Metro Vancouver is one of the few big cities where you can ski after work. Three North Shore hills sit 25 to 45 minutes from downtown, Whistler Blackcomb is about two hours up the Sea-to-Sky Highway, and the Fraser Valley, Manning Park and Washington’s Mt. Baker are an easy day or weekend trip. This guide covers the 2026–27 season: what is open when, what lift tickets and passes cost, who each mountain suits, how to get there without a car, and where to stay.
Everything here was checked on the resorts’ own websites (and a few trusted secondary sources, named in the text) in early November 2026. Opening days always depend on snow. Where a resort has not published 2026–27 details, we say so and give last season’s figure, labelled 2025–26.
2026–27 ski season at a glance
| Resort | Distance from Vancouver | 2026–27 opening | Best for | Day ticket from | Passes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Grouse Mountain | About 13 km, 25–30 min drive; 45–50 min by SeaBus and bus | TBA in 2025–26 it opened Friday, December 19 | Beginners, night skiing, car-free trips | TBA 2025–26 adult $89 weekday, $99 weekend | Grouse Unlimited/Weekday; Ikon Bonus Mountain (2 days) |
| Cypress Mountain | About 30 km, 30–35 min drive | TBA in 2025–26 it opened Saturday, December 20 | Intermediates and advanced; biggest local terrain | Confirmed adult full day $119 (2026–27, online) | Gold/Silver/Bronze; Ikon Pass (up to 7 days); Boyne Passport |
| Mt Seymour | About 30 km, 35 min drive | Scheduled — December 11, 2026 (anticipated), closing April 4, 2027 | Families, learners, budget skiers, terrain parks | TBA 2025–26 online adult from $49 weekday | Full and Value season passes; reciprocal deals |
| Whistler Blackcomb | About 120 km, 2 hours | Expected target November 20, 2026 | All levels; experts; multi-day trips | Confirmed adult 1-day restricted Day Pass $160 (advance) | Epic Pass, Epic Local, EDGE Card, Day Pass |
| Sasquatch Mountain | About 2 hours (Hemlock Valley, near Agassiz) | TBA not published | Powder days, value, small crowds | TBA 2025–26 online adult $69 weekday, $99 weekend | Indy Pass; own season pass |
| Manning Park | About 3 hours (Hwy 1 and 3 past Hope) | TBA not published | Families, weekend trips with cross-country | TBA not published | Indy Pass (alpine + XC); 2026–27 passes on sale |
| Mt. Baker (WA) | About 2.5–3 hours incl. border | TBA snow-dependent | Advanced skiers, deep snow | Confirmed off-peak adult US$98.80 + tax (day-of only) | Own season pass (sale window closed) |
Distances and drive times are approximate and assume good roads and no border or bridge delays. Prices are in Canadian dollars before tax unless marked US$.
Grouse Mountain
Grouse is the hill you can see from downtown, and the easiest to reach without a car. Its runs are short, but it is well lit at night, has gentle learning terrain and gives you a view over the city and Burrard Inlet from almost every chair. It is a good first mountain for kids and new adult skiers, and a handy after-work spot for everyone else.
Season dates
- 2026–27 opening: TBA — Grouse opens skiing when there is enough snow. In 2025–26, downhill terrain opened on Friday, December 19, 2025.
- Season passes: valid October 1, 2026 to April 30, 2027 for the Y2Play Centennial pass, which gives an idea of the season window.
- Night skiing: yes. Around 14 lit runs, with lifts running until about 10 p.m. in ski season (FanVancouver, October 2026, from Grouse’s hours page).
Lift tickets & passes
- 2026–27 day tickets: not published when we checked. In 2025–26, an adult day ticket was $89 weekdays and $99 weekends and over Christmas, and an evening ticket from 3 p.m. was $67.
- 2026–27 Early Bird season passes (grousemountain.com, November 2026): Adult Unlimited $699 or Weekday $469; Student and Youth $549 or $399; Senior $419 or $279; Child $289 or $199; Tot $49. Regular adult Unlimited is $1,049. Households get an extra 10% off Early Bird rates. Earlier Early Bird tiers in September and October were cheaper.
- Weekday pass blackout: December 19, 2026 to January 3, 2027.
- Perks: Unlimited passes include a free lift ticket at Revelstoke Mountain Resort plus 50% off more days there, and both passes include 50% off an Ikon Session Pass 3-Day, snowshoe trails, the skating pond, the Light Walk and The Peak of Christmas.
- Ikon: Grouse is listed as an Ikon Pass Bonus Mountain with up to 2 days.
