Nat Segal: Revelstoke for Aussies

Rachael Oakes-Ash is an Aussie travel writer and a self-confessed Snow It All who covers all things winter and ski.

Australian pro skier Nat Segal has settled in the town of Revelstoke in British Columbia, now calling the peaks of Canada home. This is her guide for Aussies heading to Revy—from where to drink to where to ski, and everything in between.

Best Coffee

Dose Coffee, hands down. I order an oat-milk misto in a pottery mug and they always oblige with the best coffee in town.

Best Breakfast

I honestly can’t decide; it depends on my mood. For classic fare, I love Main Street, or Terra Firma for local farm produce.

Best Cocktails

The cocktail lounge at Monashee Spirits. They have a great cocktail list and are conveniently located downtown.

Best Canadian Moments

Drinking Caesars at The Village Idiot and watching the Grizzlies ice hockey team playing at their home rink. I also really like Nordic skiing at the Mount Macpherson Nordic track.

Favourite Ski Run

My favourite run at Revelstoke is Conifers of Gnarnia, partially because of the name and the rest because when it’s good, it’s really good. It’s lower down on the resort so it’s not always in prime powder condition but when it is, it’s a little hidden paradise of popping powder pillows.

Best Backcountry

I love the backcountry access just out of town around Macpherson because it’s close by, holds powder well, and, in the right conditions, it’s a great place to take puppies powder skiing (if you have friends who will let you borrow them). If you have a bit more time, Rogers Pass is a must. Make sure you get your winter permits and check the conditions at the Rogers Pass Discovery Centre before you head out!

Must-Do Activity

On the slopes, a hike up to Mackenzie Sub Peak because the view is amazing. Off the slopes, I like to walk around town to sample locally produced spirits at Monashee Spirits, and pick up some candy at the Sugar Shack to end the day happy.

Best Après

Beers at the Mackenzie Outpost. It’s not fancy, but it has an awesome view and you can either ski down or take the gondola home. If you want something a little more, head down to the Revy base and check out the Rockford Grill or Mac Tavern for beers, cocktails, and après snacks.

Powder-Day Tips

North Bowl, amongst other places, but the snow often blows into the bowls, which makes for extra-deep turns.

On-Mountain Munchies

I’m partial to visiting La Petite Baguette’s café at the base of the resort and filling my pockets with their banana bread or trail mix muffins, before and after skiing.

Best Village Dining

There is a lot to choose from. For a casual bite, some of my favourites are beef tacos at The Taco Club, everything at Pam’s [Paramjit’s] Kitchen, and the salads at Craft Bierhaus.

Date Night

Two of my go-tos would be the Quartermaster Eatery or Old School Eatery. They have a really nice atmosphere, good food, and awesome service.

Best Shopping

Most of my shopping usually involves ski gear. I usually hit up Skookum Revelstoke for snow gear, Valhalla for ski mountaineering, Garnish for jewelry, and The Annex for cute knick-knacks.

Where Do You Take Visitors to Impress Them

Rogers Pass. Not all visitors are into backcountry skiing but the national parks close to Revelstoke are spectacular. If they were looking for more of a down day, I might head south on Highway 23 and treat them to a dip at Halcyon Hot Springs. No better place to get some R&R between ski days.