Snowshoeing at Cypress Mountain

by Mary L. Peachin with photography courtesy of Cypress Mountain
Feb 2004, Vol. 8 No. 4

Listen up, hikers! Want to walk in a winter wonderland? Layer up, then head 26 minutes north of Vancouver, British Columbia to Cypress Mountain, the city’s winter playground. Minutes later, you’ll find yourself surrounded by sugary snow-coated yellow cypress trees in the quiet silence and awe of a 700-year old-growth forest.

Cypress Mountain is divided into two levels: the top of the mountain features downhill skiing and snowboarding, the lower part is designated for snowshoeing, cross country skiing, snow tubing, and tobogganing.

If you can hike, you’ll find snowshoeing great fun. Unsure of your balance, bring a walking stick or rent ski poles at the base with your snowshoe rental package. The trails are rated similar to ski runs: green (easy) to black (difficult). You can select a guided two-hour tour or follow the trail on your own (a map is provided.)

The well groomed trailhead for the self guided trail system is located at Nordic Base. The path follows gently rolling hills as it crosses natural snow bridges and snow-covered sub-alpine lakes. Hard core snowshoers, those who chose to head five miles further up the mountain trail, will enjoy a bonus of glorious views of Vancouver’s Coal Harbour and Burrard Sound with a backdrop of the architecturally stunning city.

If you just want a relaxing journey, follow the mile-long trail to Hollyburn Meadows. At the historic Hollyburn Lodge (named for the mountain peak above), hot cider and homemade soup, and a cafeteria menu is served.

Hollyburn Lodge isn’t just another ski mountain cafeteria. Built in the 1920’s, Vancouver skiers had to ferry across the water (before the Lions Gate Bridge was built) then trek up the mountain. Originally, it was the gathering place for what was then called the Hollyburn Ski Camp, a group of dedicated skiers and their families who became legendary for their Saturday Night parties during the winter as well, as its many summer gatherings. Everything had to be trekked in by foot or on skis. That is still the case today— during winter, all the supplies are carried through the woods.

The hand built cabin oozes character. Wooden benches serve as tables. Ornate silk lamp shades hang from the ceiling. Old-fashioned snowshoes and photos of turn-of-the-century snowshoers and skiers decorate walls adding to the charm. The place is cozy and welcoming, and warm.

Cypress Mountain is known as the city’s winter playground because it boasts the areas’ largest vertical rise and most skiable terrain including night skiing with 34 downhill runs and 10 miles of groomed cross country trails (daylight only).

Not to worry if you don’t continue snowshoeing uphill. Arriving back to base after lunch, you’ll see those magnificent views of Vancouver as you drive back to the city.

Matthew Broadbent, Director of Marketing for Cypress is thrilled the mountain will be the 2010 Olympic venue for Freestyle Ski and Snowboarding events. We are getting ready for the “ride of our lives.”

You may not have that championship urge, but you’ll enjoy a walk through the woods, and just maybe, you’ll see a Pine marten, lynx, or the big prints of the Snowshoe hare.

Directions:

From Vancouver: Take the Trans-Canada (Highway 1) westbound towards Horseshoe Bay. Get off at Exit 8, and follow the 3 lane, paved mountain road with spectacular views of the city on your way to the Cypress Mountain parking lot.

By Public Transit: Take Skytrain or Bus to Waterfront Station, connecting via Seabus to the Cypress Mountain Shuttle Bus at Lonsdale Quay in North Vancouver.

Quick Facts:

Top Elevation: 1,450 m / 4,750 ft.
Base Elevation: 980 m / 3,000 Ft.
Vertical Drop: 533 m / 1,750 Ft.
Skiable Terrain: 212 acres
Longest Run: 4.0 km / 2.5 miles / 13,123 ft.
Runs: Beginner: 23% Intermediate: 37%, Advanced: 40

For further information: www.cypressmountain.com