- Transit discount: show your transit fare at Guest Services for $10 off a lift ticket (not combinable).
Terrain & difficulty
About 212 acres, 33–34 runs and roughly 365–385 m of vertical, served by four chairlifts plus a magic carpet and handle tow. OnTheSnow rates the terrain about 12% beginner, 56% intermediate, 24% advanced and 9% expert. There are several terrain parks. Beginners get a dedicated learning area; strong skiers will run out of challenge fast, but The Cut and Peak runs are good for evening laps. The CIBC Grouse Snow School runs lessons for all ages.
Getting there
- Transit: SeaBus from Waterfront Station to Lonsdale Quay (about 12 minutes), then bus 236 to the base at 6400 Nancy Greene Way (about 25 minutes). Bus 232 runs from Phibbs Exchange. Plan on 45–50 minutes door to base from downtown.
- Up the mountain: skiing starts at the top. Ride the Blue Grouse Gondola (opened December 2024) or the red Super Skyride; lift tickets and passes include the ride up.
- Driving: paid parking at the base, reported at $10 for 3 hours or $12 for the day in October 2026. Arrive early on powder weekends; the lot fills.
Where to stay
Most visitors stay downtown and use the SeaBus, or on the North Shore for a shorter trip. There is no lodging on the mountain.
- Budget: North Vancouver Hotel (1800 Capilano Road) and Econo Lodge Inn & Suites North Vancouver (1748 Capilano Road) are on lower Capilano Road near the Lions Gate Bridge, the road that leads up to Grouse, with free parking and breakfast.
- Mid-range: Coast Lonsdale Quay Hotel sits above Lonsdale Quay Market, about 160 m from the SeaBus and beside the bus loop for the 236; SureStay Hotel by Best Western North Vancouver Capilano (1634 Capilano Road) has kitchenette suites and free parking.
- Splurge: Pinnacle Hotel at the Pier and the boutique Seaside Hotel North Vancouver are on the Shipyards waterfront in Lower Lonsdale, a short walk from the SeaBus.
See North Vancouver hotels on Vancouver Page, or our where to stay in Vancouver guide for downtown neighbourhoods.
Cypress Mountain
Cypress, in Cypress Provincial Park above West Vancouver, has the most terrain and the longest runs of the three local hills, plus a separate Nordic area. It was an Olympic venue in 2010 and is the North Shore pick for intermediate and advanced skiers. It is also the busiest on weekends.
Season dates
- 2026–27 opening: TBA — Cypress had not published a date when we checked. In 2025–26 it opened on Saturday, December 20, 2025. OnTheSnow’s projection (not official) is late November.
- Night skiing: yes, most evenings in season. The Bronze pass, for example, covers Friday to Sunday evenings from 5 to 10 p.m.
Lift tickets & passes
- Day tickets, Winter 2026–27 (cypressmountain.com, November 2026): adult full day $119. Afternoon and Night Owl tickets are sold at lower prices; check the site for the date you want. The 3-day Downhill Sky Card is $259 for adults and includes free parking.
- Season passes 2026–27: Gold (unlimited, day and night) $899 adult; Bronze (Friday–Sunday evenings) from $389 adult; Silver and Silver Extra (midweek and limited) also available. Blackouts on the limited passes include December 26, 2026 to January 3, 2027. A $59 Snow Guarantee add-on is offered. Prices rise at each deadline.
- Multi-resort: Cypress is on the Ikon Pass with up to 7 days. Gold passholders get 3 free days at 8 sister Boyne resorts, and the Boyne Passport ($4,750) gives unlimited access at all 10 Boyne resorts.
Terrain & difficulty
About 600 acres, roughly 610 m of vertical, around 60 runs and six chairlifts across Mount Strachan and Black Mountain. OnTheSnow lists about 8% beginner, 38% intermediate, 34% advanced and 20% expert, with about 66 acres lit for night skiing. Beginners have the Easy Rider area; the steeper Strachan runs and tree skiing reward experienced riders.
Getting there
- Drive: about 30 minutes from downtown via the Lions Gate Bridge, Highway 1 and Cypress Bowl Road. Winter tires or chains are required.
- Parking: pay parking ($10 a day as last published) applies in lots 1B, 2, 3A and Lot 4 (Nordic). Lot 3B and the Nordic access road are free, with a free shuttle from the lower lots. Season passes and 3-day-plus Sky Cards include parking once your plate is registered. Carpoolers using the SP+ Carpool app (network code 417) earn a $10 Cypress Bucks card per day. Cypress had not posted 2026–27 parking changes when we checked.
