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Ski BC
Note Date: Published in Winter 2000/2001
Winter. For some, a
time to hibernate. To close off dreams of outdoor recreation until the
weather improves. To watch TV, put on weight, and dream of sunny days
to come. There is an alternative. Winter provides an ideal time to explore
B.C.'s wilderness, provided one takes proper precautions and dresses
warmly. For ski and snowboard enthusiasts, the mountains become a source
of adventure and beauty. The ski areas, patrolled and groomed to prevent
avalanche danger, provide safe ways to get exercise and fresh air. The
villages around the mountains offer comfortable lodgings, entertainment
and nightlife. Perfect for a day, weekend or longer if you can afford
it.
Backcountry offers even
more potential for hearty explorers. There is a little more risk, but
properly equipped with gear, knowledge of the terrain, its risks and
how to minimize them, winter is perhaps the best time of the year. There
are no crowds, no bugs or bears, and camp sites are almost always deserted.
While first impression
might be that wildlife is dormant during winter, this is not true. Tracks
in the snow alert you to predator cats stalking birds and small mammals,
providing clues that go unnoticed in summer. Skis or snowshoes provide
flotation to traverse snowy terrain, allowing you to travel further
than you could by foot.
In any of the following
places you'll find something to pique your interests. Whether you want
to sleep in a snow covered cabin or a snow cave. Ski a world class run,
snowboard a backcountry peak, or explore isolated winter wonderlands.
This guide will inform you of opportunities for winter recreation, and
encourage you to be healthy and active: year round.
Grouse Mountain
Located only 20 minutes from downtown Vancouver, this popular ski area
offers satisfactory skiing. What makes the mountain notable is the accessibility
to Vancouver and the excellent views of the city. A sky ride runs daily
from 9 am to 10 pm. With an average snowpack of 450 cm and snow making
capabilities on 75% of skiable terrain, conditions are good for the
22 runs and 11 lifts. Forty percent of the runs are considered easy,
40% intermediate and 20% are considered difficult. The percentage of
demanding runs may be somewhat of an exaggeration. More experienced
skiers may be disappointed with the lack of really challenging runs
on the 370m of vertical drop. From the summit elevation of 1127m, skiers
have a phenomenal view of the city and the sea. With 3 km of beginner
X-country ski trails, a 2.3 km advanced loop, as well a snowshoe park
and outdoor ice skating, the mountain caters to a variety of interests.
Night skiing is available on 13 runs from 4-10pm. Phone 984-0661 Lift
passes: $29/day; $22/night.
Cypress Bowl
Of local mountains, Cypress Bowl has the largest area of skiable terrain.
Within 25 minutes of downtown Vancouver, skiers and snowboarders have
access to a 1482 acre ski area. A vertical drop of 534 m on 23 trails,
should keep powder-hounds entertained. Twenty percent of runs are considered
easy, 40% intermediate, and 40% difficult so the mountain offers some
challenges (although nothing extreme). Lack of snow making capacities
leaves the mountain at the mercy of the weather, yet an average annual
snowfall of 500 cm usually coats the slopes. Sixteen kilometres of X-country
ski trails offer a good way to escape for the afternoon, without getting
too isolated. The nordic trails offer snowshoers a chance to explore
backcountry areas. For the experienced, the Howe Sound Crest Trail can
be explored. Views are spectacular. Phone 419-7669 Lift passes: $31/day;
$23/night. Nordic trail day passes: $10.50; $8.50 for night passes:
3pm - 10pm.
Mount Seymour
Only 30 minutes (22 km) from downtown Vancouver, Mount Seymour has the
highest base elevation and the deepest annual snowfall of all the local
mountains. With a 1 010m base elevation, and a 1 400m summit, the mountain
has an average snowfall of 500 cm. The longest run is 2 414m. Four lifts
can carry 5 218 passengers per hour to access the 21 trails on 600 acres
of skiable terrain.
This is Vancouver1s
snowboarding mecca. Over 50% of the mountain1s guests are snowboarders.
The mountain has a designated snowboard park complete with an in ground
half pipe (100m, 17 degree slope), and lessons for those interested
in learning or developing their skills further. Trail ratings claim
40% beginner, 40% intermediate and 20% expert. Ski and snowboard lessons
are available on the hill. As well, there is an established snowshoe
program with over 10 km of trails, along with interpreters to guide
you through one of the coastal mountain1s oldest forest areas. Phone:
986-2261 Lift passes: $19/day; $16/after 6pm Weekends: prices slightly
higher.
Whistler/ Blackcomb
Consistently rated as one, if not the best, mountains and ski destinations
in North America, the Whistler/Blackcomb combination is unbeatable.
