Winter is almost here, and Vancouver is getting ready for a season full of exciting events and activities. The surrounding mountains and ski resorts are about to open their doors to all the winter sports enthusiasts or anyone who wants to enjoy Vancouver’s beautiful winter. Every ski resort is unique and offers a wide range of activities and options for skiing & snowboarding for all levels. Keep reading to find out more about the individual resorts which are so popular among local Vancouverites!
Grouse Mountain
is the closest ski resort to the downtown area, easily accessible by public transportation. With 33 ski and snowboard runs, 15 night runs, 4 chairlifts, and 9 km of snowshoe trails, Grouse Mountain is recognized for its most extensive snowmaking system in the North Shore. Your journey to the top of the mountain will be an adventure itself as you embark on a gondola ride offering breathtaking views of the mountainside and the city. Not into skiing or snowboarding? Try ice-skating, snowshoeing, or simply admiring this striking winter wonderland. Before you leave, remember to visit The Observatory, Grouse Mountain's finest restaurant, and try yourself to a five-star dining experience.
How to get there: Ride the Seabus from Waterfront Station, located adjacent to Canada Place, to the Lonsdale Quay and connect with Bus #236 directly to Grouse Mountain. To return to downtown Vancouver, take Bus #236 from Grouse Mountain to the Lonsdale Quay and ride the Seabus to Waterfront Station.
Cypress Mountain
is a popular destination for skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing, and hiking located on the North Shore. If you are new to winter sports, The Cypress Mountain Snow School offers a host of drop-in, multi-day ski, and snowboard lessons for every age and ability. Not into skiing or snowboarding? Not to worry, Cypress Mountain offers one of the largest Cross Country areas in North America with 19km of track-set trails, 10km self-guided snowshoe trails, and a Snowtube Park. Snow Tube Park is fun for people both young and young at heart, all you have to do is sit down and enjoy the thrill of the ride.
How to get there: Take the Cypress Mountain Express Bus from Vancouver Art Gallery at the corner of Howe and Georgia street. Alternatively, you can walk to the Waterfront Station, connecting via Seabus to private Cypress Mountain Express Bus at Lonsdale Quay in North Vancouver. Click here for schedule and rate information.
Mt Seymour
is Vancouver’s only family-owned and operated ski area delivering a comfortable West Coast feel only 30 minutes drive from downtown Vancouver. Since 1984, the Wood family has owned and operated Mt Seymour and has created a welcoming family atmosphere for everyone. Besides skiing and snowboarding services, Mt Seymour is a perfect place to start with snowshoeing. Being named #1 Resort for Snowshoeing in North America in 2012, Mt Seymour offers various snowshoeing tours suitable for different levels. Enjoy the spectacular lakes, old forests, and undulant trails on your own or with an experienced guide on one of the popular snowshoe tours.
How to get there: Mt Seymor operates a regular shuttle bus service during the winter months from Parkgate Community Centre and from opposite the Rupert Skytrain Station in East Vancouver.
Whistler Blackcomb
People are drawn to Whistler Blackcomb for different reasons. Some are attracted to a mountain town with a lively atmosphere and pedestrian village with ski lodging. Others seek outdoor adventures because Whistler Blackcomb has it all; the power of the landscape, the towering mountains, the crisp air, and gleaming snow. The winter sports enthusiasts will find it hard to resist the legendary terrain, deep snow, and the world record-breaking gondola going up to the two largest top-ranked ski mountains in North America. Others can indulge in five-star dining, spas, shopping, or nightlife and breath in the atmosphere of a small, ski resort town where the possibilities are limitless.
How to get there from Vancouver:
Epic Rides offers non-stop, hassle-free shuttle service between Vancouver and Whistler—with no hidden or additional fees for skis, boards, and luggage for $35 round trip.
Whistle Shuttle offers daily, frequent transportation between Vancouver and Whistler. Sit back and enjoy spectacular city, ocean and mountain views as you travel in the comfort of a motor coach or Mercedes Sprint Van. Door-to-door service to your Whistler hotel is available.
Snowbus provides fast, affordable transportation between Whistler and Vancouver. On-board hosts, movies and various ski/snowboard packages add to your SnowBus experience. Did we forget anything? Let us know and share your experience with us on our Facebook page or post your pictures on Instagram and use the tag #mydaysinnvan. We are excited to see your posts!
