Industry News
Cypress Mountain Resort, Vancouver’s largest ski destination, is set to introduce pay parking for the upcoming winter season. The new policy, announced in an email to pass holders and on the resort’s website, aims to address overcrowding and improve the overall guest experience.
- Related: Arapahoe Basin Ski Area, CO, to Introduce Paid Parking and Reservation System for 2024/25 Season
Starting this winter, visitors must pay $10 per day to park in most lots at the resort. However, season pass holders and those with multi-day lift tickets will be exempt from the fees, provided they register their license plates with the resort.
The pay parking system will apply to all lots except 3B and the Nordic area access road, which will remain free. This move comes as Cypress Mountain grapples with increasing demand for parking spaces, leading to traffic congestion on Cypress Bowl Road during peak times.
“Dear Passholder,
We are reaching out today to share an update to our parking structure for the upcoming 24/25 Winter Season. Cypress Mountain will be introducing pay parking beginning on opening day 2024.
As a 24/25 Season Passholder, you will qualify for free parking. Prior to October 9, 2024, you will receive a link to sign into our Parking Management Portal to upload your license plate information. You will be eligible to register up to two license plates per Seasons Pass, only one can be used per day.
Our goal in launching pay parking is to improve the parking and arrival experience for our guests. During peak times, demand for parking exceeds the available spaces. People wait and circle lots, and heavy traffic volume causes long line ups on Cypress Bowl Road. In conjunction with pay parking, we will be rolling out a carpool app that will provide incentives for ridesharing to encourage our guests to drive together, ultimately creating less cars on the road and in the lots.
Pay parking will be in effect in all lots, with the exception of lot 3B and the Nordic Road from Cypress Bowl Road to the BC Parks Nordic Area Kiosk which will remain free and on a first come, first served basis. Finally, for the first time, we will operate our own shuttle bus that will pick up and drop off guests in lots 2, 3A, 3B and The Cypress Mountain Base Areas.
Again, as a 24/25 passholder you will receive free parking for the season. The link to register your license plates will be sent to you before October 9, 2024.
Should you have any questions, please refer to our FAQ’s page for any additional information: HERE. Or, contact our Guest Services Team for more information (info@cypressmountain.com).”
– Email sent to passholders
To support this initiative, the resort plans to launch a carpooling platform before the ski season begins. Additionally, a free parking lot shuttle service will operate between lots 3B, 3A, and 2 and the base areas.
The announcement has sparked mixed reactions from skiers and snowboarders. While some understand the need for better parking management, others express concern about the added cost and potential impact on backcountry access.
Cypress Mountain is not alone in addressing parking challenges. Nearby Mount Seymour has implemented a parking reservation system for peak times, while Grouse Mountain charges for parking year-round at its gondola base.
As the winter season approaches, Cypress Mountain Resort hopes these changes will lead to a smoother experience for visitors, reduced traffic, and improved accessibility for all mountain enthusiasts.