- Shuttle: the Cypress Mountain Express bus, run by Cypress Coach Lines, picks up in Vancouver, at Lonsdale Quay and at Park Royal. Seats must be reserved online; see cypresscoachlines.com for 2026–27 fares and times.
Where to stay
There is no lodging on the mountain. Stay downtown, in the West End (closest to the Lions Gate Bridge) or on the North Shore for the shortest drive up the Cypress Bowl Road.
- Budget: Horseshoe Bay Motel (6588 Royal Avenue, West Vancouver) is a 23-room village motel by the ferry terminal with free parking; North Vancouver Hotel and Econo Lodge Inn & Suites on Capilano Road are near Park Royal and the Lions Gate Bridge.
- Mid-range: SureStay Hotel by Best Western North Vancouver Capilano, with kitchenette suites and free parking.
- Splurge: Pinnacle Hotel at the Pier or Seaside Hotel North Vancouver on the Lower Lonsdale waterfront, or a downtown hotel.
See West Vancouver and North Vancouver hotels on Vancouver Page, our where to stay in Vancouver guide, and the West Vancouver page for the local area.
Mt Seymour
Family-owned Mt Seymour, in Mount Seymour Provincial Park above Deep Cove, has a relaxed feel, some of the lowest ticket prices near the city, a big tubing and tobogganing area and well-known terrain parks. It is the North Shore hill that has published the clearest 2026–27 plan.
Season dates
- 2026–27: Scheduled — anticipated opening Friday, December 11, 2026, closing Sunday, April 4, 2027 (mtseymour.ca, conditions permitting).
- Holiday periods: December 19, 2026 to January 3, 2027, and February 13 to 15, 2027.
- Night skiing: yes; about a dozen lit trails plus parks. The Value pass covers weekends and holidays from 4:30 p.m. to close.
- Road hours: Mt Seymour Road is closed from 10 p.m. to 7 a.m. from November to April.
Lift tickets & passes
- 2026–27 day tickets: Seymour uses dynamic, date- and time-slot-based online pricing. 2026–27 rates were not posted when we checked; in 2025–26, adult online tickets ran from about $49 weekdays to $94 weekends (OnTheSnow, October 2025). Rentals must be booked online in advance with a ticket, lesson or pass.
- Full Season Pass 2026–27: Adult (19–59) $849; Youth (13–18) and Senior (60–74) $649; Child (5–12) $299; Tot $59; Super Senior (75+) free. Perks include guaranteed parking with a reservation, the free shuttle, and free tubing, tobogganing and snowshoe passes and rentals.
- Value Season Pass: weekdays plus weekend and holiday evenings; limited numbers, still on sale in November 2026.
- Weekend reservations: passholders book 4-hour time slots on weekends and holidays.
- Deals: Backpack Buddies Tuesdays (from 3:30 p.m.) were $39 for an adult and child in the last published season; Goldie Only (beginner chair) tickets are sold on weekdays.
- Add-ons: Rental Season Pass $299 (13+) or $199 (12 and under). Pass Protection and deferrals must be added by November 15, 2026.
Terrain & difficulty
About 200 acres, roughly 330 m of vertical, around 40 runs and five lifts. OnTheSnow rates it about 21% beginner, 62% intermediate and 18% advanced. Seymour is a strong pick for learners and for park riders. Off-piste and backcountry terrain beyond the boundary is avalanche terrain; go only with training and gear.
Getting there
- Drive: about 35 minutes from downtown via the Second Narrows (Ironworkers Memorial) Bridge and Mt Seymour Parkway.
- Shuttle: the resort shuttle returns for Winter 2026–27, with pickups across from Rupert SkyTrain Station and at Parkgate Community Centre. In the last published season, a return seat was $15 from Rupert and $10 from Parkgate, free for full, value and snowshoe passholders and lesson participants. Tickets are online only.
Where to stay
Stay in North Vancouver for the shortest drive, or downtown with an easy SkyTrain ride to Rupert for the shuttle.
- Budget: North Vancouver Hotel or Econo Lodge Inn & Suites North Vancouver on Capilano Road, both with free parking and breakfast.
- Mid-range: DoubleTree by Hilton North Vancouver (700 Old Lillooet Road, formerly the Holiday Inn & Suites) is just off Highway 1 on the east side of North Vancouver, a short drive from the Mt Seymour Parkway, with a saltwater pool and free self-parking.
- Splurge: Pinnacle Hotel at the Pier or Seaside Hotel North Vancouver in Lower Lonsdale.
See North Vancouver hotels on Vancouver Page, the North Vancouver city page and our where to stay in Vancouver guide.
