When it comes to skiing or snowboarding near Vancouver, the options are a-plenty. The following seven ski hills are all within easy reach of the city, making for a great day trip.
Cypress Mountain Resort
Distance from downtown Vancouver: 28.4km
Cypress is the biggest of all Vancouver’s local ski hills, with 53 ski runs and 600 skiable acres. The terrain is varied, with something to suit all abilities. On a clear day the views across the Howe Sound are second to none.
- Pro: Vancouver’s biggest ski and snowboard resort
- Pro: Hosted the 2010 Winter Olympics
- Con: Gets very busy, especially at weekends
Grouse Mountain
Distance from downtown Vancouver: 12.8km
Known as the Peak of Vancouver, Grouse Mountain features 33 ski runs and 212 skiable acres. Visit at night to see the city lights twinkling beneath you.
- Pro: A hub of winter activities for all the family
- Pro: Easy to access because the parking lot is rarely covered in snow
- Con: Limited parking and long line-ups for the gondola
Mount Seymour Resort
Distance from downtown Vancouver: 27.6km
Last in the line-up of Vancouver’s local ski hills is Mount Seymour, which has 40 ski runs, three chairlifts and a couple of magic carpets. A family-run operation, Seymour has a laid-back vibe that’s perfect for little ones and beginners.
- Pro: Family friendly
- Pro: Terrain park
- Con: May be too mellow for some
Whistler Blackcomb
Distance from downtown Vancouver: 122km
Perhaps the only resort on this list that needs no introduction. With 32 lifts and a whopping 8,171 acres of terrain, Whistler Blackcomb is an internationally renowned ski resort with good reason. The question is: are you will to pay for it?
- Pro: Lots of terrain
- Pro: Something for everyone
- Con: Expensive lift tickets and often long line-ups at weekends
Sasquatch Mountain Resort
Distance from downtown Vancouver: 130km
Formerly known as Hemlock Valley Resort, Sasquatch Mountain is compact with just three chairlifts and 36 runs. But it sure does pack a punch on a powder day. Just beware of the access road – snow tires with chains are a must.
- Pro: Good value for money
- Pro: Not usually very busy
- Con: Snow chains required for access road
Manning Park Resort
Distance from downtown Vancouver: 218km
Sitting at a high elevation, and located further inland than the coastal mountains, Manning Park often gets some of the best snow around. With only two chairlifts, plus a handle-tow and a T-bar, this place has a quaint charm about it.
- Pro: Lots of glade skiing
- Pro: Less expensive than other options
- Con: No cell phone service – so don’t lose your friends!
Mount Baker
Distance from downtown Vancouver: 143km
Grab your passport, apply for an ESTA and head across the border (assuming it’s open – which as we all know, isn’t a given). You’ll be rewarded with a variety of terrain, accessed via eight chairlifts – two of which are ‘experts only’.
- Pro: Mid-size mountain with a local’s vibe
- Pro: Known for breaking the world record of snowfall in a single season
- Con: Few options for beginners
