If you love to ski, you have made a good choice in Vancouver. We have three mountains on the North Shore, Seymour, Grouse, and Cypress. All three mountains are within a thirty minute drive of our home, the closest being Mount Seymour which is only 10 minutes away. All of these local mountains have great skiing for all levels and offer lessons and equipment hire if needed. Grouse Mountain is accessed by cable car, and has an IMAX movie theater and other attractions for the non skiers in your group. Cypress is considered more for the good intermediate and advanced skier. Most of the local mountains offer night skiing too. Snow shoeing, tobogganing and snow tubing are also a fun options for non skiers.

A two hour scenic drive will bring you to Whistler, host of the 2010 Winter Olympics with arguable the best skiing in North America. The average snowfall is 360 inches and the longest run is 11km (7 miles). Even if you don't ski, a trip to Whistler is a must. The drive on the Sea to Sky highway affords some spectacular views and there are two waterfalls you can stop and visit on the way. Picturesque Whistler village is full of interesting shops and restaurants and in the summer months there is great hiking, and you can even have a swim in a glacial lake to cool off. Ski passes here are about 50% more than the local mountains on the North Shore, but hey, you are on holiday....enjoy the best snow you will find anywhere.

If you want to explore a bit further into the interior of British Columbia, there is Big White Mountain. This resort offers excellent skiing and is only 4.5 hrs drive from Vancouver. Big White is known for its great powder snow (288 inches per year) and also its afford ability. Silver Star Mountain is under the same ownership and a combined pass is available for both mountains.