Top Ski Resorts Near Vancouver
One of the great advantages of Vancouver is its close proximity to the stunning Coast Mountains, which serve as a gateway to countless outdoor adventures. During the winter months, numerous ski resorts can be reached within just a few hours’ drive from the city. If you’re planning to enjoy snowboarding or skiing while in Vancouver, this guide is tailored just for you.
Within a 20-30 minute drive from downtown Vancouver (traffic permitting), you can access three fantastic ski areas: (1) Grouse Mountain, (2) Cypress Mountain, and (3) Mount Seymour.
If you’re eager to learn more about these three ski resorts in Vancouver, feel free to skip ahead to the middle of this post.
However, we also want to highlight some of our favorite ski resorts that are perfect for day trips from Vancouver. If you can spare a night or two at these locations, that’s even better.
In this post, we share our favorite ski resorts near Vancouver.
Sasquatch Mountain Resort
Here’s a little spoiler: if you’ve been following our blog or social media, you’ll know we have a strong affection for Sasquatch Mountain Resort. In fact, we’ve even bought a cabin there—though it might be more accurately described as a chalet!
Situated in the Fraser Valley, Sasquatch Mountain Resort is about a two-hour drive east of Vancouver, located between Mission and Harrison Hot Springs.
This resort provides a relaxed skiing environment perfect for families. We genuinely believe it ranks among the best ski hills in the Lower Mainland (perhaps we’re a bit biased). Guests can enjoy free parking, minimal lift lines, and uncrowded slopes.
We appreciate that all ski runs at Sasquatch lead directly back to the day lodge, making it easy to reconnect with friends and family throughout the day.
To maximize your experience, aim to arrive right as the park opens at 9:00 AM. Sasquatch Mountain even offers night skiing on Fridays and Saturdays, allowing you to enjoy the slopes longer before returning to Vancouver.
While visiting Sasquatch Mountain Resort as a day trip is entirely feasible, we highly recommend spending at least one night there.
The resort provides accommodations just steps away from the chair lifts, making it the only ski resort in the Lower Mainland with cabin and vacation rentals directly on the mountain. These rental properties are privately owned, so bookings can be made through platforms like VRBO or Booking.com.
How many chair lifts are at Sasquatch Mountain Resort?
Sasquatch Mountain features three chair lifts, in addition to a magic carpet for beginners. With a total of 36 runs available, there’s something for everyone, from beginner slopes to double black diamonds. We highly recommend checking out Snags or Baby Bowl on a powder day.
You can view the Sasquatch Mountain Resort trail map here.
What are the wait times for chairlifts at Sasquatch Mountain Resort?
This is one of the standout features of visiting Sasquatch: you’ll experience virtually no wait times for the chair lifts. This sets it apart from other ski resorts around Vancouver, allowing for continuous runs without exhausting waits. Get ready for some serious leg workouts!
Are there dining options at Sasquatch Mountain Resort?
Sasquatch Mountain Resort offers several dining options. Molly Hogan’s Bar and Grill is a family-favorite (as shown above) and welcomes kids until 8:00 PM. The Chalet restaurant is open throughout the day, and grab-and-go snacks are available at Hideaway and Peaks.
What do lift ticket prices look like at Sasquatch Mountain Resort?
Lift ticket prices are subject to change, so it’s best to check for current day pass prices. Typically, day passes range from: $69-89 CAD for adults, $59-79 for youth, and $49-69 for children.
If your schedule is flexible, you might find special deals on lift tickets for mid-week or Sundays.
You can purchase Sasquatch Mountain Resort lift tickets online here.
Manning Park Ski Resort
Manning Park Ski Resort, nestled in the Cascade Mountains, is approximately a three-hour drive from Vancouver. It’s another laid-back ski destination similar in vibe to Sasquatch Mountain.
However, given the longer travel time of at least three hours, it may turn out to be a lengthy day trip from Vancouver. You’ll need to plan for an early departure or consider an overnight stay.
Note: There are no on-site accommodations directly at the ski hill. Manning Park Resort offers a variety of lodging options, but it’s located about 15 minutes from the ski area. Fortunately, the hotel provides a complimentary shuttle service to the slopes during the ski season.
We previously stayed in a Mini-Suite in the main hotel, which was roomy and equipped with two queen beds, a pull-out sofa, and a kitchenette. Private cabins and chalets are also available for rent, but you’ll want to make reservations ahead of time, as these lodgings are popular throughout the year.