Whistler Blackcomb
Whistler Blackcomb is the largest ski area in North America by many measures and the default weekend or week-long trip from Vancouver. With two mountains linked by the PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola, it has something for every level, from long groomers to alpine bowls and glaciers.
Season dates
- 2026–27 opening: Expected — target Friday, November 20, 2026, conditions permitting (Vail Resorts, August 18, 2026).
- Closing: TBA. Tourism Whistler says the season typically runs from late November into May; ski school lessons are scheduled from November 20 to April 18, and the Epic Coverage core season runs December 7, 2026 to April 17, 2027.
- Lift hours: because of B.C.’s move to permanent daylight time, most lifts will run 30 minutes later than before, about 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. from opening day to January 15.
- Night skiing: not offered on the main lift network.
- New this season: the Showcase T-Bar on Blackcomb is replaced by a new quad chair, the Showcase Chair, improving access to the Horstman and Blackcomb glaciers.
Lift tickets & passes
- Day Pass (advance, 2026–27): adult 1-day restricted from $160, unrestricted $187; child (7–12) from $81. Multi-day Day Passes start from about $97–$101 per day. Day Pass prices go up on November 15, 2026, and sales usually close in early December.
- Window lift tickets: much higher; Whistler.com compares the $187 Day Pass with a $295 peak-rate window ticket, and lift tickets are limited this season. Buy at least 7 days ahead.
- EDGE Card: from $90 per day, for Canadian and Washington State residents only.
- Epic Pass 2026–27: from US$1,169 for adults when we checked in November (it was US$1,119 at the lowest fall price, which ended September 7). New this year: 20% off for ages 13–30. Epic Local and Epic Day Pass are cheaper options with holiday restrictions.
- Peak restricted dates for restricted products: November 27–28 and December 26–31, 2026; January 16 and February 13–14, 2027.
Terrain & difficulty
8,171 acres, 200-plus runs, 37 lifts and up to 1,609 m (5,280 ft) of vertical, with an average of about 10.4 m of snow a year. Beginners have dedicated learning zones at the Whistler and Blackcomb bases and on top of Whistler Mountain; intermediates can cruise for days; experts head to the alpine bowls, chutes and glaciers. Lessons run from November 20 to April 18, and new for 2026–27 is a 5-Day Ski Adventure Camp and a third adult group lesson free when you book two consecutive days.
Getting there
- Drive: about 120 km and 1.5–2 hours on the Sea-to-Sky Highway (Highway 99). Winter tires are required from October 1 to April 30.
- Bus: YVR Skylynx runs from downtown (Melville Street outside the Hyatt Regency) and from YVR; downtown one-way fares were $32–$35 in August 2026. Epic Rides leaves from 1088 Melville Street for $33.50 one way. Coaches stop at Squamish and end at the Gateway Loop in Whistler Village.
- Parking: in 2025–26, Whistler Blackcomb ran free Reserve ‘N Ski reservations for its Upper Lots (Blackcomb) and Creekside parkade from 6 to 11 a.m. on weekends and holidays, with carpool spots for vehicles with 4 or more people; the municipal Village Day Lots were paid ($11–$19.50 a day). Tourism Whistler says 2026–27 carpool program details are due later this fall. Arriving before 8 a.m. on weekends is still the safest plan.
Where to stay
Whistler Village and Upper Village put you within walking distance of the gondolas; Creekside is quieter and has its own gondola. Book early for December holidays and weekends.
- Budget: Pangea Pod Hotel (4333 Sunrise Alley) is an adults-only (18+) pod hotel in the heart of Whistler Village, about two minutes from the gondolas, with single and couples pods. HI Whistler (1035 Legacy Way) is a Hostelling International hostel in the former 2010 Athletes’ Village at Cheakamus Crossing, about 8 km south of the Village, with four-bed dorms, private ensuite rooms, a café and free parking.
- Mid-range: Aava Whistler Hotel (outdoor pool and hot tub, about a 4-minute walk to the Whistler Village Gondola), Listel Whistler, a Coast Hotel on Village Green, Pinnacle Hotel Whistler Village in Village North, and Tantalus Resort Lodge for one- and two-bedroom suites with kitchens. In Creekside, Evolution Whistler has condo units with kitchens about 400 m from the Creekside Gondola.
- Splurge: Fairmont Chateau Whistler at the base of Blackcomb, Four Seasons Resort and Residences Whistler in the Upper Village, Pan Pacific Whistler Mountainside (ski-in/ski-out at the base of the Whistler Village Gondola) and Nita Lake Lodge, a lakeside boutique lodge and spa in Creekside.
