Lucas CloutierSet against the stunning backdrop of the Coast Mountains, Vancouver beckons adventure enthusiasts to explore its winter wonderland. With easy access to nearby ski resorts, skiing in Vancouver emerges as an exciting pastime for locals and visitors alike.
Whether you’re a seasoned snowboarder or a first-time skier, this guide is tailor-made to enhance your winter escapades around the city. So, grab your gear and get ready for an exhilarating ride through the snowy wonders surrounding this picturesque city.
- 1. Sun Peaks Resort
- 2. Cypress Mountain
- 3. Whistler Blackcomb
- 4. Mount Seymour
- 5. Grouse Mountain
- 6. Sasquatch Mountain Resort
- 7. Mount Baker Ski Area, Washington State
- 8. Manning Park Ski Resort
- 9. Mount Washington Alpine Resort
- 10. Big White Ski Resort
- 11. Apex Mountain Resort
- 12. Silverstar Mountain Resort
- 13. Baldy Mountain Resort
- 14. Harper Mountain Ski and Snowboard
1. Sun Peaks Resort
Address: Sun Peaks, BC V0E 5N0
Website: https://www.sunpeaksresort.com/
Contact Details: +1 250-578-5474, [email protected]
Top elevation: 2,152 m (7,060 ft)
Number of Trails: 137
Lift Capacity: 12,000 riders per hour
Snowfall: 559 cm (220 in)
Day Pass: starts at $100
With an expansive 4,270 acres of terrain, 13 chairlifts, and 138 runs, Sun Peaks Resort rivals larger resorts without the usual bustling crowds. The snow here, often light and powdery, remains a delight days after a snowfall, allowing for unhurried enjoyment.
Comprising Tod, Sundance, and Morrisey mountains, each area caters to different skill levels. Sundance offers beginner-friendly slopes, Morrisey presents intermediate challenges, while Mount Tod, with its elevation and diverse runs, caters to all abilities.
| Pro tip: If you’re into breathtaking panoramas, consider staying at Sun Peaks Grand Hotel & Conference Centre. The central location provides not only comfort but unbeatable views from your room. |
2. Cypress Mountain
Address: 6000 Cypress Bowl Rd, West Vancouver, BC V7V 3N9
Website: https://cypressmountain.com/
Contact Details: +1 604-926-5612
Operating Hours: Monday-Sunday: 9 AM–10 PM
Elevation: 900 m
Number of trails: 54
Lift system: 6 chairlifts; 1 magic carpet; 2 surface lifts
Skiable area: 240 hectares (600 acres)
Snowfall: 622 cm/year (245 inches)
Lift Tickets:
- Adults – CAD $82-98
- Youth – CAD $55-60
- Child – CAD $34-39
Situated just 30 minutes from downtown Vancouver, Cypress Mountain attracts winter enthusiasts with its trio of peaks: Mount Strachan, Black Mountain, and Hollyburn Mountain. It’s not just a ski resort, but a winter sanctuary as well.
Cypress also offers night skiing on select runs until 10 pm, expanding the thrill into the evening. Its newly operational Sky Quad chair enhances uphill efficiency, whisking skiers to the top of Mount Strachan in a mere four minutes.
Meanwhile, families will appreciate the convenience of its conveyor belt loading system. For those seeking alternative winter adventures, it extends its charm with cross-country skiing, snowshoeing trails, and the adrenaline-pumping activity of snow tubing.
| Pro tip: Embrace the lunchtime ritual at Cypress Creek Lodge. The heated outdoor deck is the place to be—enjoy a meal, soak up the sun, and socialize with fellow skiers. |
3. Whistler Blackcomb
Address: 4545 Blackcomb Way, Whistler, BC V0N 1B4
Website: https://www.whistlerblackcomb.com/
Contact Details: +1 604-967-8950, [email protected]
Operating Hours: Monday-Sunday: 8 AM–4 PM
Vertical: Whistler: 1,530 m (5,020 ft); Blackcomb: 1,565 m (5,133 ft)
Base Elevation: Creekside: 653 m (2,140 ft); Village: 675 m (2,214 ft)
Lift Capacity: 69,939 skiers/hr: Whistler: 36,148; Blackcomb: 33,791;
Number of Trails: 200
Snowfall: 11.9m/year (467 in.)