How many chair lifts are at Manning Park Ski Resort?
Manning Park Resort features two chair lifts (a quad and a double), along with a handle-tow and a T-bar. The resort boasts 34 marked runs over more than 140 acres of skiable terrain.
What are the wait times like for chair lifts at Manning Park Resort?
Much like Sasquatch Mountain, Manning Park sees virtually no long lines at its lifts. Wait times may vary depending on weather and snow conditions, but generally, it remains uncrowded.
The photo above features the old orange chair lift at Manning Park ski hill, which was updated to a new quad chair the following year.
Check out this video from a powder day at Manning Park Resort.
What dining options are available at Manning Park Resort?
The ski area at Manning Park features a cafeteria-style restaurant, which is functional but not very large, shown in the image above. Additionally, the Pinewoods Dining Room is located at the hotel, about a 15-minute drive away from the ski hill. While you may not want to leave the slopes for lunch, it’s an option for after skiing.
How much do lift tickets cost at Manning Park?
Manning Park lift ticket prices range from: $59-89 CAD for adults, $49-69 for youth, and $39-59 for juniors (ages 7 to 12). Children under 6 ski free. Further details regarding ticket pricing can be found here.
Check out photos from our powder day at Manning Park Ski Resort here.
Mount Baker Ski Area, Washington State
Another excellent ski resort near Vancouver is Mount Baker Ski Area, located in Washington State’s North Cascades. The drive from Vancouver to Mount Baker takes about 2.5 hours. On a clear day, you can even see Mount Baker from Vancouver!
Important: To visit Mount Baker from Vancouver, you’ll need a valid passport. The quickest border crossing is at the Sumas Port of Entry in Abbotsford, British Columbia. Alternatively, you can enter the U.S. through the Lynden Port of Entry or the Peach Arch Border Crossing.
Mount Baker Ski Area is famed for its abundant snowfall, being one of the snowiest ski areas globally, with an annual average exceeding 1,700 cm (663 inches). If you’re after great snow, the Pacific Northwest does not disappoint.
Fun Fact: During the 1998-99 ski season, Mount Baker set a world record for snowfall in a single season at 2,900 cm (1,140 inches) — that’s 95 feet of snow!
How many chair lifts does Mount Baker Ski Area have?
Mount Baker features 8 chair lifts and two rope tows. With multiple parking lots accessible from either side of the ski area, it’s wise to familiarize yourself with the Mount Baker ski area trail map here.
Although it’s deemed a ‘difficult’ mountain, skiers of all ability levels can find suitable terrain here.
Mount Baker Ski Area operates daily from 9:00 AM to 3:30 PM during winter.
What are the chairlift wait times at Mount Baker Ski Area?
Mount Baker is relatively remote, making it less frequented by day trippers. This means you’ll encounter fewer skiers and shorter wait times at the chair lifts. With several chair lifts to choose from, guests can spread out, further reducing wait durations.
Can you stay overnight at Mount Baker Ski Area?
No, there are no accommodations directly at Mount Baker Ski Area. However, if you’re seeking lodging, the closest town is Glacier, about a 30-minute drive from the resort. This quaint ski town offers a few restaurants, cafes, and stores to gear up for an exciting day on the slopes.
Are there dining options at Mount Baker Ski Area?
Mount Baker Ski Area features two main lodges at the base: Heather Meadows and White Salmon. Additionally, a mid-mountain lodge called the Raven Hut serves visitors as well.
Each of the restaurants at Mount Baker has its own unique menu offerings. You can view the menus for each lodge here.
What are the lift ticket prices at Mount Baker Ski Area?
Lift ticket prices at Mount Baker range from: $75-87 USD for adults, $47-55 for youth, and $28-37 for children (ages 7 to 10). Children under 6 ski free.
For more details on ticket prices, click here.
Related post – A winter getaway to Mount Baker in Washington State
Here’s a quirky fence made from old skis in the town of Glacier, Washington.
Whistler Blackcomb Ski Resort
Situated in the picturesque alpine city of Whistler, Whistler-Blackcomb Ski Resort is consistently ranked among North America’s top ski destinations. It is the largest ski resort in North America and notably the most visited ski resort in Canada.
