Celebrate the Legacy of

Al McInnes

Ski ALL the trails at Mt. Macpherson in one day! This event has something for everyone, partly an athletic challenge, partly a party on skis and a whole lot of fun for athletes and volunteers.

The second Annual Big McInnes Challenge is February 22, 2026.

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Why the Big McInnes?

Revelstoke and the Revelstoke Nordic Ski Club lost a legendary figure when we said good-bye to Al McInnes in March 2024. If you have glided down Easy Al’s or done laps on Evelyn’s Choice, (Evelyn is Al’s widow) you have already encountered some of Al’s legacy. But Al’s roots in the community ran deep and his contributions to the club were outstanding.

Al was a Revelstoke boy from the age of 8 when his family arrived in Revelstoke around 1943. In the early days ski jumping was the rage in town and Al was at the heart of the ski jumping community, spending countless hours coaching, judging and packing ski trails. When Nordic skiing became more popular, Al became an avid skier and one of the early ski trails was named “Alley Oop” in his honour. Those early trails gave way to wider trails at RNSC thanks to Al’s enormous contribution of time and timber after an extraordinary windstorm knocked down a swath of trees. Not only did Al build trails, over 25 years he also spent hours in the groomer each winter setting the standard for the impeccable trails that we enjoy today.

So, perhaps you understand why we hold this new festival in his honour. To celebrate Al’s work, we challenge you to ski every bit of the trails he built and groomed so meticulously for all those years - You choose your route, just like Al did every time he set out with the groomer in tow… but you have to prove (using a GPS track) that you have covered all of every named trail on the club maps.

We are hoping that this event has something for everyone, partly an athletic challenge, partly a party on skis and a whole lot of fun for athletes and volunteers. See you between 9-3 on Sunday February 22!

What to expect:

Its a festival on skis! Bring your friends, and have some fun! It’s not a race, but it is a challenge - how far are you willing to commit to skiing in one day!

Every successful participant will be acknowledged with a photo in the Lodge (up for year)
Bonfire and snacks at the Lodge
Hot Honey water and bananas at the Ole Sandberg Hut
The Mass Start is at 9 am - the start is fun so we hope you can make it! a circle that all skiers must stand in without their skis until the start gun goes off. They may leave in any direction.
Late starts are welcome but it adds to the challenge, as all skiers must complete their chosen distance before 3 pm.
Selkirk Saunas will be on site all day! Sauna break mid-ski, anyone? Or hop in after you’ve finished your ski for some well-earned relaxation and recovery. Check out the Sauna & Ski event page to book your time!

Start Planning your Route!

The Big Mac: Ski ALL the trails at Mount Macpherson once! This includes all connector trails - you may do trails more than once, but the route is up to you! See if you can find the most efficient way through! (~30km)

The Double Mac: If you’re a real masochist, do the Big Mac twice! We have so far had only one skier complete this, so the challenge is on! (~60km)

The Slider: The outside perimeter of the Mt. Macpherson trails! Ski it either direction - your choice! (~15km)

The Doggie Bag: Take on the challenge with your dog! Ski all the dog trails (~6km)

Smider’s Web: Ski the competition trails! There are lots of ups and downs, so see if you can take the route with the smallest elevation (~10km)

Registration is Open!

Register on Zone4! If you’re a last minute person, you can register on the day, but if you can register beforehand, it will help ensure we have enough resources and supplies to support everyone!

I boldly proclaim I have accepted the challenge