- Squamish (cheaper beds on the way up): Squamish Adventure Inn (38220 Highway 99) has dorms, private rooms and free parking; Sandman Hotel & Suites Squamish includes breakfast and has an indoor pool with a waterslide; Executive Suites Hotel & Resort has suites with kitchens; and Howe Sound Inn & Brewing Company is a 20-room inn downtown. Squamish is on Highway 99 between Vancouver and Whistler, so you drive the second half of the Sea-to-Sky each ski morning.
Whistler.com was offering a $225 dining credit on stays of 10 or more nights between November 20, 2026 and April 30, 2027. Browse Whistler hotels and Squamish hotels on Vancouver Page, see our Whistler page, and for holiday events in the Village check the December events calendar.
Fraser Valley and Manning Park: Sasquatch and Manning
East of the city, two smaller, family-run feeling mountains offer cheaper tickets and shorter lineups. Both are on the Indy Pass.
Sasquatch Mountain Resort (formerly Hemlock)
- Season dates: TBA — Sasquatch had not published a 2026–27 opening date we could verify. It sits at a lower elevation in Hemlock Valley, so opening depends heavily on early snow.
- Lift tickets & passes: 2026–27 prices not verified. In 2025–26, online adult tickets ran about $69 weekdays and $99 weekends (OnTheSnow, October 2025). Sasquatch is on the Indy Pass, which lists it with night skiing and terrain parks.
- Terrain & difficulty: about 300 acres, roughly 396 m (1,299 ft) of vertical and 43 runs, with OnTheSnow listing about 19% beginner, 33% intermediate, 35% advanced and 14% expert. Known for deep snow on good days and a laid-back crowd; some night skiing on a small lit area.
- Getting there: about 2 hours from Vancouver via Highway 1 or Highway 7 to Agassiz and the Hemlock Valley Road. The final road is steep and narrow; winter tires are a must and chains are wise.
- Where to stay: we could not find a resort-run hotel or lodge on the mountain; Hemlock Valley lodging is privately owned cabins and chalets rented through Airbnb, Vrbo and similar sites, which suit groups. The nearest hotels are in Harrison Hot Springs: Harrison Hot Springs Resort (100 Esplanade Avenue) is the splurge, with five hot spring mineral pools (two indoor, three outdoor) for registered guests, open 8 am to 11 pm; Harrison Beach Hotel (160 Esplanade Avenue) is a mid-range lakefront option with rooms that have a fridge and microwave. Coast Chilliwack Hotel by APA in downtown Chilliwack, with an indoor pool, is another mid-range base. Pairing a ski day with the hot springs is a popular weekend.
Manning Park Resort
- Season dates: TBA — not published when we checked. Manning’s 2026–27 season passes are on sale.
- Lift tickets & passes: 2026–27 prices not published on the site we could access; check manningpark.com. Manning’s alpine and cross-country areas are both on the Indy Pass.
- Terrain & difficulty: about 140 acres, roughly 430 m (1,417 ft) of vertical, 35 runs and five lifts (OnTheSnow). Good for families and intermediates, with a Nordic Centre for cross-country and snowshoeing, sledding and guided night snowshoe tours.
- Getting there: about 3 hours from Vancouver via Highway 1 to Hope, then Highway 3 (Crowsnest Highway) east. Highway 3 over Allison Pass is a mountain route; check DriveBC before you go.
- Where to stay: Manning Park Resort (7500 Highway 3; 1-604-668-5922) is the only lodging at the ski area: lodge rooms (queen rooms, mini suites, junior king rooms and dog-friendly rooms) are the mid-range choice, standard cabins sleep up to 6, and premium and deluxe cabins for up to 10–11 and chalets for up to 14 (two-night minimum) are the splurge. For a cheaper bed, Hope, about an hour west, has budget motels including Hope Inn and Suites (377 Old Hope Princeton Way, some kitchenette rooms, free parking) and Hope City Centre Motel (455 Wallace Street, rooms with fridge and microwave).
Mt. Baker Ski Area (Washington)
Mt. Baker, east of Bellingham at the end of the Mount Baker Highway, is famous for some of the heaviest snowfall of any ski area in the world and for steep, natural terrain. It has no on-mountain lodging, no reservations and an old-school feel. For Vancouver skiers it is a good day trip if the border is quiet, or a relaxed weekend.
Season dates
- 2026–27 opening: TBA — Mt. Baker opens when snow allows and posts its operating calendar on mtbaker.us. Operating days and hours depend on conditions.
