Vancouver : Mountains of Snow

Vancouver and Fraser Valley, BC, Canada downhill skiing and snowboarding is a very popular winter activity in the region. The ski hills on the North Shore Mountains in Vancouver and the ski areas in Hemlock Valley and Manning Park near Hope, BC attract many people from around the world to the region for a ski and snowboard vacation.

Most of the ski destinations are full service ski resorts with gondolas and chair lifts servicing a wide selection of ski runs. There are double black diamond (difficult) and blue (moderate) ski runs exploring snow bowls, mountain faces and cliffs while dodging trees and navigating moguls. And there are green ski runs (easy going bunny hills) for the beginner and small children near the main lodges and services.

Most of the ski hills provide snowboard terrain parks (Jib Parks). The snowboard parks are equipped with a skills area and some include a half pipe. Skill areas include apparatus like high banks, rails, stairs, drops and jumps. Many terrain parks include inter-changable parts so the park changes on a regular basis.

The length of the ski and snowboard season varies depending on weather. A lot depends on how quick the snow arrives on the mountains and how long it sticks around. In general the ski season usually begins in late December and runs until late April.

The downhill ski destinations provide services which enable skiers to enjoy the alpine environment for a day or for weeks. Many of the ski hills provide the basics of downhill skiing services like ski lessons, ski rentals, first aid, concession and a warming lodge.

The larger downhill ski resorts are like communities with many services. The ski resorts enjoy services like accommodations, spas, tours, lodges, restaurants, liquor stores, grocery stores, pubs, retail stores, entertainment, coffee houses, day care, access to other activities and more.

Some of the more popular ski and snowboard destinations located in the Metro Vancouver area and throughout the Fraser Valley region are:

Manning Park includes 24 runs for downhill skiing and snowboarding and it is located east of Hope, British Columbia, Canada.
Grouse Mountain includes 26 runs for downhill skiing and 2 terrain parks for snowboarding and it is located near North Vancouver, BC, Canada.
Cypress Provincial Park near West Vancouver, BC, Canada includes 53 runs for skiing and 1 snowboarding terrain park.
Hemlock Valley near the community of Agassiz and Harrison Hot Springs, BC, Canada includes 35 runs and 1 snowboard terrain park.
Mount Seymour Park includes 39 ski runs and 4 snowboard terrain parks and it is located near North Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.
Another nearby destination popular for skiing and snowboarding is the mountain village of Whistler, BC, Canada. (www.WhistlerEH.com)