After this week’s Pineapple Express diluted much of the early season snowpack on the North Shore mountains, Cypress Mountain Resort is opening a small portion of its piste.
Thursday, Dec. 7 marks the first day of the season at Cypress. But guests will be limited to the Easy Rider Quad Chair, accessing Runway – the resort’s bunny hill – and Collins terrain park, via hike access.
For comparison, the West Vancouver ski and snowboard destination opened Nov. 12 last year – a relatively early start – with access to several runs via its Eagle Express Quad Chair as well as Easy Rider.
Due to the limited terrain open at the outset of the 2023-24 season, Cypress says it will be prioritizing access for passholders, with a limited number of day tickets available for pre-purchase.
As for how many day tickets will be up for grabs, a spokesperson said the resort doesn’t disclose the quantity of available tickets “during such periods.”
“Our focus is on prioritizing the experience for our loyal season passholders and Sky Card holders,” said Bobbi-Jean Doble, digital marketing manager for the resort.
Cypress plans to open Easy Rider at 10:30 a.m. and run until 4 p.m. on Thursday, and from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Friday onwards, according to a statement.
“Expect early season conditions,” reads the resort’s release. “Save the powder skis for later on in the season.”
Cypress Grill and Gold Medal Cafe will be open, serving food and drinks.
An atypical system of warm, wet air brought record rainfall early this week, which saw rain falling on most parts of the local ski hills. But cooler temperatures starting Thursday could bring more snowfall later in the week, with up to 14 centimetres of snow falling at Cypress on Saturday, according to snow-forecast.com.
Both Mt. Seymour and Grouse Mountain have yet to announce opening dates.
