Ski season has come exceptionally early to Vancouver all thanks to an early colder snap of weather that is more akin to December and January. After a very soggy October November came by and started to dry out with gorgeous clear and sunny skies to grace the city – this does come at a price at this time of year as it generally means it will be cold. Although not as cool as some of the other provinces were experiencing, it did drop to -4c in Vancouver.
As the rains were beginning to taper off it did manage to get cold enough on the North Shore mountains for the precipitation to fall as Snow. After the skies cleared the temperatures at the top stayed below freezing, this enabled the Snow makers to come out and maximise the colder weather so they could fast track the process and open early!
We encourage you to go and ski or Snowboard over the coming few weeks before the word is well and truly out, not all the Ski tourists have arrived so you can get a chance of riding some great runs without the hills being too crowded! Fingers crossed the skies stay relatively clear as the views from the top of the North Shore mountains is truly stunning!
Vancouver has 3 local ski hills in the area and all have differing routes that will suit your skill levels – there are also some free shuttle buses to Cypress Mountain that you can pick up close to the hotel.
CYPRESS MOUNTAIN
The ski resort is a 30-minute drive north of downtown Vancouver, and has 53 named alpine ski runs (many accessible for night skiing) and 19 km of cross country trails. Snowshoeing tours are also popular. Snow schools and rentals, Cypress Creek Grill, Gold Medal Cafe and Crazy Raven Bar and Grill and a Big Bear Sports retail shop are also located on the premises in the Cypress Creek Lodge.
Cypress Mountain hosted the Freestyle Skiing and Snowboarding events of the 2010 Winter Olympics
Website: http://cypressmountain.com/
Cypress Coach lines (Westend Pickup) this is the closest location to the Sunset Inn & Suites Hotel just a 5 minute walk away- ask staff for details and guidance) http://cypresscoachlines.com/
GROUSE MOUNTAIN
This is the site of an alpine ski area in the winter season overlooking Greater Vancouver with four chairlifts facilitating 26 runs. In the summer, the mountain features lumberjack shows, a birds of prey wildlife demonstration, a scenic chairlift ride, and a 2.9 km (1.8 mi.) hiking trail known as the Grouse Grind. Year-round operations include a 100-seat mountaintop theatre and a wildlife refuge. Public access to the mountain top is by a Swiss Garaventa aerial tramway, or the Grouse Grind hiking trail. They also have ‘The eye in the sky’ Wind turbine located at the top of the mountain which makes this ski hill easy to spot and a fantastic viewing point over looking Vancouver.
Website: https://www.grousemountain.com/
MOUNT SEYMOUR
Mount Seymour is probably your best bet if you are a beginner as some of the runs are not as challenging as the ones to be found on Cypress and Grouse. Seymour is a popular Snow shoeing destination.
Located in North Vancouver, within Mount Seymour Provincial Park. Mt. Seymour has been the choice of outdoor enthusiasts for over 60 years. An easy drive from anywhere in Greater Vancouver, Mt. Seymour draws you out of the city and into a spectacular winter playground. Like the other hills you will experience the breathtaking views of Vancouver, the ocean, Mt. Baker, Washington state, and Vancouver Island.
Website: http://www.mountseymour.com/