Whistler-Blackcomb attracts over three million visitors each year, making it one of the busiest ski destinations.
The journey from Vancouver to Whistler takes roughly two hours, depending on your starting point. However, travel times can extend during busy weekends or holidays. Shuttles are also available from downtown Vancouver and the Vancouver International Airport.
One drawback of visiting Whistler Blackcomb is the cost.
Over the last decade, prices in Whistler have become increasingly unmanageable for families. Nonetheless, it’s a world-renowned ski resort near Vancouver, and the quality reflects the price.
If skiing or snowboarding isn’t your cup of tea, you’ll find plenty of alternative winter activities in Whistler, including snowmobiling, ice fishing, ziplining, and snowshoeing. Check out this list for things to do in Whistler, British Columbia.
How many chair lifts does Whistler Blackcomb have?
The resort boasts over 200 runs, 39 lifts, and well beyond 8,000 acres of skiable terrain. A highlight is the record-breaking Peak 2 Peak Gondola, which connects Whistler Mountain to Blackcomb Mountain.
You could easily spend multiple days trying to ski every inch of this world-class resort. Without a doubt, it’s the largest ski destination in British Columbia. Review the Whistler Blackcomb trail map here.
What are the wait times at Whistler Blackcomb?
Wait times for the lifts can vary greatly due to the size of the mountain. Generally, you can find less crowded areas to explore. However, reports on social media suggest that it can take as long as an hour to access the first gondola in Whistler Village or Creekside Village. Be prepared and pack some patience.
What do lift ticket prices look like at Whistler Blackcomb?
Ticket prices have surged significantly in recent years. As of this writing, day pass prices are approximately $192-210 CAD for adults, $171-163 for youth, and $96-101 for children.
You can find additional details on lift tickets at Whistler Blackcomb ski resort here.
Additional insights about Whistler Blackcomb
Whistler Village is one of North America’s most vibrant alpine communities, making it a lively spot for après-ski activities. While we can’t list every restaurant and pub in Whistler due to their abundance, it’s wise to make reservations at specific places since they fill up quickly during the ski season.
During the winter months, parking fees apply even if you’re staying overnight at a hotel.
Where to stay in Whistler
A day trip to Whistler from Vancouver is easily feasible. However, if you’re considering a longer stay (which we wholeheartedly recommend), a range of accommodations is available.
Options in Whistler Village include the budget-friendly Pangea Pod Hotel, the luxurious Four Seasons Whistler, and the family-oriented Hilton Whistler Resort and Spa.
This image captures Whistler Village at sunset, which begins around 3:30 PM in January.
Cypress Mountain Ski Area
Cypress Mountain boasts the most vertical drop and terrain among Vancouver’s North Shore Mountains, located approximately 45 minutes from downtown Vancouver to the parking area.
There are no accommodations available directly at Cypress Mountain, which means visits must be day trips. Being the largest ski hill in Vancouver, it also attracts a lot of local visitors, resulting in crowds during peak times.
To avoid the masses, it’s advisable to visit during weekdays or in the evenings. Cypress Mountain offers night skiing until 10:00 PM throughout winter.
How many chair lifts does Cypress Mountain have?
Cypress Mountain features five quad chair lifts, a double chair lift, and a magic carpet for beginners. The resort has 53 named alpine ski runs that range from beginner to advanced, with the majority being blue (43%) and black (44%).
You can view the Cypress Mountain trail map here.
What are the wait times like for chair lifts at Cypress Mountain?
As a popular ski destination near Vancouver, expect longer lines at Cypress Mountain, especially on weekends and holidays. If you wish to avoid lines and congested runs, evening visits or mid-week trips are ideal.
What are the lift ticket prices at Cypress Mountain?
Prices for lift tickets at Cypress Mountain may vary during the season, so it’s best to check here for current prices.
On average, tickets range from: $82-98 CAD for adults, $55-60 for youth, and $34-39 for children.
Cypress Mountain also provides afternoon and evening tickets at discounted rates.
Did you know that Cypress Mountain hosted events during the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver?
Additional information about Cypress Mountain
Pre-booking your lift tickets is essential, as they can sell out on weekends. Make sure to plan ahead.
Parking can be challenging; arriving early is recommended to avoid a long trek to the ski area.
Dining options include several eateries on Cypress Mountain, such as Crazy Raven, Cypress Creek Grill, The Patio & Pizzeria, Hollyburn Lodge, and two cafes.
