse on this season’s conditions, we sat down with our former General Manager and guide, Eriks Suchovs, to break down the current snowpack, terrain selection strategies, and what guests can expect when they drop in. 

How does the guiding team assess and manage risk in the backcountry? 

We have both morning and afternoon guide meetings where we assess conditions and select the safest, best terrain for the day. In the field, guides constantly evaluate stability through hands-on assessments. We also have dedicated snow safety guides who conduct in-depth tests to inform our decision-making. 

Each day, we analyze remote weather stations and snowpack data, then classify runs into three categories: 

• Green means low risk. 
• Yellow indicates some concerns. 
• Red means a run is closed. 

All guides must agree on the classifications before heading out, ensuring a collective and cautious approach.

What’s been the biggest influence on this season’s snowpack? 

Like every winter in Revelstoke, this season’s snowpack has been shaped by a mix of storms, clear periods, and temperature shifts. We’ve seen a few more noticeable swings in weather patterns, which is typical of a dynamic mountain environment. The good news? Our team constantly monitors these changes to find the best and safest terrain for each day. 

Are there any layers of note in the current snowpack?

Our guides are keeping an eye on a couple of layers from early March, but this is all part of our daily assessment and terrain selection process. Storm slabs tend to settle out fairly quickly, while deeper layers take a bit longer. Thanks to thorough testing and decades of experience in these mountains, we know how to navigate the snowpack safely and deliver incredible skiing, no matter the conditions. 

How does this season compare to previous years in terms of stability and snowfall? 

Snow stability is always changing, and every season comes with its own challenges. That’s why terrain selection is such a critical part of what we do. Overall, snowfall has been stacking up steadily, but as always, conditions can shift quickly. With all of these recent storms, March and April are shaping up nicely.

How does snow stability vary by elevation and aspect? 

This evolves throughout the season. Early on, with colder temperatures and weaker sun, we tend to ski all aspects, focusing on tree skiing. By February, as temperatures rise, we start venturing onto glaciers while still making the most of the trees. By mid-March and into April, the stronger sun influences our decisions—we generally avoid sun-exposed slopes and focus more on north-facing terrain where the snow stays in better shape.

What’s been the best skiing of the season so far? 

Yesterday (March 12th)! Deep powder and great stability—it doesn’t get much better.

How does the current snowpack influence terrain selection for guests? 

Our morning guide meetings are essential for reviewing snow layers and stability so we can make informed, safe terrain choices each day.

Any advice for guests planning to heli-ski soon—gear recommendations, mindset, or things to keep in mind? 

First, come fit! Skiing powder takes effort, and having a solid fitness base will help you make the most of your day. Second, be open-minded. You might dream of skiing high-alpine glacier runs, but if conditions call for it, you could end up having the best tree skiing of your life instead. We focus on finding the best possible conditions for the day, so trust the process and enjoy the ride.

* For the most up to date information on avalanche conditions, see Avalanche Canada’s website.