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MONDAY, JANUARY 10, 2011

Snowshoeing Cypress Mountain

Cypress Mountain, part of Cypress Provincial Park is a winter wonderland which beckons locals and visitors alike. Split into two sections, the Alpine area and the Nordic area, the Park offers skiing, snowboarding, cross country skiing, tubing, tobogganing and snowshoeing. Encompassing several kilometres of snowshoeing trails in varying lengths and difficulties, the Nordic area features the Park's flora and fauna (such as the many Grey Jays seen at the Warming hut), views, spectacular surroundings, forests, historic buildings as well as offering a great workout!

Enjoy an adventure atop Cypress Mountain in its extensive network of snowshoeing trails! Winter is a great time to explore the frozen outdoors especially high in the mountains! Cypress Mountain located in West Vancouver is a winter paradise offering Alpine skiing and snowboarding as well as a Nordic area with tubing, tobogganing, cross country skiing and snowshoeing! Snowshoeing is a great activity for all ages and provides a great workout, beautiful surroundings and an unforgettable winter experience!

LOCATION: Cypress Provincial Park: 6000 Cypress Bowl Road, West Vancouver (map) - the Nordic area is the first right at the top.
DISTANCE: Vary (map)
TIME: Allow 1 - 4 hours
COST: Adult: $11; Senior/Child: $9 (rentals extra [link])
POINTS OF INTEREST: On the snowshoe trail map, there are seventeen points of interest to be seen on the trails at Cypress Mountain. Here is a list of those which we found interesting: D. Strait Lookout (the views of Vancouver Island are stunning) | M. Lodge Lake Lookout (the view down to Hollyburn Lodge is breathtaking) | N. Old Man on the Mountain (this Cypress tree is one of the largest in the park) | Warming Hut (the Grey Jays are amazing to watch and do not fear humans - many land right on outstretched hands!)
OTHER INFORMATION: The Cypress Mountain Nordic Area is used by both snowshoers and cross country skiers. It is important to look before you cross. Snowshoers should have a drink, snacks, warm clothing, sunscreen and sunglasses. Never go out of bounds as the region is prone to avalanches and changes in weather.

Modern snowshoes have come a long way and also make it easier to navigate narrower trails! Our route (in red) on the Cypress Mountain Snowshoe Trails on January 9, 2011. Snowshoe Trails on Cypress Mountain in West Vancouver, British Columbia. Old Man of the Mountain - the largest Cypress tree in Cypress Provincial Park in West Vancouver. Snowshoe Hare tracks in the snow along the Cypress Mountain snowshoe trails - Ermine, Martens, Lynx, Squirrels and many bird species can also be spotted throughout the Park. Grey Jay at the Warming Hut along the Cypress Mountain snowshoe trails in West Vancouver. Grey Jays looking for some handouts at the Warming Hut along the snowshoe trails on Cypress Mountain, West Vancouver. Grey Jay information sign along the Hollyburn Meadows trail atop Cypress Mountain. Warming hut at the Cypress Mountain Nordic Area in West Vancouver. Hollyburn Lodge Lake Lookout from the Cypress Mountain snowshoe trails in West Vancouver. Beautiful Hollyburn Lodge which was built in 1926 atop Cypress Mountain in West Vancouver. Historic photo on Hollyburn Lodge atop Cypress Mountain in West Vancouver, British Columbia.