Future Trail Plans
The RCA manages over 100 km of trails around Revelstoke and counting. Here’s a look at our future trail development plans:
Sunnyside, Phase 2
We submitted an application to Recreation Sites & Trails BC in February 2024 to build 3.4 km of new downhill trails on Sunnyside. These trails were laid out by Mark Wood of Trail Holistics Inc.
Boulder Expansion
We issued a request for proposals in March 2025 for the design of one intermediate and two downhill trails on Boulder Mountain. Layout is planned for this summer and we will submit an application for construction once our Sunnyside application is processed.
Macpherson Expansion
We have scouted new trails on Macpherson. This includes an upper-intermediate slab trail near Stimulus and an expert slab trail on Lower Macpherson. We will work on these trails after Boulder.
How New Trails Are Built
Part of the RCA’s mission is to build sustainable trails that can be enjoyed for decades to come. Building official trails is a slow process that takes years of planning, fundraising, and construction. Here’s a rough outline of the steps required to a build a new trail:
The RCA Trail Committee meets to look at member feedback and decide where new trail development is needed. They decide which network needs a new trail, and what style of trail is needed (tech, flow, beginner, intermediate, expert, adaptive, etc…).
The proposal is brought to the Board of Directors, who votes on funding for trail layout.
A professional trail designer is conducted to layout the trail and produce a report that can be used with the new trail application.
Once layout is complete, the RCA fills out the Trail Environmental Screening Tool (TEST).
The trail plan and TEST document are referred to various stakeholders for feedback, including First Nations, local governments, and logging tenure holders.
Feedback is received and incorporated into the trail design.
A Section 57 application is completed and submitted to Recreation Sites & Trails BC, along with any relevant feedback and documents.
The application is processed to ensure the proposed trail is sustainable, doesn’t damage the environment, doesn’t create conflict with other land users, and more. This can take over a year.
If we did our job well, the trail is approved, with conditions attached that we must fulfill. We now start looking for grants so we can get funding to hire a contractor to build the trail. Construction costs $30-40 per metre, depending on how complex the build is.
Once funding is in place, we will issue a request for proposals to approved trail builders.
Proposals are received and reviewed by the RCA Trail Committee, who recommend a contractor to the Board of Directors. The Board votes on the recommendation.
A contract is developed and signed with the successful proponent.
Construction takes place, ideally in the fall. The RCA makes regular check-ins on construction to ensure it is being done to spec.
The trail is completed and signage is installed.
The trail is inspected by the RCA and RSTBC. Any issues are addressed.
Finally, the trail is open.
As you can see, it is a lengthy process that can take three to four years from start to finish. The rewards are sustainable trails that complement our existing networks and meet the needs of all riders.
