You’re visiting Vancouver, BC, and overtaken by an urge to hit the slopes. No problem. Choose from three fab ski areas, all within a 15-to-30-minute drive from the city’s downtown.
Be spontaneous. Slip away from the city without even packing a bag. Grab the gear you need at the rental shop. Take a lesson in something you have always wanted to try. Master it in an afternoon. Try skiing or boarding at night—many of the runs are lit.
Take the Skyride to the top of Grouse Mountain. Survey the city from 3,700 ft above sea level. Marvel at the city below. Embrace the altitude. Think only of the wind on your face on the way down. Later, put your skis away and exercise the fine art of après-ski next to a warm fireplace. Make the most of the skating rink. Take a sleigh ride. Conquer the gift shop. Sit back and watch the pros.
Head to Cypress. Ski where the freestyle skiing and snowboarding Olympians will be in 2010. Feel exhilarated as you navigate a 2,010-ft vertical drop. Take the kids snow-tubing Laugh all the way up the lift. Carve your own path in freshly fallen snow. Over at Mt. Seymour, take the delicious chocolate fondue tour. Be back in Vancouver before the locals know you’ve left.
