Skiing in BC in November - can it be done as a day trip from Vancouver?
It looks like I should be in Vancouver around the start of November, and I may even have a whole day free (plus the odd half day for some sightseeing!).
I was thinking that if possible, it might be nice to try to get a day's skiing in on that spare day. What I'm not sure is if it can be done?
Some basic research has shown that there are ski resorts that can be visited for the day from Vancouver, and that BC has ski resorts that normally have some snow in early November. While the snow level will vary from year to year, so no-one can ever say in advance when the season will start... In a typical year though, are any of the ski resorts that can be visited in a day from Vancouver normally open and skiable in early November?
And possibly related, I'm unlikely to already have a car, so, are there buses from Vancouver out to any of these resorts? (if any!)
Best Answer
Here's a quote from my Vancouver informer, with a little copying and pasting from their websites:
You can go to Cypress http://cypressmountain.com/ by bus:
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.
If you only have a few hours, go to Grouse http://grousemountain.com/ by public transport.
The public transit system offers regular service to and from the base of Grouse Mountain every half hour. Catch Bus 232 - Phibbs Exchange or Bus 236 - Lonsdale Quay.
The public transit system website is http://www.translink.ca/
Update: my informer ski-ed for the first time of the 2011-2012 season at Cypress Nov 25th. Not sure if that's the moment it opened but I wouldn't be surprised if it was.
Pictures about "Skiing in BC in November - can it be done as a day trip from Vancouver?"
Can you ski in Vancouver in November?
Well, the short answer is no. The standard ski and snowboard season in Canada runs from November to April, though it is possible to ski at Whistler's Blackcomb resort in June and July, as well.Is November good for skiing?
The advantages of skiing in November are mainly that there's more snow on the slopes, you don't need to be so high up in the mountains and that slopes are still not that crowded.Is November too early to ski?
Skiing in November can often mean solid snow conditions and an opportunity to dial in equipment and strengthen ski muscles before the meat of the ski season. Early mornings provide the best opportunity to take advantage of crisply groomed trails, while warmer afternoons set the stage for sun-soaked apr\xe8s sessions.Where is the best place to ski in November?
Where to Ski in October and November- Killington, Vermont. The first to open in North America last fall, the resort had its first day of skiing on October 18. ...
- Arapahoe Basin, Colorado. ...
- Keystone, Colorado. ...
- Snowbird, Utah. ...
- Mammoth Mountain, California. ...
- Revelstoke, British Columbia.
Grouse Mountain | Best place for skiing in Vancouver | Winter Outdoor Activities
More answers regarding skiing in BC in November - can it be done as a day trip from Vancouver?
Answer 2
Whistler is probably your best bet for skiing. You can get to it by bus from Vancouver.
As you say, it depends year to year whether they have snow that early or not. It will be the best skiing around if it does have snow.
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