- Night skiing: not regularly. In March 2026 Mt. Baker ran its first-ever night skiing on Chair 7 for two evenings, as a one-off event.
Lift tickets & passes
- 2026–27 daily tickets (US$, plus 8.3% Washington sales tax): adult (16–59) US$98.80 off-peak (Monday–Thursday, non-holiday) and US$115.42 peak (Friday–Sunday and holidays); youth (11–15) US$60.94 / US$71.10; child (7–10) US$41.55 / US$49.86; senior (60–69) US$83.10 / US$97.88. An afternoon rate applies after noon.
- How to buy: daily tickets are sold only on the day, at the ski area. No reservations or advance purchase.
- Free: kids 6 and under, enrolled 5th graders, and the handle tow for all ages.
- Season pass 2026–27: adult US$1,287.90; the open purchase window has closed, with limited Mostly Midweek passes as an alternative. Mt. Baker is not on Epic, Ikon or Indy; passholders get the Baker Exchange with Mt. Hood Meadows.
Terrain & difficulty
About 1,000 acres and roughly 460–480 m of vertical, with OnTheSnow listing about 24% beginner, 45% intermediate and 31% advanced terrain. Expect tree wells, cliffs and real avalanche terrain outside the boundary. Beginners can learn here, but the mountain shines for confident skiers on a powder day.
Getting there
- Drive: roughly 2.5–3 hours from downtown Vancouver, crossing at Sumas/Abbotsford or Lynden/Aldergrove, then the Mount Baker Highway (SR 542) through Glacier. Bring a passport or NEXUS card, and allow for border waits on Friday evenings and Sunday afternoons.
- Tires: carry chains; WSDOT can require traction tires or chains on SR 542 in winter.
Where to stay
There are no hotels at the ski area. The small community of Glacier and nearby Maple Falls, on the Mount Baker Highway below the mountain, are mostly rental cabins and condos. The biggest local manager, Mt. Baker Lodging, based in Maple Falls, lists about 90 cabins, condos, chalets and homes in Glacier, Maple Falls, Mt. Baker Rim and Snowline, many pet-friendly or with hot tubs; nightly rates on its listings ran from about US$199 for a small cabin to over US$900 for large homes when we checked. Bellingham, on the way back toward the border, has the most chain hotels for a budget stay. Mt. Baker allows overnight parking under its own rules; check the ski area’s Overnight Parking page before sleeping in a vehicle.
Where to stay for a ski trip from Vancouver
A quick guide to bases by budget. Details for each property are in the resort sections above.
| Resort | Budget | Mid-range | Splurge |
|---|---|---|---|
| Grouse Mountain | North Vancouver Hotel; Econo Lodge Inn & Suites (Capilano Road) | Coast Lonsdale Quay Hotel; SureStay by Best Western Capilano | Pinnacle Hotel at the Pier; Seaside Hotel North Vancouver |
| Cypress Mountain | Horseshoe Bay Motel; North Vancouver Hotel | SureStay by Best Western Capilano | Pinnacle Hotel at the Pier; downtown Vancouver |
| Mt Seymour | Econo Lodge Inn & Suites; North Vancouver Hotel | DoubleTree by Hilton North Vancouver | Pinnacle Hotel at the Pier; Seaside Hotel North Vancouver |
| Whistler Blackcomb | Pangea Pod Hotel; HI Whistler; Squamish Adventure Inn | Aava Whistler Hotel; Listel Whistler; Evolution Whistler (Creekside); Sandman Squamish | Fairmont Chateau Whistler; Four Seasons; Pan Pacific Mountainside; Nita Lake Lodge |
| Sasquatch Mountain | Shared Hemlock Valley cabin rental | Harrison Beach Hotel; Coast Chilliwack Hotel | Harrison Hot Springs Resort |
| Manning Park | Hope Inn and Suites; Hope City Centre Motel | Manning Park Resort lodge rooms | Manning Park Resort cabins and chalets |
| Mt. Baker (WA) | Bellingham chain hotels; overnight parking (per ski area rules) | Mt. Baker Lodging cabins and condos | Mt. Baker Lodging chalets and large homes |
Browse hotels by city on Vancouver Page: Whistler, Squamish, North Vancouver, West Vancouver, Harrison Hot Springs and Chilliwack.