Located in the coastal
range about 90 minutes north of Vancouver, and receiving over 9 m of
snow annually, Whistler/Blackcomb are the leaders in the ski industry.
With base elevations of 652 and 675 m respectively, and top elevations
of 2182 and 2284m, these places get the white stuff in a big way. Open
late November to late May (year round skiing on the glaciers), these
are the slopes to be on if you1ve got the cash. With 7071 acres of skiable
terrain, more than 200 marked trails, 12 massive alpine bowls and 3
glaciers, Whistler/Blackcomb can keep 59 000 skiers moving each hour.
D
on1t count on any solitude
in the mountains, 1998/9 saw a record number of visitors: 2 139 189.
As well, the village provides great ambiance, perhaps the best attraction
of Whistler. Fine dining, night clubs, pubs, trendy cafes and more shopping
than your credit card can handle: Whistler Village has it all. For budget
accommodation, there is an International Youth Hostel at nearby Alta
Lake (ph.932-5492), and a few private ones. 3Value Season2 (for lift
passes and hotels) is from Nov.24 to Dec.22, and from Apr.1-21. Lift
tickets: $65/day Information: : Phone 664-5614 www.whistler-blackcomb.com
Garibaldi Park
Named after its namesake mountain (2 678 m), Garibaldi provincial park
is a 195 000 hectare wilderness area located 64 km north of Vancouver.
The park offers mountains, glaciers, lakes and forests. The area is
within easy access of Squamish and Whistler. For those seeking a guided
backcountry experience, Vertical Reality in Squamish is a good choice.
Volcanic activity accounts
for the formation of many of the park1s peaks, including Black Tusk,
Price Mountain, The Table, Mount Garibaldi, Cinder Cone and the Glacier
Pikes. The Barrier, a natural dam holding back 300m deep Lake Garibaldi
was created from erupting Clinker Peak. In 1885 a massive landslide
took away the outer layer of the barrier, creating its rough-hewn face.
Winter comes early to
the park and the snow may linger until late July. Higher peaks remain
covered year round. The park sees most of its visitors in the summer
when wildflowers erupt into a floral carpet, yet winter offers a more
pleasant time to visit. With fewer visitors and the absence of mosquitoes
and flies, the winter season is spectacular.
Several areas within the park have facilities:
Wedgemount Lake, Singing Pass, Black Tusk/Garibaldi Lake, Cheakamus
Lake and Diamond Head have shelters to accommodate park visitors. Other
regions are penetrated by the occasional mountaineering or ski touring
party. Below are suggested trips that can be done in one day or as an
overnight trip.
Singing Pass: Starting from Whistler Village this trail follows
Fitzsimmons Creek 7 km to Singing Pass. Russett Lake is nearby and there
is a small shelter, although overnight parties should be adequately
prepared with a tent and all cooking supplies. Garibaldi Lake.
Black
Tusk: Parking
at Rubble Creek, this 9 km trail gains 810 m before leveling out at
the Barrier. Black Tusk is reached by the same trail, but turn off for
Taylor Meadows after 6 km, and climb an additional 105m. From the meadows
to the Tusk takes another 2-3 hours (gaining 850m), and the trail ends
on the shoulder (only experienced parties should attempt climbing the
chimney to the peak). Beware of falling rock. Touring Panorama Ridge
yields excellent views of the lake and surrounding mountains.
Diamond
head: The Diamond
Head area is in the south west of the park. Take Mamquam Rd 16 km to
the trail head (elevation 914 m). The 11 km trail from the parking lot
to Elfin Lakes gains 600 m as it follows Paul Ridge. The marked winter
route detours around the east side of the ridge to avoid an avalanche
hazard. An overnight shelter with 34 beds at Elfin Lakes is $10/person/night,
making an excellent base for day trips to the Gargoyles, Opal Cone,
or Mamquam Lake. Topographic Maps 92J2, 3, 14, 15 and 16 cover the park
area. (Scale 1: 50 000). Park Info: BC Parks, Alice Lake Prov. Park:
Phone (604) 898-3678 / fax (604) 898 4171.
Manning
Park: Manning
Park has over 65,884 hectares of forest-clad mountains, deep valleys,
subalpine meadows, and rushing white water. The park is only 2 hours
from Vancouver (Hwy 1 to Hope, Hwy 3 to Manning Park). With over 100
km of ungroomed beginner, intermediate and advanced trails for cross
country skiing and snowshoeing, there is ample opportunity for day trips
or overnight expeditions. Lightning Lake, Monument 83, Castle Creek
and Blackwall Road all offer exceptional cross country ski terrain.
The area around Cambie Creek has easier trails for beginners, and advanced
routes for adventurous skiers to experience winter in the sub-alpine
(Fat Dog Trail).
