Where to Go Cross-Country Skiing Near Vancouver

Photo: Tourism Whistler/Mike Crane

Cross-country skiing is a great way to explore the winter landscape. You can get a full-body workout or go for a casual cruise with friends. There are four cross-country ski areas near Vancouver to choose from.

Nordic Area, Cypress Mountain

West Vancouver’s Cypress Mountain is the closest place to Vancouver to go cross-country skiing. They have 19 km of groomed and track-set cross-country ski trails, perfect for both classic and skate skiing. And you can even ski at night since 7.5 km of trails are lit. If you’re new to the sport, they have lots of options for lessons and rentals.

If you ski at Cypress you can’t miss a visit to the Hollyburn Lodge. This historic lodge has hosted Vancouver area skiers since the 1920s. It was recently completely rebuilt but retains lots of old-school charm. Stop in for a hot chocolate break or sit down to a full meal. They also host weekly live music nights that are very popular.

Cross country skiing at Cypress Mountain near Vancouver

Cross country skiing at Cypress Mountain’s Nordic Area. Photo: Cypress Mountain (Facebook)

Whistler Olympic Park/Ski Callaghan, Whistler

As the host site for the cross-country ski events at the 2010 Winter Olympics, the Callaghan Valley boasts some world-class trails. There are actually two side-by-side trail networks here: Whistler Olympic Park and Ski Callaghan. But you can ski both on one ticket. Both resorts have lessons and rentals too.

They have over 100 km of trails rated beginner to expert. The two ski areas also have 30 km of dog-friendly trails, making them the only place to cross-country ski with your dog near Vancouver.

If you really want to get into the Olympic spirit, sign up for biathlon lessons. You’ll learn to combine cross-country skiing technique and precision shooting at the 2010 Olympic Biathlon venue.

Cross-country skiing at Whistler Olympic Park. Photo: Tourism Whistler/Mike Crane

Lost Lake Park, Whistler

The tranquil forests around Lost Lake in Whistler Village are a great place to go cross-country skiing. There are 25 km of groomed trails with lots of options for beginner and intermediate skiing, plus a few expert runs. If you want to ski at night, the beginner-friendly 4 km-long Lost Lake Loop has lights.

You can rent equipment, buy tickets, or grab a snack or coffee at the PassivHaus day lodge. This unique building housed the Austrian delegation during the 2010 Winter Olympics. It is designed to be exceptionally energy efficient and uses 90% less energy than a traditional home.

PassivHaus day lodge at the Lost Lake cross-country ski area in Whistler. Photo: Tourism Whistler/Mike Crane

Nordic Centre, Manning Park Resort

Manning Park Resort is located east of Vancouver in the Cascade Mountains where they regularly get lots of snow. They have 64 km of trails. Most of them are beginner-friendly as they loop through the rolling forest. But if you want a real challenge, tackle the black diamond rated ascent to Cascade Lookout and Blackwall Peak. The Nordic Centre rents equipment and lessons are available.