Ski passes explained: Epic, Ikon, Indy & local passes
If you plan to ski more than about five or six days, a pass usually beats day tickets. Here is how the main options line up for skiers based in Vancouver in 2026–27.
| Pass | Local mountains | Other BC and nearby | 2026–27 price note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Epic Pass (Vail Resorts) | Whistler Blackcomb (unlimited) | Fernie, Kicking Horse, Kimberley; Stevens Pass (WA) | Confirmed adult from US$1,169 in November 2026; 20% off ages 13–30 |
| Ikon Pass (Alterra) | Cypress (up to 7 days); Grouse (Bonus Mountain, up to 2 days) | Revelstoke, Sun Peaks, SilverStar (new for 2026–27), RED, Panorama, SkiBig3 (up to 7 days each); Crystal Mountain (WA, unlimited); Summit at Snoqualmie (WA) | Confirmed Ikon Pass from US$1,529 (age 23+) in November 2026 |
| Indy Pass | Sasquatch Mountain; Manning Park (alpine and XC) | Apex, Big White, Mt. Washington, Baldy, Phoenix, Shames and others, plus Nordic clubs such as Sovereign Lake | Check indyskipass.com; Mt. Washington’s Indy add-on was off sale with a waitlist in November 2026 |
| Local season passes | Grouse ($699 adult Early Bird Unlimited), Cypress ($899 Gold), Seymour ($849 Full) | Reciprocal deals at partner resorts | Confirmed see each resort section |
- Which to choose: if you ski mostly at Whistler, an Epic product or EDGE Card is the value play. If you ski mostly on the North Shore, a local pass is cheapest; Cypress skiers who also want Revelstoke, Sun Peaks or SilverStar trips should compare the Ikon Pass with a Cypress Gold pass. Indy suits people who like smaller mountains such as Sasquatch, Manning and Apex.
- Kids: the Canadian Ski Council’s Grade 4 & 5 SnowPass gives 2 free lift tickets at each participating ski area (a full-paying adult may be required). Its rules page had not been updated for 2026–27 when we checked; check skicanada.org for availability and participating BC hills. In Washington, Mt. Baker gives free daily tickets to enrolled 5th graders.
- Read the fine print: most passes have blackout dates around Christmas and the BC Family Day long weekend (February 13–15, 2027), and some require weekend reservations.
Beginner-friendly hills and lessons
- Mt Seymour: the most relaxed learning environment near the city, with Goldie Only beginner tickets on weekdays, free shuttle rides for lesson participants, and lots of gentle intermediate terrain to progress to.
- Grouse Mountain: easy to reach by transit, with a dedicated learning area, magic carpet and night lessons. The CIBC Grouse Snow School runs lessons for kids and adults.
- Cypress Mountain: the Easy Rider area is gentle, but the rest of the mountain is steeper; good once you can link turns.
- Whistler Blackcomb: excellent ski school, multi-day camps and learning zones; for 2026–27, adults booking two consecutive day group lessons get a third free. Expensive for a first day, so many locals learn on the North Shore first.
- Mt. Baker: beginner chair-only tickets are sold (from US$60.02 adult off-peak), but the mountain suits confident skiers best.
Rentals: Seymour requires you to book rentals online in advance; Cypress, Grouse and Whistler all have on-site rental shops, and booking ahead is wise on weekends and holidays.
Cross-country and snowshoeing
- Cypress Nordic (Hollyburn): 19 km of groomed, track-set trails, 7 km lit for night skiing and snowshoeing (the only night cross-country on the North Shore), and 11 km of snowshoe trails. Lights to the Lodge is a 1 km snowshoe to historic Hollyburn Lodge. Classic and skate rentals and lessons are available.
- Whistler Olympic Park: in the Callaghan Valley, about 30 minutes south of Whistler Village. The 2026–27 season runs Friday, November 27, 2026 to April 4, 2027, with 55-plus km of ski trails, 15-plus km of snowshoe trails, 6 km of lit trails and biathlon for ages 8 and up. 2026–27 adult cross-country day ticket $37.50, snowshoe $20; kids 6 and under free.
- Lost Lake (Whistler): municipal trails right beside the Village, usually open mid-December to late March, with a lit 4 km loop. 2026–27 adult day ticket $30; early bird season passes end November 16.
- Grouse and Seymour: both have snowshoe trails; Seymour also has tubing and tobogganing. Grouse passholders get snowshoe trails, skating and the Light Walk included.
- Manning Park: Nordic Centre with lessons, rentals and trail tickets for classic and skate skiing, plus snowshoe rentals and guided night tours.
