This article appeared first in the Revelstoke TIMES magazine.
Living in a resort town, visitors often tell us how much our lifestyle resembles their idea of a vacation. Although I understand why it may seem that life in the mountains is all fun and good times, the reality revolves around one thing in particular: balance.
The resort town lifestyle in itself presents a juxtaposition of serenity and activity. On one hand we embrace the calm and relaxing environment we’ve chosen to live in, and the other is a constant influx of tourists and energy from visitors pursuing recreation.
There was a time when we used to see these effects change seasonally with peak and off seasons of tourist attraction. Though, lately the down times seem shorter than ever. What was once a fluctuating population throughout the year is now more consistent year-round.
The things we do for fun
Whether you’ve been here a while or are brand new to Revelstoke, one thing is almost certain: you were likely attracted here due to the allure of an active lifestyle and being closer to nature.
Skiing has always been one of my biggest and most rewarding passions. Naturally, it’s what drew me to Revelstoke. Having now spent many years here in town, the transient nature and energy of those visiting has drifted away and it’s primarily the tight knit community of like-minded individuals that I am attracted to the most.
In the winter, I spend much of my time working with brands and athletes in the outdoor industry. I have created an interesting niche for myself as I have a few sponsors and partnerships of my own as a skier, including Revelstoke Mountain Resort (RMR). However, I also have a background in photography and cinematography as a self-taught creator. Throughout the winter I am often on photo and video shoots as a subject/model (I do a mean blue steel) and am just as often the one behind the camera facilitating shoots of my own.
Some highlights from the winter
I started with a shoot filming professional skier, Craig Murray, for his introduction video for Arc’teryx at RMR, collaborating with my best friend and roommate here in Revelstoke, Maxim Vidricaire who shot photos.
I also went skiing with the Orage team, one of the brands that supports my skiing endeavours. We spent a week in an alpine cabin sled skiing (aka snowmobile assisted skiing), shooting promotional photo and video content of the new 2024 outerwear with a large media crew.
After the cabin it was back to Revelstoke for some sled skiing, filming for Freeride World Tour skier, Addison Rafford (and posse) for their movie ConArtist produced by the Milk Box Girls.
Skiing in a variety of photo shoots around RMR in between gigs with photographers such as Graham McKerrall and Zoya Lynch.
Then it was back to Whistler for most of March filming Olympic medalist Alex Beaulieu-Marchand for Volkl skis and the latest Blank Collective movie, Fortune Hunters, presented by Salomon.
Not to toot my own horn here, but those are just the highlights!
I was lucky to work with a variety of excellent brands and am grateful to have footage shot by yours truly featured in four phenomenal ski movies. Sounds like all is well, right? The reality isn’t nearly as glamorous as it may seem.
What were once hobbies that I was passionate about has now become a job needing ongoing attention. The constant pursuit of the right work life balance is challenging and sustaining a career in these fields while also remaining local is extremely demanding. Trying to work remotely and mobile has become essential in achieving sustainability — whatever that means! Is it actually sustainable to own a truck and a snowmobile on the salary of a starving artist? Or constantly purchasing/upgrading camera gear and computers and new ski and snowboard gear? Will I ever be able to purchase a home in town on this path? The short answer to all of these questions is of course, no.
My lifestyle in Revelstoke has always revolved around balance. What my work-life balance has often looked like was working several jobs most of the year (often out of town), and focusing on my filming and ski-oriented aspirations strictly in the winter months.
For many years that involved working a variety of jobs in the forestry industry. Tree planting all spring and summer in Northern British Columbia, or carrying out chainsaw work on Vancouver Island in the late summer and fall. More recently I find myself working on my apprenticeship as an electrician, doing industrial work in Northern Alberta. The majority of my time these days is working out of town to elevate my experience when I am back home in Revelstoke. The present demands of a tourist driven economy comes with plenty of challenges. Working away allows me to earn a livable wage, save for the future, and still be able to afford the expenses my lifestyle involves.
The definition of balance is when different elements are equal or in correct proportions. What works for me may not work for you, as I without-a-doubt hold skiing high on my list of priorities. I have to work pretty darn hard to keep the dream alive, and gas in my sled!
A balanced lifestyle in a Revelstoke is a fragile cooperation between nature, activity, a sense of community, and work-life management. This unique blend allows for an environment where locals and visitors alike get to experience both the natural beauty and recreational opportunities on a daily basis. Whether you work locally, remotely or out of town we all are working towards the same goal of calling this special place home. Achieving this balance enhances the lives of those that call Revelstoke home by offering a lifestyle that prioritizes recreation in a community of like-minded individuals. At times it feels like an uphill battle, but I wouldn’t change it for a thing. The hill –whether I’m going up or down– is where I feel right at home.
Contributed by Cam Keith
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