In grade school we had our choice of winter electives, but for some reason skiing was mandatory. I couldn’t even make it off the tow-bar on the bunny hill. After not being able to master the snow plow, I almost skidded right into a line of skiers waiting for the chair lift. The thing about skis, they are unwieldy with a tendency to cross over each other, at least mine do, and the poles are more a hindrance than a help. But for those who feel the call of the mountain, but don’t want to crush powder can still chill in the chalet, and take in the scenic views. Snowboarding is also a good alternative.
1920s-Ski jump at Grouse Mountain
Without the benefit of modern snow gear, skiing was a huge draw back in the day, as a treasure trove of photographs in the Vancouver archives attests too. They didn’t let wet woolens stop them from hitting the hills. Some things never change though, there’s always that guy or gal who insists on wearing shorts in the snow.
For those that prefer being a spectator over a participant there are always daredevils, and extreme sports enthusiasts doing tricks like ski jumping.
1927-1931-Man and woman in front of Hollyburn Ski Camp building1930-Ski jump Hollyburn Ridge1930-Ski jump Hollyburn Ridge1938-Skiing – Copies loaned by C.P.R. Press Bureau1939-Grouse Mountain ski slope1940-Female skier on Mt Seymour1940-Group of skiers Mt SeymourBC1940-Group of skiers on Mt Seymour BC1940-Group of skiers on Mt. Seymour BC1940-Group of skiers on Mt. Seymour BC1940-Skier at Mt Seymour BC1940-Skier at Mt Seymour BC1940-Skiers waxing skis in Enquist Lodge Mt Seymour1940-Two skiers looking at a view of Point Grey and Stanley Park from the top of Mt Seymour BC1940s-Map of Greater Vancouver showing principal streets1945-A skier looks towards Mount Garibaldi from the trail leading to Garibaldi Hostels winter camp1945-Garibaldi Hostels winter camp1945-Skier looking at Mount Garibaldi from Garibaldi Neve1945-Two guests at the winter camp at Garibaldi Hostel looking towards the slopes of Lava Mountain1958-Man-made ski jump in Vancouver1958-Man-made ski jump in Vancouver1958-Man-made ski jump in Vancouver1958-Man-made ski jump in Vancouver
If you’re anything like me, you are beyond stoked for the upcoming ski season, fresh tracks, powder days, and après-ski. For those of us searching for the perfect ski trip, I have compiled a list […]