Lift Tickets for a Day Pass:
- Adults – CAD $192-210
- Youth – CAD $171-163
- Child – CAD $96-101
Whistler Blackcomb is the epitome of skiing excellence near Vancouver. Comprising two majestic mountains, Whistler and Blackcomb, the resort boasts a whopping 200 runs, ensuring endless exploration.
Beyond its expansive terrain, the resort offers a ski school program for beginners and specialized programs for seasoned skiers. Here, you’re sharing the slopes with Olympic athletes or refining your skills in women’s-only ski camps.
These classes provide an insider’s guide to the mountain’s best spots. For those opting for a day trip, they can now enjoy easier access to the snowy peaks via a new 10-passenger gondola and an upgraded six-passenger high-speed lift.
| Pro tip: You can extend your stay and indulge in other activities aside from skiing. Whistler offers a plethora of adventures beyond the slopes such as dogsledding, ziplining, snowmobiling, bungee jumping, and dining tours. |
4. Mount Seymour
Address: 1700 Mt Seymour Rd, North Vancouver, BC V7G 1L3
Website: https://mtseymour.ca/
Contact Details: +1 604-986-2261, [email protected]
Operating Hours: Monday-Friday: 9:30 AM–9:30 PM, Saturday & Sunday: 8:30 AM–9:30 PM
Lift Tickets:
- Adults – $39-84
- Youth – $39-52
- Child – $22-29
Nestled just 40 minutes from Vancouver, Mount Seymour is the city’s sole family-owned ski resort. Despite its smaller ski area, it offers a relaxed, family-friendly ambiance with winter activities beyond skiing, including tobogganing and snow tubing.
Beginners and intermediates find solace in the resort’s three chairlifts, two surface lifts, and four terrain parks. A substantial 40% of the runs cater to novices, and a covered magic carpet ensures a comfortable learning experience for young skiers.
Although there are no on-site accommodations, Mount Seymour is however cherished for its accessibility. Meanwhile, parking can be a challenge during peak times, emphasizing the importance of pre-booking lift tickets.
| Pro tip: If you’re planning for a post-ski feast, roll down to Queens Cross, a cozy pub just a 30-minute drive from the slopes. Their low-key vibe and an array of craft beers create the perfect ambiance for unwinding after a day on the slopes. |
5. Grouse Mountain
Address: 6400 Nancy Greene Way, North Vancouver, BC V7R 4K9
Website: https://www.grousemountain.com/
Contact Details: +1 604-980-9311, [email protected]
Operating Hours: Monday-Sunday: 9 AM–9:30 PM
Day Pass:
- Adults – $79-89
- Youth – $59-69
- Child – $31-35
Situated a mere 15-minute drive from the heart of Vancouver, Grouse Mountain is the city’s closest skiing resort. Whether you opt for a drive or public transport, reaching Grouse is a breeze, although holiday lines might test your patience.
Boasting 33 runs, half of which illuminate for night skiing until 10 pm, this resort ensures ample terrain for enthusiasts. Two express lifts grant easy access to intermediate and advanced slopes, offering a seamless skiing experience.
Grouse’s prominence on the Vancouver skyline offers breathtaking views of the city. Beyond skiing, Grouse offers various activities, from ‘Snowshoe Fondue’ tours to adrenaline-pumping zip-lining and a wildlife refuge showcasing majestic Grizzly Bears.
| Pro tip: For après-ski indulgence, whisk yourself away to L’Abattoir, a hip restaurant just half an hour’s drive away. Don’t miss the baked Pacific oysters with whipped garlic butter and truffle, and their cocktail options. |
6. Sasquatch Mountain Resort
Address: 20955 Hemlock Valley Rd, Agassiz, BC V0M 1A1
Website: https://sasquatchmountain.ca/
Contact Details: +1 604-797-4411, [email protected]
Operating Hours: Thursday: 9 AM–4 PM, Friday & Saturday: 9 AM–8 PM, Sunday: 9 AM–4 PM
Day Passes:
- Adults – CAD $69-89
- Youth – CAD $59-79
- Child – CAD 49-69
Sasquatch Mountain Resort offers an underrated yet delightful skiing experience. With a new quad chairlift enhancing its family-friendly atmosphere, it’s one of the most affordable ski destinations near Vancouver.
