Snow seldom falls in the city, yet Vancouverites enjoy some of the best downhill and cross-country ski facilities in North America.

The twinkling lights of the local ski mountains - Grouse Mountain, Cypress and Mount Seymour - attract the city's residents and tourists alike, urging them to strap on snowboards, skis or snow shoes throughout winter months.

And just two hours north, lay the twin internationally renowned ski mountains, Whistler and Blackcomb. This top ranked destination ski resort draws skiers from all over the world for downhill and helicopter skiing.

For more details on our local mountains, select one of the following:

• Grouse Mountain
• Cypress Mountain
• Mount Seymour
• Whistler and Blackcomb

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Grouse Mountain
Located just over the Lions Gate Bridge, a mere 15 minutes from downtown Vancouver, Grouse Mountain is a favourite for winter sports. Grouse features tremendous summit views and easy access via the Skyride gondola - North America's largest aerial tramway. The Skyride takes a mere 8 minutes to whisk skiers one mile up 3700 feet (1128 metres) above sea level for spectacular views and non-stop winter fun!

Once you reach the Alpine station, you can choose from 25 ski runs for varying levels of experience. Skiers and snowboarders share these hills during the day and evening with select runs and times available for thrilling night skiing. Ski and snowboarding schools and private lessons are available, along with a full rental shop, multiple restaurants, coffee shops and gift stores to browse while not out on the slopes! Grouse also features snowshoe courses, rentals and select paths. There's even a skating rink and sleigh rides to round out a full selection of winter wonderland activities at the Peak of Vancouver - Grouse Mountain!

Cypress Mountain
Just a quick drive over Lions Gate, Cypress Mountain is located in West Vancouver, and offers spectacular views of the city and sea as you make your way up well-maintained roads to the main parking lot. There are several lookout spots on the short drive up and are well worth the stop for breathtaking picture opportunities.

With 38 runs and 7 chairlifts, you can quickly access a wide variety of slopes of varying levels of difficulty for downhill skiers. Cross country skiers choose from 19 kms of groomed trails, 7kms of which are available for night skiing! And for snow shoers, there's a spectacular 10kms of well maintained trails available.

But for those looking for a real thrill, you must try the snow tubing track! Fly down the snow track for a heart-racing ride, then let the tow do all the work to get you back up the hill for another go. Fun for kids of all ages!

Cypress offers rentals for all snow sports, including snow-wear clothing, and both group and private lessons for skiing, snowboarding and snowshoeing.

Mount Seymour
Mount Seymour is just over the 2nd Narrows Bridge from downtown, located in beautiful North Vancouver. A short drive to the base village allows quick access to the winter park for family fun tobogganing and snow tubing, as well as instant access to several downhill runs, and chairlifts to take you higher up the mountain. There are over 20 runs of varying lengths and levels of difficulty for skiers and snowboarders, as well as a half pipe especially for boarders.

Trails are well maintained throughout the Mount Seymour territory and lessons are available - both private and group classes - for skiing, boarding and snowshoeing. A full selection of rental equipment and clothing is available at the base village rental shop, and there are several restaurants and cafes available at the base and atop the mountain when you need a quick pick me up or break. Activities available are: skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing, tubing and tobogganing.

Whistler / Blackcomb

See our Whistler section