Summary
Vancouver is perfectly situated for skiers and snowboarders. There are five remarkable ski and snowboard resorts, including some of the top venues in North America, just a short distance away from the city. The sixth one in this list, Sun Peaks Resort, is several hours away by car; however, it is one of the top ski resorts in Canada and worth the extra effort. Use this guide to discover the best places to ski and snowboard near Vancouver for some spectacular winter fun.
Whistler Blackcomb Resort, Whistler, B.C.
As a major venue for the Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympics, Whistler Blackcomb Ski Resort stands out as the premier location for skiing and snowboarding near Vancouver. Located approximately two hours north of Vancouver in Whistler, B.C., it is perfect for day trips or weekends. Offering over 200 ski trails served by 38 lifts, Whistler Blackcomb features glacier skiing, extensive above-the-tree line skiing, and some of North America’s largest bowls.
Cypress Mountain, West Vancouver, B.C.
Another venue from the Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympics, Cypress Mountain is just 30 minutes from Vancouver. This resort boasts 52 ski trails, nine lifts, and the highest vertical rise of the North Shore Mountains, making it a must-visit for any winter sports enthusiast. Additionally, Cypress offers one of the most diverse cross-country ski areas near Vancouver, along with exciting night skiing opportunities.
Grouse Mountain, North Vancouver, B.C.
Grouse Mountain is the closest ski resort to downtown Vancouver, located just 15 minutes north of the city. With 26 ski and snowboard runs, four lifts, and four snowshoeing trails, this resort offers a variety of outdoor Alpine activities. Visitors can also enjoy the unique experience of outdoor ice skating in the winter.
Mount Seymour, North Vancouver, B.C.
Located about a half hour’s drive from downtown Vancouver, Mount Seymour features 24 trails and five lifts, alongside scenic snowshoeing and fun tubing opportunities. Furthermore, Mount Seymour hosts Family First Night, an all-ages New Year’s Eve event that includes an early countdown for kids on December 31.
Mount Washington, Vancouver Island, B.C.
Mount Washington Ski Resort is the finest resort on Vancouver Island, located in the Comox Valley west of Courtenay. It offers 60 trails and eight lifts, positioning it as the second-busiest resort in British Columbia after Whistler Blackcomb. Noteworthy features at Mount Washington include a Snowboard Park, rugged terrain for cross-country skiing, and dedicated trails for Nordic skiers.
Sun Peaks Resort, Sun Peaks, B.C.
Ranked as the second best ski resort in Canada in a 2010 Conde Nast Traveler Poll, Sun Peaks Resort boasts 3,678 acres of skiable terrain, making it the second largest ski area in British Columbia and the third largest in Canada. With 122 trails served by six lifts, visitors often find no lift wait times, even during peak winter season. The resort’s three mountains provide a delightful mixture of gladed areas, bumps, steeps, long cruisers, and alpine bowls, making it a skier’s paradise. Sun Peaks Resort is located 45 minutes north of Kamloops in the British Columbia interior, approximately five hours by car from Vancouver, or a quick 40-minute plane ride from Vancouver International Airport to Kamloops Airport.
