New to Cypress Mountain

New to Winter Skiing & Riding:

With our ‘Easy Rider' quad beginner chair accessing our gentle green Easy Rider beginner's run, learning is a breeze.

The Cypress Mountain Snow School offers a host of drop-in and mulit-day Ski and Snowboard lesson programs to suit your needs and ability. Convenient lesson times and knowledgeable, friendly instructors make these packages an excellent value no matter what your skill level.

The Cypress 'Skooters' program for little ones ages 3-6 is a safe and fun introduction to skiing with exclusive use of our Magic Carpet. Our Drop-In Lessons for Adults and Youth are a great way to discover skiing and riding, or to fine you’re your skills. If you want to excel your learning curve, try a private lesson for some one-on-one instruction with one of our pros. Our 4 day Raven Riders Youth Camps will keep your kids going all day while improving technique and having fun.

Looking to try something a little different? Cypress Mountain offers one of the largest Cross Country areas in North America with 19km of track set trails, 10km self guided snowshoe trails, and a Snowtube Park .

Classic & Skate skiing are other another fantastic adventures if you have never hit the slopes before. Located in our Cross Country Ski area, both are an easy, fun, and an exciting new way to enjoy your winter season.

How do I get to the mountain?

Cypress offers a daily shuttle service during our Winter Season. Departures range from North & West Vancouver right over to Richmond, Kitsilano and Downtown Vancouver. For further details please visit www.cypresscoachlines.com

If you are driving with your own vehicle, please feel free to follow the directions listed on our “Getting to Cypress” page, complete with map. Winter tires are recommended for travel on the Cypress Bowl Road.

Once I arrive at the mountain, where do I go?

Once on the mountain you have a choice of taking a lesson or trying either skiing or snowboarding on your own. Cypress Snow School Lessons are convenient, easy to book and a great way to start. Please arrive one hour in advance of lesson time to check-in. If it is your first time with either activity, lessons are highly recommended as they are the fastest and safest way to learn.

When you arrive on the mountain head towards our brand new day lodge (Cypress Creek Lodge), where all of the amenities you will need are in one convenient location. Snow School is located in Rentals on the lower level of the Cypress Creek Lodge. All of the information you will require to book, purchase, and source out your rentals, is located within the lower level area.

How do I get rentals if I'm taking a lesson?

The Lesson Sales Office is located right in rentals so they will help you get you started with rentals. You will need a credit card & photo ID for a security deposit. Once you have purchased your package, you will then be directed to pick up your rental gear. Cypress Mountain carries the latest in top performance gear, allowing you to learn with more confidence and ease.

How do I get rentals if I'm not taking a lesson?

Rentals is located on the lower level of the Cypress Creek Lodge. The cashiers will get you started. You will need a credit card & photo ID for a security deposit. You can pay for your rentals by cash, credit, or debit. Once you have purchased your rentals, you will be directed to pick up your rental gear. Cypress Mountain carries the latest in top performance gear, allowing you to learn with more confidence and ease.

What clothing should I wear? Can I rent clothing?

When you are up on the North Shore Mountains, conditions can change rapidly. It is a good idea to come prepared with a few different options of clothing for anytime of the day. Hat, waterproof gloves, waterproof jacket, waterproof pants, long underwear, warm socks & solid footwear are important things to have. Helmets are also highly recommended. Sunglasses and Sunscreen are also a good idea to have for sunny days as well as an extra pair of socks which may help with fitting rentals boots.

If you do not have outerwear such as waterproof pants & waterproof jacket, both can be rented at the mountain. Our retail store carries goggles, hats gloves and helmets if you do not have any of your own and would like to purchase some.

Is it okay to come by myself or can I bring a group of friends?

Either is great! You are welcome to come and try a lesson by yourself or with friends, the only difference is that not everyone will be in the same level, if you or your friends have been skiing or snowboarding before.

Is there anywhere I can leave my bag with extra clothes and belongings?

Cypress Mountain offers small storage lockers located in the rental shop. These are coin operated and fit smaller bags, shoes or clothing items. For smaller items, there is smaller storage lockers located in the rental shop.

Once I have my lesson organized and gear rented, what do I do?

When everything is organized, you have rentals, proper clothing and your extra gear is stored, proceed to the lesson area for your scheduled lesson time. This area is located within our ski area at the bottom of the Midway Chair. All levels are clearly marked and instructors are close by for any questions or concerns you may have.

What do I do if I am not planning on taking a lesson?

If you are up for the challenge of learning on your own, Cypress has a fantastic bunny hill for any level to learn on. Our ‘Easy Rider' Beginner Quad Chair is located on the right hand side of Mt.Strachan. This comfortable and slow moving chair will allow you to feel at ease when mounting and dismounting on your skis or snowboard for the first time. Cypress Mountain does not have a rope tow as our Easy Rider Beginner Quad Chair allows more comfort and safety when learning to ski or ride for the first time.

What can I expect when loading and unloading from the chair lift?

Cypress 's beginner's hill chair will allow you to feel comfortable when loading and unloading. Once through the gates, a well trained lift operator will guide the chair under you to allow you to comfortably seat yourself while being whisked away to the top. Once on the lift, we do require the safety bar to be down in case of any type of movement. This will keep you and the other passengers' safe at all times.

Once at the top, the chair will slow and allow you time to steady yourself so that you are able to slide off at the top of the hill. If there is any issues, or one or more guests do happen to fall the lift operator is there to stop the lift immediately until the area is clear and the guests are safely on their way again. Once down the hill you will start the process again.

At the top the chair will slow down allowing you time to steady yourself so that you are able to slide off. If there are any issues, or if someone has fallen while unloading, the lift operator is there to stop the lift immediately until the area is clear and the guests are safely on their way again. Once down the hill you will start the process again.

A few tips to help get you on your way:

Feel free to check local weather conditions, lifts operations, pricing & hours of operation prior to visiting the mountain by calling our Snow Phone Info line at 604.419.SNOW (7669)

Checking your fuel levels before heading up to the mountain is always a great idea! There is a gas station located a few kilometers from the base of the hill. The drive up and down Cypress Mountain is approximately 30KM from the highway to the base area return.

Always remember to stash your keys and wallet in a safe sealable pocket of your jacket or pants. It is also a good idea to store a separate car key in another location or bag just in case you misplace the original.

Labeling all equipment with your name or family name is a good way to keep tabs on your gear, as well as deciphering it from others that may look similar.

Drinking plenty of water while being active is important. Even though your body may appear to remain cool, it is very easy to become dehydrated while being on the mountain.

Weekends and Holidays are our busiest time up here on the mountain, so take the time to plan ahead and allow a little extra time to make the most of your visit to Cypress Mountain.

Security is always on duty; however we are not responsible for lost or stolen equipment. Use a ski or snowboard lock to keep your gear safe. Locks are available for purchase at the retail store.

For any other questions you may have, please don't hesitate to check out the website in further details or call our Sales & Information Office at 604.926.5612