Vancouver, a coastal city in western Canada, is the cultural and economic hub of Western Canada, bordering Seattle to the south,the Rocky Mountains to the north, the prairies to the east, and the boundless Pacific Ocean to the west. With a spring-like climate all year, vibrant blooms,lush greenery, and winter temperatures above zero. The warm, moist air from the Pacific and the coldair from the Arctic collide violently over the Rocky Mountains, resulting in abundant snowfall. The mountainous areas receive about ten-plusmeters of snow annually, while the city, at sea level, remains relatively mild, creating a unique scene of snowy mountains and rainy urban streets. This year, with global snowfall being scarce, the Greater Vancouver area still saw plenty of snow—I experienced near-dailysnowfall during my stay in March and April.It’s such a mild coastal city that its ski season lasts up to six months each year, from November through
April, and even longer in good snow years. Right next to the city to the north, Cypress Mountain (), Grouse MountainCypress, and Mount Seymour,stand like three silver-helmeted warriors rising from the sea, guarding the northern mountainous region of the city.(Grouse),At the foot of these mountains, in the bays, you’ll find venues for water sports such as yachting, sailing, and diving. In winter, it’s not unusual to see the surreal sight of(Seymour)skiing on the mountaintops and diving at the base. The affluent neighborhoods of West Vancouver and North Vancouver are nestled within the greeneryfrom the mountainsides down to the foothills.These three ski resorts are just a ten- to thirty-minute drive from the city, and within a one- to two-hour drive, there are several other ski areas. Among the most famous is the world’s largest ski resort,Whistler (
), located 120 kilometers from the city and connected by the scenic Sea-to-Sky Highway (). About three to four hours’ drive away lies—Big White (Whistler) and several other inland powder snow resorts nestled deep in the heart of the Rocky Mountains.Along the highways in the northern suburbs of the city,sea to skythere are many wild hills suitable for skiing, easily accessible, with low elevations and gentle slopes—truly a paradise for backcountry skiers.This time, venturing solo to Greater Vancouver was like going into battle alone, a one-man mission, even in the Chinese communityBig White) several inland dry powder snowfields located in the heart of the Rocky Mountains.) along the highways on the northern outskirts of the city,) there are many wild hills with good skiability, easy access, low elevation, and are easy to climb — a true) paradise for ski mountaineers.
) This time I went solo, venturing to Greater Vancouver alone, which could be described as going into battle alone, deep in the Chinese communityRichmondfamilyinn (House) rented a single room with a private bathroom for50per day,1500per month (later found cheaper ones inslightly less central areas), usually skiing by carpooling with local ski buddies or getting rides from relatives and friends, though the public transit system also goes to the ski resorts,it just requires transfers. The public transport is quite developed — tickets are available for two to three hours, or all-day passes. One ticket allows free transfers between buses,subways, and ferries, making connections very convenient. You can transfer from subway to ferry or busall within the same building.
Generally, ski resort lift tickets cost fifty to sixty dollars, while Whistler’s are over ninety. Buying a card or multiple tickets gets you discounts. This time I bought a season pass for just over four hundreddollars — skiing seven or eight times in spring pays for it, and it's valid for another full ski season next winter, which is basically free skiing. Spring purchases for next year’s pass are usable immediately after buying. This time I skied casually — a day or two on the slopes, then a day out sightseeing, very relaxed. SometimesThe card can be used after purchase. This time we skied more casually—just one or two days of skiing, then a day out sightseeing, which was very relaxing. Sometimesvisiting a nightclub. When tired of skiing, you can book a massage therapist to come to your place — about forty or fifty dollars per wellness session.
There are many equestrian clubs around, and the suburbs have trail riding routes — around lakes, through mountain forests and grasslands,one-hour55, two-hour100, half-day180, full-day250, and overnight options300(including three meals). These are more expensive than skiing,so skiing is a mass sport, while horseback riding is a more upscale activity.When not skiing, you can go shopping, hang out in bars, go sightseeing, hiking, horseback riding, mountain biking, or water sports.No matter who you are, there’s always an activity for you. In short, this is a city great for casual and family skiing,and also the most ski-accessible metropolis in the world. Here, skiing is part of daily life —you don’t need to go somewhere special for a few days of skiing. With night skiing, you just hop on a bus after work and you’re at the slopes. Skiing, life,and work all coexist without interference. Skiing is as simple as taking a daily walk.
I’ll come to Vancouver every winter from now on to live and ski for a while, escaping Beijing’s air pollution to breathe somefresh alpine air, absorb negative ions, cleanse my lungs, and clear my system. Welcome fellow travelers to join me.