A skier hits a jump on the Cut at Grouse Mountain. Photo: Grouse Mountain
Challenge yourself to get some air under your skis or snowboard this winter with a visit to a terrain park. Vancouver’s North Shore Mountains are home to 13 terrain parks spread across three ski resorts. With features ranging from beginner to expert, skiers and snowboarders of all abilities can hit the jumps, bumps, rails, and boxes at these Vancouver area terrain parks.
Until February 5, 2021, in line with the public health order issued on November 20, non-essential travel into and out of BC is not recommended. BC residents let’s do our part by continuing to stay local and support local, with your immediate household or bubble, in accordance with the latest guidelines.
Terrain Park Tips
It can take a bit of practice to learn how to ski and ride freestyle in a terrain park. Follow these tips to stay safe and have fun:
- Wear a helmet. Falls are inevitable.
- Know your skill level and stay within it. Start with smaller features before progressing to larger ones.
- Stop and watch other skiers and riders to get an idea about the best way to approach each feature. Snow conditions in terrain parks can change rapidly so scope features each time you ride them.
- Follow directions from park staff and on signs to keep everyone safe.
- Consider taking a lesson. The three North Shore Mountains all offer private or advanced lessons that can help you hone your terrain park skills.
Cypress Mountain Terrain Parks
West Vancouver’s Cypress Mountain has three terrain parks open this winter. Find Sunrise Park under the Lions Express Quad Chair on Mount Strachan. It has medium and large features that are best for intermediate, advanced, and expert riders.
Take the Eagle Express Quad Chair up Black Mountain to experience two more terrain parks, both of which are lit up at night. The Skate Park is located near the top of Maelle Ricker’s Gold and features small, medium, and large features, great for riders from intermediate to expert. The District terrain park is further down the mountain on Jasey Jay Anderson’s Gold. This park has large and extra-large jumps, rails, and obstacles, so it’s for experts only.
Photo: Cypress Mountain
Grouse Mountain Terrain Parks
Grouse Mountain boasts five terrain parks this season, with features ranging from beginner to expert. And thanks to lots of bright lights, they are all open at night too.
Beginner riders and skiers can dip their toes into freestyle terrain at Paradise Park. Located closest to the chalet, this mini-park has small boxes, bumps, and jumps to build your confidence.
Head to The Cut run to experience three different terrain parks. If you’re just starting out with freestyle terrain, hit the Rookie Park to get your first air. It has small and medium rails, boxes, jibs, and jumps. Intermediate skiers and riders should head to The Cut Park. It has small, medium, and large snow, rail, and box features. Advanced and expert skiers can progress to The Cut Jump Line, which includes three huge jumps and incredible views of Vancouver.
If you want to hit features back-to-back, head to Grouse Park on the Side Cut run. Link intermediate and expert features to create endless combinations for advanced skiers and riders.
Photo: Grouse Mountain
Mount Seymour Terrain Parks
Mount Seymour has a long history of building terrain parks – their first was constructed back in 1993! For the 2021 season, Mount Seymour has five terrain parks to choose from. They are all lit up for night riding too.
Beginners can get a feel for riding jumps and jibs at The Mushroom Park at the Goldie Learning Area. It has small and medium features including jumps, boxes, and tubes.
Access the Rookies Terrain Park from the Lodge Chairlift. With a mix of medium and large features, this zone is designed for intermediate skiers and riders.
Advanced riders will love the Rockstar “Pit” Terrain Park near the bottom of the Towerline run. The terrain park team regularly mixes up the features in the skate-style jib section to keep it fun and fresh. Look for large and extra-large features here including lots of rails.
If you like progression-style lines, head to the Northlands Park under the Mystery Peak Express chairlift. Best for advanced riders, it features a set of three medium and large rails and two large jumps.
You’ll have to wait until the spring to ride the Nut House Terrain Park. When there’s lots of snow on the mountain, park staff sculpt it into an advanced terrain park under the Mystery Peak Express chairlift. It changes each year, but always has lots of large features perfect for photo ops.
Photo: Mount Seymour
