Home to the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games, Vancouver is one of the world’s few major cities that doubles as a true winter sport mecca. Vancouver’s three snowboard mountains — Cypress, Grouse and Seymour — are visible from the city’s downtown core, and all are well under an hour’s drive away.Each of Vancouver’s North Shore snowboard mountains offers something different, but all three share a few key perks: great value, ample night-boarding opportunities, and tremendous views of the city below. Combine these mountains with Vancouver’s famous arts, entertainment, and dining scenes, and it’s easy to see why Vancouver is renowned as a great snowboarding city.
Ride Cypress, Vancouver’s Olympic Snowboarding Venue
With more than 50 runs, 243 ha/600 ac, an epic terrain park and an in-ground half-pipe, it’s no surprise that Cypress Mountain is a favourite snowboarding destination for locals and visitors alike. Cypress is the largest of Vancouver’s local hills, and the only one that will serve as an official venue for the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Winter Games. Snowboard Minutes from Downtown Vancouver
Take the scenic aerial tramway to the top of Grouse Mountain — a must-do for any visitor — and from there explore more than two dozen runs, half of which are lit for night boarding. Off the slopes, enjoy dinner with a view at a mountaintop restaurant, or go for a skate on Grouse’s outdoor ice rink. Family-Friendly Snowboarding at Seymour
Widely regarded as the most family-friendly of Vancouver’s local mountains, Mount Seymour’s varied terrain features great views of Vancouver and surrounding peaks. With three terrain parks and nearly 40 runs, Seymour is a great destination for a day or evening of riding. Snowboard Season on the North Shore
Snowboarding season on the North Shore mountains typically runs from December to April, though the length of the season may vary depending on conditions. Transportation to Vancouver's Local Ski Hills
Cypress, Grouse and Seymour are all less than an hour by car from downtown Vancouver. Visitors can also take public transit to the base of Grouse Mountain, where an aerial tram runs to the mountain-top ski and snowboard area. During snowboard season, privately run shuttle buses offer service from North Shore locations to the ski and snowboard areas of Cypress and Seymour.
Ski Rentals and Other Winter Activities
All three local mountains offer snowboard rentals and lessons for all ages and abilities. In addition to snowboarding, all three North Shore mountains offer excellent downhill skiing and snowshoeing opportunities. For cross-country skiers, Cypress’s vast trail network is sure to please.