The Gibson Pass ski
area has a variety of slopes and runs with its two chairlifts, T-bar
and beginners handle tow. Besides rentals and a ski school, the area
also boasts a lodge and day care. There is also a groomed track for
beginner and intermediate cross country skiers.
The Monument 78 trail
follows the wide valley bottom 12 km to the US border and is the beginning
of the Pacific Crest Trail (a six-month hike to Mexico). This area is
perfect when avalanche conditions close other areas such as Windy Joe.
The Fat Dog Trail is also a great way to reach the backcountry in a
relatively safe manner. The wide trails traverse safely into the sub-alpine
where you can gain the ridge for spectacular views of the Cascade Mountains
to the south. Topographic Map 92H/02 covers most of Manning Park at
a scale of 1:50 000. Park info: BC Parks, Manning Park Phone (250) 840-8836/
fax (250) 840-8700.
Big
White: Located
near Kelowna, Big White has become the province1s second largest ski
resort. And justifiably so. With annual snowfall of 7.5 m, and an average
temperature of -8 C during the winter season, the arid interior climate
contributes to champagne powder conditions.
What makes the area
attractive for budget skiers is the presence of two hostels on the mountain.
As well, lift tickets are reasonably priced. For longer stays the 3early
bird2 season pass ($432/adult) offers good value access to over 2 000
acres of skiable terrain. Over 100 trails and gladed areas await exploration,
and four express lifts increase ski time by reducing lineups. There
are three snowboard parks (covering 8 acres) complete with half-pipes.
Snowmaking was added this year so the half pipe could open earlier.
For boarders, some of the best riding can be done in the pine glades
where you have to stick to the fall line, or pop into the trees off
the side of the pistes. For those willing and able, try the back bowl
cliff drop offs and chutes.
Big White also features
25 km of Nordic trails for X-country and snowshoe enthusiasts, but downhill
is the main attraction. The longest run is 7.2 km, bringing you from
2 286m to the village at 1 755m. Night skiing is open 3:30-9 pm, Dec.12
to Apr.4.
Two hostels operate
on Big White with 150 beds. Dormitory lodging is $15, private rooms,
$35. Ski hostelling has become popular among those who don1t spend much
time in their rooms, as it allows more money for entertainment and skiing.
The relaxed atmosphere, company of fellow travellers and hot tubs for
apres-ski relaxation makes this an interesting and affordable option
for ski holidays.
Info: Big White 1-800-663-2772
(toll free) or www.bigwhite.com Lift passes: $45 /day; $16/night Big
White Hostels: 1-888-595-6411 www.bigwhitehostels.com Same Sun Travel
Hostels (250) 765-7050 or www.samesun.com
Silver
Star: Silver
Star Also in the BC interior, 22 km northeast of Vernon, Silver Star
Mountain Resort offers 1 440 acres of varied terrain and 750 vertical
metres of ski and boarding pleasure. The 300 acres of open bowl or gladed
skiing and 450 cm average snowpack covering 900 groomed runs, make this
a powder hound1s delight. The south face of the mountain, Vance Creek,
features pre-dominantly novice and intermediate runs. The north face,
Putnam Creek, is for expert skiers, with 11 double black diamond runs
that plummet through narrow gullies and exhilarating chutes. A snowboarding
park with two halfpipes (one lit for night riding), and 37 km of wide
groomed and trackset nordic trails offer attractions for all tastes.
An established ski
and snowboard school with several packages makes this a fine place to
improve technique. Tubing, skating, snowmobiling and sleighrides round
out the activities for winter, but the mountain has activities throughout
the year. Information: 1-800-663-4431 or www.silverstarmtn.com
Sun
Peaks: Approximately
4 hours Northeast of Vancouver, Sun Peaks at Tod Mountain is a suitable
destination when snow is limited on Vancouver1s local mountains. A consistent
snowpack averaging 527 cm over 64 named runs, this mountain has lots
of potential. Sun Peaks boasts 10 227 acres in the ski permit area,
a 30 acre snowboard park and more than 1 000 acres of marked trails.
Lo-cated 50 km north of Kamloops in the rain shadow of the Coast Mountains,
the arid climate makes for great powder. The area receives an average
of 2 000 hours of sunshine per year which can contribute to icy slopes,
yet it1s hard to complain with the blue skies.
There are over 40 km
of wilderness trails, and 20 km of trackset trails for those interested
in nordic sports. Ice skating, snowmobiling, and dog sledding are other
options available. For those who can1t afford a stay on the mountain,
there is a hostel in Kamloops (250) 828-7991. Information: 604-578-7222
or www.sunpeaksresort.com
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