Boasting nearly 33 feet of snow per season, the resort ensures excellent snow conditions for skiers and snowboarders of all levels across its 36 runs. Accessing the slopes is convenient with three chairlifts and two surface conveyors available.
For added family fun, it features a tubing hill and snowshoeing trails like the Base Loop and the Mount Klaudt Loop. Exciting developments are underway, with plans approved for extensive expansion, including tenfold run increases and new accommodations.
| Pro tip: If you’re with family or friends, dedicate an afternoon to tubing. It’s a blast, and you’ll create memorable moments zooming down the hill. |
7. Mount Baker Ski Area, Washington State
Address: Mt Baker Hwy, Deming, WA 98244
Website: https://www.mtbaker.us/
Contact Details: +1 360-734-6771, [email protected]
Operating Hours: Monday-Sunday: 9 AM–4 PM
Top Elevation: 5,089 ft (1,551 m)
Base Elevation: 3,500 ft (1,067 m); White Salmon Base Area; 4,300 ft (1,310 m); Heather Meadows Base Area
Number of Trails: 38
Lift System: 8 chairs, 2 rope tows
Snowfall: 641 in (53.4 ft; 16.3 m)
Lift Tickets:
- Adults – USD $75-87
- Youth – USD $47-55
- Child (7 to 10 years old) – USD $28-37
- Children under 6 years old – Free
Located in the North Cascades of Washington State, the Mount Baker Ski Area is a sought-after destination for skiing enthusiasts near Vancouver. A picturesque 2.5-hour drive from the city, Mount Baker’s prominence is visible from Vancouver on clear days.
However, a valid passport is a must when going to this ski resort, requiring passage through the Sumas Port of Entry. Mount Baker is hailed as one of the snowiest ski areas globally, averaging over 1,700 cm (663 inches) of snow each year.
Notably, Mount Baker achieved a historic feat in the 1998-99 ski season. It broke the world record for single-season snowfall, accumulating an astonishing 2,900 cm (1,140 inches) or 95 feet of snow.
| Pro tip: For lodging near Mt. Baker, consider staying in Glacier, the closest town just a 30-minute drive from the ski area. It has a handful of restaurants, cafes, and stores, providing a perfect opportunity to fuel up before hitting the slopes. |
8. Manning Park Ski Resort
Address: 7500 BC-3, Manning Park, BC V0X 1R0
Website: https://manningpark.com/
Contact Details: +1 800-330-3321, [email protected]
Operating Hours: Monday-Sunday: Open 24 hours
Vertical: 417 m; 1417 ft
Skiable Area: 57 acres; 140 hectares
Lift Ticket:
- Adults – CAD $59-89
- Youth – CAD $49-69
- Junior (7 to 12 years old) – CAD $39-59
Manning Park Ski Resort is a laid-back destination approximately a 3-hour drive east of Vancouver. Sharing a similar relaxed atmosphere with Sasquatch Mountain, Manning Park offers a diverse winter experience.
While it’s possible as a day trip, the lengthy drive makes an early start essential, prompting some visitors to opt for an overnight stay near the resort. Manning Park boasts 25 km of slopes for skiing and snowboarding.
