Cypress Mounatin
Cypress Mountain is the largest of the three ski resorts located on the North Shore in West Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. It is situated in the Cypress Provincial Park and offers some of the best skiing and snowboarding opportunities in the region.
The mountain has a total of 53 ski runs, including 6 beginner runs, 31 intermediate runs, and 16 advanced runs, catering to skiers and snowboarders of all levels. In addition, Cypress Mountain boasts the highest vertical rise on Vancouver's North Shore, standing at 610 meters (2,010 feet).
Apart from skiing and snowboarding, Cypress Mountain also offers other winter activities such as snowshoeing, tobogganing, and cross-country skiing. During the summer months, the mountain is open for hiking and mountain biking.
Cypress Mountain gained international attention when it served as one of the venues for the 2010 Winter Olympics, hosting events such as freestyle skiing and snowboarding. The resort continues to attract visitors from around the world due to its stunning natural beauty and wide range of activities.
Yesterday after dark we went on the "lights to the lodge" snowshoetrail.
»Lights to the Lodge«-Trail
The Lights to the Lodge trail at Cypress Mountain is a popular winter activity that involves hiking or snowshoeing up a trail to the Hollyburn Lodge, which is located about 2.6 km (1.6 miles) from the Cypress Mountain parking lot.
The trail is named after the lights that are strung up along the trail during the winter season, creating a magical atmosphere for hikers and snowshoers to enjoy. The lights are typically turned on in the early evening and provide a beautiful view of the surrounding forest.
The Lights to the Lodge trail is suitable for hikers and snowshoers of all levels, and is a great way to experience the beauty of Cypress Mountain at night. Once you reach the Hollyburn Lodge, you can warm up by the fireplace, enjoy a hot meal or drink, and take in the stunning views of the surrounding mountains.
Overall, the Lights to the Lodge trail is a unique and enjoyable winter activity that is well worth experiencing if you're visiting Cypress Mountain.
Hours of Operation
The Lights to the Lodge trail is typically open from December to March, weather permitting. The lights are turned on at dusk and remain on until the lodge closes.
Trail Difficulty
The Lights to the Lodge trail is a moderate hike or snowshoeing trail, suitable for hikers and snowshoers of all levels. The trail has a gradual incline and takes approximately 45 minutes to 1 hour to complete.
Equipment
If you don't have your own snowshoes, you can rent them from the rental shop located in the Cypress Mountain Day Lodge. Rentals include snowshoes, poles, and headlamps.
Guided Tours
Cypress Mountain offers guided snowshoe tours of the Lights to the Lodge trail, which include a guide, snowshoe rental, and hot chocolate at the Hollyburn Lodge.
Food
The Hollyburn Lodge offers a variety of dining options, including a cafeteria-style restaurant and a cozy lounge area. Menu items include hot soups, sandwiches, and baked goods, as well as beer, wine, and hot drinks.
Event Venue
The Hollyburn Lodge is a popular event venue for weddings, corporate events, and other special occasions. It can accommodate up to 150 guests and features a cozy fireplace, rustic decor, and stunning views of the surrounding mountains.
Skiing Cypress Mountain
The best time to go skiing at Cypress Mountain is typically between December and March, when the snow conditions are usually at their best. However, the specific timing can vary depending on the weather and snowfall patterns in any given year.
Cypress Mountain has a good snowmaking system, so even if there is limited natural snowfall, visitors can still enjoy skiing and snowboarding on artificial snow. However, for the best experience, it is recommended to plan your visit during a period of high snowfall.
In addition to snow conditions, other factors such as crowds, pricing, and availability of accommodations may also influence when you choose to visit Cypress Mountain. Weekends and holidays tend to be more crowded, so if you're looking for a quieter experience, you may want to consider visiting on weekdays.
Overall, it's a good idea to check the weather and snow conditions leading up to your planned trip to Cypress Mountain to ensure you have the best possible experience.
Terrain-Parks
Cypress Mountain has two terrain parks, the XL Park and the Panorama Park, which offer features for all levels of skiers and snowboarders, including rails, jumps, and boxes.
Night Skiing
Cypress Mountain offers night skiing on Fridays and Saturdays from December to March. The mountain is open until 10 pm on these nights, offering visitors the chance to ski or snowboard under the lights.
Lessons and Rentals
Cypress Mountain offers ski and snowboard lessons for all levels, as well as equipment rentals. There are also a variety of lesson packages available, including private lessons, group lessons, and multi-week programs.
Sustainability
Cypress Mountain is committed to sustainable practices and has implemented a range of environmental initiatives, including energy-efficient lighting, waste reduction programs, and an organic waste composting program.
Why Cypress Mountain?
Cypress Mountain, Grouse Mountain, and Mount Seymour are all popular ski resorts located in the North Shore Mountains of British Columbia, Canada. While they share some similarities, there are several things that make Cypress Mountain unique compared to the other two resorts:
Terrain
Cypress Mountain has the highest vertical rise on Vancouver's North Shore, standing at 610 meters (2,010 feet). This makes it a popular destination for advanced skiers and snowboarders who are looking for challenging terrain. Cypress Mountain also has a greater variety of runs, including more intermediate and advanced runs compared to Grouse and Seymour.
Snow Conditions
Cypress Mountain receives more snowfall on average compared to Grouse and Seymour, making it a great destination for powder seekers. Additionally, Cypress has a good snowmaking system, ensuring visitors can enjoy skiing and snowboarding on artificial snow even during periods of low natural snowfall.
Facilities
Cypress Mountain has a larger base area than both Grouse and Seymour, with more restaurants, cafes, and shops to choose from. The resort also has a larger parking lot, which can be a significant advantage on busy days.
Proximity to Vancouver
Cypress Mountain is located the farthest north of the three ski resorts, which can make it slightly less convenient to get to for those coming from downtown Vancouver. However, it is still easily accessible by car and public transportation, and the scenic drive up Cypress Bowl Road is well worth it.
Conclusion
Overall, while all three ski resorts are excellent destinations for winter sports enthusiasts, Cypress Mountain's challenging terrain, excellent snow conditions, and superior facilities make it a standout option for many visitors.
Cypress Mountain is a fantastic destination for winter sports enthusiasts, offering a range of activities and services for visitors of all levels. With its stunning views, challenging terrain, and commitment to sustainability, Cypress Mountain is a must-visit destination for anyone looking to experience the beauty of the North Shore Mountains
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