Interior and Island resorts worth the trip
For a long weekend or a week, the BC Interior offers drier snow and bigger mountains, and Vancouver Island has Mt. Washington. Drive times are approximate.
| Resort | From Vancouver | 2026–27 opening | Passes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sun Peaks (near Kamloops) | About 4.5 hours | Scheduled — November 21, 2026 to April 4, 2027 | Ikon (up to 7 days) |
| Big White (near Kelowna) | About 5 hours | Scheduled — Thursday, November 26, 2026 to April 4, 2027 | Own season pass; listed on Indy Pass |
| SilverStar (near Vernon) | About 5 hours | TBA not confirmed by the resort when we checked | Ikon (new for 2026–27, up to 7 days) |
| Revelstoke Mountain Resort | About 6 hours | Scheduled — December 5, 2026 | Ikon (up to 7 days); free day for Grouse Unlimited passholders |
| Apex Mountain (near Penticton) | About 4.5–5 hours | TBA not published | Indy Pass |
| Mt. Washington (Vancouver Island) | Ferry to Nanaimo, then about 1.5 hours | TBA not published | Own passes (2026–27 on sale); listed on Indy Pass |
- Sun Peaks: a large resort with a ski-through village and Nordic trails on the same dates as the alpine season.
- Big White: known for its ski-in, ski-out village and night skiing. 2026–27 pre-season adult pass $1,239 until November 25, then $1,869.
- SilverStar: colourful village and big Nordic network next door (Sovereign Lake). Joins Ikon for 2026–27.
- Revelstoke: the biggest vertical in North America and serious terrain; the resort shuttle from town costs $2 per trip, and the main lot is reserved for cars with two or more people. Grouse passholders get 40% off at The Sutton Place Hotel and Sandman Revelstoke (minimum 2 nights, blackouts apply).
- Apex: a smaller, steep, locals’ mountain with a reputation for good value.
- Mt. Washington: big coastal snowfall and a Nordic area; combine with a ferry weekend on the Island.
Saving money on skiing near Vancouver
- Buy early and online. Whistler’s Day Pass prices rise on November 15, 2026, and window tickets can cost far more than advance passes. Cypress and Grouse season pass prices rise at each deadline.
- Ski midweek or at night. Seymour’s weekday tickets, Cypress’s Night Owl and Bronze pass, Grouse’s evening tickets and Mt. Baker’s off-peak rates are all cheaper.
- Use transit or a shuttle. Grouse knocks $10 off a lift ticket if you show a transit fare; Seymour’s shuttle is free for passholders; Cypress and Whistler reward carpools.
- Look at multi-day cards. Cypress’s 3-day Sky Card ($259 adult) includes parking; Whistler’s EDGE Card starts from $90 a day for Canadian and Washington residents.
- Use pass perks. Grouse Unlimited includes a free day at Revelstoke; Cypress Gold includes days at Boyne resorts; Seymour passes include tubing and snowshoe access.
- Kids: look for the Grade 4 & 5 SnowPass, family pass discounts (Grouse adds 10% off for households) and free tot or super-senior passes (Seymour’s 75+ pass is free).
Driving and safety: winter tires, chains, road reports
- Winter tire rules: B.C. requires winter tires (M+S or mountain snowflake, with at least 3.5 mm of tread) or chains on most designated highways from October 1 to April 30, including the Sea-to-Sky Highway (Hwy 99) and mountain routes such as Highway 3 and Highway 5; a few routes end March 31. Drivers without proper tires can be turned back and fined. The Cypress and Seymour access roads are posted winter-tire routes too.
- Rental cars: ask for winter or M+S tires when you book; not every rental comes with them.
- Check DriveBC: drivebc.ca has live closures, webcams and conditions for Hwy 99, Hwy 1, Hwy 3 and the Coquihalla. For Mt. Baker, check WSDOT for SR 542.
- Carry the basics: a full tank, scraper, warm layers, water, snacks, and chains for Hemlock Valley Road, Highway 3 and the Mount Baker Highway.
- Avalanche safety: the North Shore backcountry next to Cypress, Grouse and Seymour is real avalanche terrain, and search and rescue teams are called out every winter. Stay in bounds unless you have training, a beacon, probe and shovel, and check Avalanche Canada’s forecast.
- Daylight: with B.C.’s permanent daylight time this season, mornings are darker; Whistler is shifting lift hours 30 minutes later through mid-January.
How we keep this guide updated
We check every resort’s official website at the start of each season and again when opening dates are announced or passes go on or off sale. This version was checked in November 2026. Where a resort had not published 2026–27 details, we marked it TBA and gave the 2025–26 figure for reference. Opening days in the Lower Mainland depend on snowfall and often move; always check the resort’s snow report on the morning you go. For more winter plans, see our December events calendar and January events calendar. If you spot a change, let us know and we will update the guide.
