Night Opening On Hollyburn Mountain
Just got off the phone with Cypress Mountain and they are hoping to get the Nordic Area open nights starting December 7th (that includes the cross country ski trails, the snowshoe trails, the tube park and the sliding area). It really depends on the conditions because usually it’s December 15th. Right now the alpine and nordic areas are open until 4pm.
There are ten kilometres of snowshoe trails and 18 kilometres of Cross Country ski trails. That makes it one of the largest networks of trails in North America.
I’m looking forward to it because I want to check out one of their snowshoe night tours that include a fondue stop at the Hollyburn Lodge. Yummy.
To get in the spirit we headed up to the mountain yesterday for a little hike up to the lodge on the First Lake trail. It’s only one kilometre from the Nordic parking lot (just past the tubing and sliding area) along a packed trail to the Lodge. We took our Yak Trax with us which provide great traction for winter runs or hiking. Go to http://www.yaktrax.ca/ for more information and all of the store locations in Vancouver, including the shore.
Here's the end of trail as it opens up to Hollyburn Lodge
Yak Trax- grab some of these at your local fitness or outdoor store and throw 'em on in slippery conditions when snowshoes are too much!
There were kids and dogs everywhere playing in the snow on the way to the lodge. It’s the perfect length hike for kids and it’s free. What an amazing way to get up in the snow and enjoy winter, even if you don’t ski or board!
For a little more adventure here’s a breakdown of the snowshoe tours:
HOLLYBURN MEADOWS TOUR (2 hrs)
A great introduction to snowshoeing. Trek through snowy mountain forests and meadows with a stop at Hollyburn Lodge for a cookie and a hot drink.
Tour Duration – 2 hours
Saturday & Sunday 10:00am, 1:00pm, 4:00pm, 7:00pm
Monday-Sunday 7:00pm
Includes rentals, trail ticket and guide (night tours also include headlamps)
Adult/Youth (13-64) Child/Senior (6-12/65+)
Cost $38 $30
• Individual bookings (under 20 people) please call the snowshoe coordinator at 604.922.0825 or email snowshoe@cypressmountain.com
• Groups of 20 or more people, please call 604.913.6712 or email groupsales@cypressmountain.com
CHOCOLATE FONDUE TOUR (3hrs)
A 1.5 hr snowshoe through the woods and glades of Hollyburn plateau ending up at a rustic upper warming hut where you get yummy warm drinks and dessert of chocolate fondue wth fruits and angel food cake.
Tour duration: 3 Hours
Saturday and Sunday nights – 6:30pm – 9:30pm
Cost (includes rentals, trail ticket, guide, and dessert)- $50
SNOWSHOE FONDUE TOUR (4 hrs)
This special tour combines spectacular terrain and great food in one adventure. Each tour includes a delicious fondue meal in the rustic ambiance of Hollyburn Lodge. You’ll enjoy an easy snowshoe trek with your experienced, informative and entertaining guide through towering snowy mountain forests and sub-alpine meadows.
Tour Duration: 4 Hours including Fondue
Monday – Friday (Pre-booking required) – Tours depart at 6:00pm sharp.
Sunday (Pre-booking required) – Tour departs at 5:30pm sharp.
Cost (includes rentals, trail ticket, guide, meal and gratitudes) $80
Here's the tubing park at Cypress. Great for big and little kids
Visit the Cypress Mountain website at http://cypressmountain.com/.