Your Guide to Local Vancouver Skiing

Tis the season to pack up and head for Vancouver’s best slopes. Whether you’re looking to get fit as one of your New Year’s resolutions or simply want to breathe in the crisp mountain air, three of BC’s finest hills for hitting the powder are right in our backyard. So if you’re new to the city or looking to reacquaint yourself, break out the wax, don your winter duds and grab our guide to decipher which peak is for you.  

The View: Grouse Mountain

Standing guard over our shores is undoubtedly one of Vancouver’s top tourist attractions. Grouse Mountain also happens to offer skiers incomparable views from the slopes and the best part: 14 of their 26 runs are open for night skiing from 4pm - 10pm. Take in panoramic views of Vancouver’s glittering lights and the Pacific Ocean from the gentle slope of The Cut at sunset for an unforgettable experience. Day group and private lessons are also available for beginners.

Snowboard Heaven: Cypress Mountain

Cypress Mountain’s claim-to-fame is host to the 2010 Winter Games’ snowboard half-pipe event. Offering three mountains of varied terrain only 30 minutes from downtown Vancouver, The District is where you’ll find the experienced boarders while beginners and experimenters appreciate the airbag safety net at Patio Park. Skiers will enjoy 53 downhill runs to choose from, including Vancouver’s highest vertical along with the Top Gun mogul challenge. There’s also a Nordic Area featuring snowshoeing and cross country trails, and a tubing park.

The Contender: Mt Seymour

200 acres of snowboard and skiing terrain featuring 40 trails make Mt. Seymour a serious contender for great local winter mountain sports this side of the Sea-to-Sky highway. The multi-purpose mountain also has a tube park, tobogganing hill, snowshoeing and lessons available for all ages. Several of Mt. Seymour’s runs are open for night skiing if you’re craving an exhilarating ride after work.

Keep in mind it’s always a good idea to have a solid set of winter tires on your vehicle before heading up the mountain. Shuttles are available as well and more detailed information can be found on each destination’s website.

image credit: By CanucksWhitecaps (Own work), via Wikimedia Commons