For cross-country skiing enthusiasts, a convenient shuttle service links Manning Park Lodge to the downhill ski area day lodge. For accommodations, there are options ranging from Mini-Suites in the main hotel to private cabins and chalets.
| Pro tip: Manning Park might require a bit of a drive, so consider queuing up your favorite daybreak playlist and hitting the road bright and early. The journey is well rewarded as those slopes unveil their pristine beauty with the sunrise start. |
9. Mount Washington Alpine Resort
Address: Mt. Washington, 1 Strathcona Pkwy, Comox-Strathcona C, BC V9J 1L0
Website: https://www.mountwashington.ca/
Contact Details: +1 250-338-1386
Operating Hours: Monday-Thursday: 8 AM–4 PM, Friday-Sunday: 8 AM–9 PM
Top Elevation: 1,590 m (5,216 ft)
Vertical: 507 metres (1,663 ft)
Number of Trails: 82
Lift System: 5 chair lifts; 3 surface tows
Snowfall: avg. 11 m (36 ft)/year
Lift ticket: $104
Venture beyond the mainland, and you’ll find Mount Washington Alpine Resort on Vancouver Island. Distinct from its namesake in Washington State, USA, Mount Washington is a gem beckoning skiers and snowboarders with its record snowfall.
Boasting a whopping 36 feet of annual snowfall, the 1,700 acres of terrain await your exploration. However, just be prepared for the occasional wet and heavy snow.
But here’s the secret allure: the lack of crowds. Here, you can revel in the absence of long lift lines, and at times, feel like you’ve stumbled upon your private winter sanctuary.
| Pro tip: Before you hit the slopes, make sure to enhance your skiing experience by downloading the Mt. Washington Alpine Resort app. This nifty tool provides real-time updates on weather conditions, trail statuses, and lift operations. Simply follow these links for Google Play Store and for Apple App Store. |
10. Big White Ski Resort
Address: 5315 Big White Rd, Kelowna, BC V1P 1P3
Website: https://www.bigwhite.com/
Contact Details: +1 250-765-3101, [email protected]
Day Pass: $109 (weekdays) and includes night skiing
Located less than an hour from Kelowna, Big White Ski Resort boasts Canada’s largest ski-in/ski-out village, creating a family-friendly winter haven. The resort offers 119 designated runs serviced by 16 lifts, covering 1,147 hectares of skiable terrain.
In addition to traditional skiing and snowboarding, Big White provides a diverse range of winter activities. Cross-country enthusiasts and snowshoers can explore 25 kilometers of Nordic and dog-friendly wilderness trails.
Families can indulge in tubing, dog sledding, snowmobiling, horse-drawn sleigh rides, and ice skating. The resort also hosts family events like weekly fireworks and the “Moose Cruz,” an interactive mountain-wide adventure using phones to solve clues.
| Pro tip: You can experience the enchanting side of Big White with nighttime skiing. The illuminated slopes and the crisp mountain air create a magical atmosphere that’s worth staying out for. |
11. Apex Mountain Resort
Address: 324 Strayhorse Road, Penticton
Website: https://apexresort.com/
Contact Details: (250) 292 8222, [email protected]
Operating Hours: Monday-Sunday: 8 AM–4 PM
Day Pass: $112
Apex Mountain Resort attracts snow enthusiasts with a diverse winter playground. Its unique weather conditions, marked by abundant precipitation, low humidity, and a northeast-facing orientation, create the famed champagne powder snow.
This specific blend results in an average of 600 cm of pristine snowfall each season, offering skiers and snowboarders the dream conditions they seek. The resort boasts four lifts, 79 trails, and various bowls, glades, and terrain parks.
With a ski-in/ski-out village, including a hotel, restaurant, bar, coffee shop, and ski store, you can enjoy the winter wonderland without ever needing to drive. Additional activities include night skiing, a tube park, an NHL-sized hockey rink, and a 1 km skating loop.
| Pro tip: Don’t miss the Vertical & Vintages event, where you’ll sip on local wines while surrounded by mountain vibes. It’s more than just a wine-tasting affair; it’s an opportunity to mingle with fellow mountain enthusiasts. |
12. Silverstar Mountain Resort
Address: 123 Shortt St, Silver Star Mountain, BC V1B 3M1
Website: https://www.skisilverstar.com/
Contact Details: +1 250-542-0224, [email protected]
Operating Hours: Monday-Sunday: 8 AM–4:30 PM
Day Pass: $89.25
SilverStar is a premier skiing destination with a reputation for its legendary deep champagne powder. It’s located just 22 kilometers from Vernon and a convenient hour’s drive from Kelowna’s airport.
