Snow has hit the mountains on the West Coast in a big way and we’ve rounded up some notably good ways to gear up and get out there to enjoy winter’s wonderland a mere 20-minute drive from Vancouver’s downtown core. Be jealous…
Cypress Mountain celebrated its earliest opening yet this season – three weeks early, to be exact. With the white stuff blanketing all 600 acres of terrain (53 runs total), we’d suggest you mull over taking a few pre-holiday ‘sick days’ if you know what we mean. Can’t swing it? No problem. Head up for some night skiing and warm up with some après drinks at the Crazy Raven.
Cypress boasts plenty of non-alpine activities as well with on-site rentals available. Try your hand at Nordic/cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and snow-tubing, or stop by the historic Hollyburn Ski Lodge for a slope side pick-me-up.
Grouse Mountain has long been an all-season go-to source for outdoor activity with notable Vancouverites. We’ve touted the spring and summer grind and hiking trails, and now we’re going to spread the kudos to the plethora of mountaintop action this picturesque destination offers.
Head up top for a bite and a beer at the casual Altitudes Bistro, or settle in for something a little swanker at The Observatory. Or nix this altogether and enjoy the outdoors. Whether its ice skating, zip-lining, snowshoeing, cruising through the terrain’s 26 runs or hopping aboard a complimentary sleigh ride, Grouse has got you covered.
Rounding up our West Coast winter tour is stunning Mount Seymour. It offers breathtaking views that stretch far beyond the Vancouver skyline and is one of our favourite spots to escape the city’s bustle (and crowds that can congregate at nearby snow-capped destinations). Enjoy the mountain’s four terrain parks, nearly 40 trails and 200 acres worth of wintery wickedness. Mount Seymour is one of our top picks when it comes to non-alpine activities too; tobogganing, snow-tubing, snowshoeing and cross-country skiing are all available. Post-winter workout, head over to their Three Peaks Lodge for après libations, or rent their Enquist Yurt (comes with BBQ) for an original feast.