The Skiers' Guide to Cypress Mountain

Just 30 minutes from downtown Vancouver, Cypress Mountain offers an accessible skiing experience with spectacular city and ocean views. As the largest of Vancouver's three local mountains, Cypress provides 61 runs spread across two distinct peaks, making it a favourite for locals seeking quick ski sessions without a long journey.

With a vertical drop of 530m and elevations spanning from 918m to 1448m, Cypress may not compare to BC's larger resorts, but it compensates with convenience and variety. The resort scores highly for family friendliness (4.53/5) and groomed runs (4.01/5), while maintaining an overall rating of 3.78/5 from our community.

Cypress Mountain's 61 runs are nicely balanced for various skill levels, with 5 beginner, 23 intermediate, and 21 advanced trails served by 6 chairlifts. This distribution makes it particularly suitable for intermediates (4.12/5) and beginners (4.11/5).

The resort is divided between two main areas – Eagle and Lion mountains – plus the Sky Chair section, offering different experiences. Eagle Express and Lions Express serve as the primary lifts, though wait times can stretch during peak periods. One Snomad community member liked that "if one's busy you could just go to the other one," noting the "many runs with side paths" available from each lift.

Tree skiing enthusiasts will find decent options with tree runs rating 3.49/5. As an advanced snowboarder mentioned, "Good tree runs if you know the way," while another expert skier pointed out that the "tight tree runs are amazing on a pow day." The off-piste terrain (3.48/5) is limited but rewarding for those who explore.

Night skiing is a major highlight, with well-lit groomed runs allowing skiing until 10pm – perfect for after-work sessions. As one advanced skier noted, "Night skiing at Cypress is some of the best I've experienced, with runs available all over the mountain."

Dining options at Cypress Mountain score 3.27/5 for eating out, reflecting a somewhat limited but functional selection. The main lodge houses a canteen-style area, Starbucks, and the Crazy Raven bar and grill.

While some users find the food "overpriced for the quality," others appreciate specific options. An expert snowboarder mentioned, "The Crazy Raven is great for après," and another reviewer noted, "Chalet has great food options." Some budget-conscious visitors appreciate that the resort offers "cheap things like ramen noodles and free hot water," which helps offset the otherwise expensive food options.

Given its proximity to Vancouver, many visitors opt to dine in the city before or after their ski day, which offers world-class dining just 30 minutes away.

With an après-ski rating of 3.04/5, Cypress Mountain isn't known for its nightlife. As an intermediate skier pointed out, "No real après activity, but you are only 30 minutes from Vancouver." Another user mentioned that après events happen "only Saturdays and it doesn't even go late (ends around 7pm)."

The Crazy Raven serves as the primary après venue, offering a place to grab drinks and food after skiing. An advanced skier noted, "It's a fun day out... and the Crazy Raven is great for après."

Many visitors take advantage of Cypress's proximity to Vancouver, heading into the city for a wider range of evening entertainment. As one advanced skier commented, "I thought the après and nightlife at Vancouver was great, it surprised me as a city with lots of great restaurants."

Cypress Mountain excels with family friendliness (4.53/5), making it one of the resort's standout features. The mountain layout provides excellent learning areas and progression routes for children, while the proximity to Vancouver means families can easily plan day trips without complex logistics.

The ski school quality (4.03/5) receives positive feedback from parents. One intermediate skier shared, "The people at Cypress were amazing with the kids! Great private lessons, they felt encouraged and we had time to get some runs in." Another user agreed: "It's a good hill to learn on."

The resort offers dedicated beginner areas and lifts specifically for new skiers and children, with gentle progression options as skills improve. Multiple users describe it as "family friendly" and "great for families," highlighting its accessibility and suitability for multi-generational ski days.

With accommodation options rated 2.68/5, Cypress Mountain lacks on-site lodging as it primarily functions as a day-use area. Our reviewers mention that most visitors stay in Vancouver or North Vancouver and make the short 30-minute drive to the resort.

As one expert skier noted, "I stayed in Vancouver so lodging wasn't as expensive for me as it was for those staying on mountain." Another advanced skier confirmed this approach: "Not a destination resort or a long stay place, it's the local favorite for a good long day and night riding."

This arrangement works well for many visitors, who appreciate being able to combine urban amenities with easy access to the slopes. The resort does operate a shuttle service from downtown Vancouver and North Vancouver, making it accessible even without a car.

Cypress Mountain's environmental efforts focus on minimizing impact while maximizing accessibility for the Greater Vancouver area. The resort operates shuttle buses from downtown Vancouver and North Vancouver, reducing individual car journeys and associated emissions.

Their snowmaking system helps extend the season while working within the constraints of the lower elevation and variable coastal climate. As a day-use area primarily serving local residents, Cypress benefits from lower accommodation-related carbon footprints than destination resorts.

The resort's proximity to a major urban center creates challenges for conservation, but also opportunities to introduce urban dwellers to mountain environments without extensive travel. Their environmental education efforts aim to build appreciation for the coastal mountain ecosystem.