With Canada’s first all-inclusive lift ticket, this mountain sanctuary showcases a plethora of features. These include 132 runs, 12 lifts, and over 770 hectares of challenging terrain, including steep, deep, black, and double black diamond runs on the backside.
SilverStar isn’t just for downhill enthusiasts; it’s a haven for cross-country skiers too. With 105 kilometers of trails, it offers lift access to upper trails, night skiing on a lit track, and two biathlon ranges for a comprehensive Nordic experience.
Recent service upgrades, such as 21 new Gondola Cabins, expanded parking, and RFID gates, enhance the overall visitor experience. Beyond the slopes, SilverStar hosts a diverse range of events, including a Wellness Festival in early December.
| Pro tip: You may consider participating in the Sovereign2SilverStar Ski Marathon. It’s not just a race; it’s a unique way to experience two fantastic ski areas over two days. |
13. Baldy Mountain Resort
Address: 2680 Mount Baldy Rd, Oliver, BC V0H 1T0
Website: https://baldyresort.com/
Contact Details: 1.250.498.4086, [email protected]
Weekend Lift Pricing:
- Adult (Ages 19-64) – $87
- Student (Post Secondary with ID) – $72
- Teen (Ages 13-18) – $72
- Junior (Ages 7-12) – $67
- Senior (Ages 65-74) – $57
- Masters (Ages 75+) – $48
- Child (Ages 0-6) – $15
Baldy Mountain Resort is a refuge for winter enthusiasts, offering an array of trails, activities, and amenities to ensure a gratifying experience for all. Here, you’ll venture into first-rate tree-skiing and boarding, carving through untouched powder.
You can embark on a snowshoe excursion through 20 kilometers of marked, ungroomed trails, or explore the groomed cross-country ski trails at the Mount Baldy Nordic Centre. Moreover, you can challenge yourself on the Terrain Park’s jibs, rails, jumps, and more.
With its family-friendly ambiance, other activities you can enjoy here are the toboggan rides and Frisbee golf. Meanwhile, the Snow Sports Centre provides rentals, repair services, and lessons from qualified instructors.
| Pro tip: You can extend your midday break at the Baldy Bar in the main lodge. It’s not just about the food and drinks; it’s a hub of social activity where you can share stories and make new friends. |
14. Harper Mountain Ski and Snowboard
Address: 2580 Harper Mountain Rd, Kamloops, BC V2C 4C5
Website: http://www.harpermountain.com/
Contact Details: +1 250-828-0608
Top Elevation: 1,524 m (5,000 ft)
Base Elevation: 1,100 m (3,600 ft)
Vertical Drop: 427 m (1,400 ft)
Number of trails: 15
Number of Lifts: 3 – 1 triple chair, 2 T-bars
Skiable area: 1.22 km² (400 acres)
Annual Snowfall: 4 m (13 ft)
Lift Tickets:
- Adult (19 and Over) – $66.67
- Youth (13 – 18) – $47.62
- University Student – 57.14
- Junior (6 – 12) – $33.33
- Senior (65+) – $47.62
- $38.10 – $38.10
- Tot (5 and Under) – Free
Harper Mountain is a family-friendly ski resort with an abundance of Okanagan Powder, providing an ideal playground for downhill skiers and snowboarders. Situated just 16 km east of Kamloops in the High Country, this resort is easily accessible.
The allure of Harper Mountain extends into the night, offering thrilling night skiing experiences. For those seeking a different adventure, the resort features cross-country trails and snowboarding opportunities, all at budget-friendly rates.
Harper Mountain caters to both seasoned enthusiasts and beginners, offering rental equipment for downhill skiing, cross-country skiing, and snowboarding. To enhance your skills, Harper Mountain provides lessons for all levels.
| Pro tip: For those planning to visit frequently, you may consider investing in a seasonal pass. It not only offers savings but also encourages you to make the most of your winter on the mountain. |
