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Cypress Mountain in Winter

Cypress Mountain is a premier destination for winter sports, offering Vancouver’s largest ski resort along with a dedicated Nordic area for snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and tubing. The mountain’s backcountry trails also provide opportunities for winter snowshoeing and camping.

Thanks to its substantial snowfall, Cypress is a top choice for winter enthusiasts. The resort features 53 ski runs and an extensive network of cross-country trails. The three main mountains—Hollyburn, Black Mountain, and Mount Strachan—serve different winter activities. Black Mountain and Mount Strachan are dedicated to downhill skiing and snowboarding, while Hollyburn Mountain is the hub for Nordic skiing, snowshoeing, and tubing.

 

 

Skiing & Snowboarding at Cypress

As Metro Vancouver’s largest ski resort, Cypress Mountain boasts the most vertical drop, diverse terrain, and numerous lifts. Skiers and snowboarders can explore over 50 runs, accessible via six chairlifts.

👉 For more details, check out our in-depth guide to Cypress Mountain Ski Hill.

 

Snowshoeing at Cypress

For those who prefer a slower-paced winter adventure, Cypress Mountain’s Nordic area offers a variety of snowshoeing trails.

Spanning nearly 12 km, Cypress’s snowshoe trails are located on Hollyburn Mountain, just before the downhill ski area. This section of the resort is also home to the tubing park and Nordic skiing trails.

  • Hours: Open daily from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM (night tours available separately).
  • Tip: Snowshoe trails can be narrow, so practice good etiquette by stepping aside for faster hikers.

Cypress Snowshoe Experiences

Cypress offers both self-guided and nighttime snowshoeing experiences:

  • Self-Guided Snowshoeing: Grab a trail map at the ticket counter and explore marked routes at your own pace. Trails range from beginner-friendly (green) to expert-level (black). Warming huts are available along the trails.
  • Lights to the Lodge: This magical 1-km nighttime snowshoe trail is illuminated with LED lights, leading to the cozy Hollyburn Lodge. Open daily from 4:00 PM to 9:00 PM. Cypress Sky Card holders can enjoy discounted entry.

Guided Snowshoe Tours

Cypress Mountain previously offered guided snowshoe tours, including fondue nights and s’mores experiences. However, these tours have not been available in recent seasons.

 

Tubing at Cypress – Gnarly’s Snow Tube Park

For a high-energy winter activity, check out Gnarly’s Snow Tube Park. Located in the Nordic area, this family-friendly attraction features fast-paced tubing lanes. Sessions last just under two hours and require online pre-booking.

 

Backcountry Hiking & Winter Camping

For adventurers seeking a challenge, Cypress offers winter backcountry hiking and camping. However, these trails are not maintained by the resort, and avalanche risks can be present. Visitors must obtain a Backcountry Access Tag (BAC) before entering.

  • Popular Winter Backcountry Trails:
    • Hollyburn Peak
    • Black Mountain Plateau
    • Bowen Lookout

Winter camping is permitted one kilometer beyond the Alpine and Nordic Ski boundaries. Always follow “Leave No Trace” principles and check avalanche forecasts before heading out.