If skiing or snowboarding isn’t on your agenda, Cypress Mountain also provides cross-country skiing, snow tubing, and snowshoeing activities.
Mount Seymour
For many Vancouver residents, Mount Seymour is a family favorite among North Shore ski mountains. It stands out as one of the best ski resorts near Vancouver for kids, featuring a large covered magic carpet that shields young learners from inclement weather.
Located roughly 45 minutes from downtown Vancouver, there are no accommodations available at Mount Seymour itself.
Typically, it sees fewer visitors than Cypress Mountain and Grouse Mountain. However, be mindful that it can still be quite busy during peak periods.
Parking is limited, and late arrivals may end up waiting hours for a spot on busy winter weekends. Planning ahead and pre-booking your lift tickets is advisable.
How many lifts does Mount Seymour have?
Mount Seymour features three chair lifts and one magic carpet, and ski runs vary from beginner to difficult, with a majority being blues.
You can view the Seymour Mountain trail map here.
What are the wait times for lifts at Mount Seymour?
When compared to the North Shore mountains, wait times at Mount Seymour tend to be shorter. However, on weekends or powder days, you might face longer lines.
What are the lift ticket prices at Mount Seymour?
Lift ticket prices differ throughout the season, so it’s best to check here for current prices.
Typically, day passes range from $39-84 for adults, $39-52 for youth, and $22-29 for children.
Additional information about Mount Seymour
Mount Seymour has several dining spots, including the Rock Chute Kitchen and Bar, the Grill Works cafeteria, and Harold’s Café.
Parking at Mount Seymour is free, but it’s limited. Arriving early in the morning will help you secure a spot.
Night skiing is available, which tends to be less crowded compared to daytime hours. Additionally, the mountain provides opportunities for snowshoeing, tubing, and tobogganing.
The image above captures the backside of Mount Seymour, truly one of the best ski resorts near Vancouver.
Grouse Mountain
Last but certainly not least, Grouse Mountain claims the title of the closest ski resort to Vancouver. Among tourists, it is the most frequented ski hill in the region. A unique feature of Grouse Mountain is that you must take the Grouse Mountain gondola (the Skyride) to access the summit.
The Skyride runs year-round, departing every 15 minutes from 8:45 AM to 10:00 PM. Grouse is a preferred destination for those who prefer to avoid driving up the mountain, especially in inclement weather.
Operating year-round, Grouse Mountain offers a variety of seasonal attractions, including the Peak of Christmas, Light Walk, snowshoeing, ice skating, and even opportunities to see grizzly bears. The mountain’s summit lodge offers breathtaking views of Vancouver and the surrounding Lower Mainland.
During winter, Grouse Mountain features night skiing every evening, with skiing available until 9:00 PM from Sunday to Thursday and extended hours until 10:00 PM on Fridays and Saturdays.
How many lifts are at Grouse Mountain?
Grouse Mountain offers four chairlifts and a handle tow. You can view the Grouse Mountain trail map here.
What are the wait times like for lifts at Grouse Mountain?
On our last visit to Grouse for skiing in February 2023, we experienced a 1.5-hour wait for the Skyride. It was raining that day, and there’s little shelter from the elements while you wait, making for an uncomfortable experience.
The Skyride is a must-try experience for first-time visitors to Vancouver. That said, it can get extremely busy as every guest relies on it to ascend and descend the mountain. Be prepared for lengthy lines in either direction.
What do lift ticket prices look like at Grouse Mountain?
The prices for lift tickets fluctuate during the season, so it’s recommended to check here for current pricing.
On average, day passes range from: $79-89 for adults, $59-69 for youth, and $31-35 for children.
Another one of our favorite ski resorts near Vancouver is Mount Washington Alpine Resort.
Located on Vancouver Island, it’s the main ski resort in that region. While we didn’t include Mount Washington on this list, we advise that it isn’t an easy day trip from Vancouver; you’ll need to take a ferry to Vancouver Island, followed by a drive to the resort, which can take several hours.
If time allows, a visit to Mount Washington is highly recommended.
Explore our other posts on skiing in Vancouver:
What are your favorite ski resorts near Vancouver?
We’d love to hear your thoughts! Please leave a comment below with your tips and recommendations, and help our readers discover more!
