Cypress New Year’s Night Skiing 2008
Written by Tyler on January 1st, 2009Being New Year’s Eve Robyn and I thought we could hit up Cypress Mountain for a bit of night ski/snowboarding. We do have Bronze Adult Night Passes which allow us to go up from 4PM to Close one night a week. The weekday we picked was Wednesday and we were both really excited to do some night skiing. This would be the first time snowboarding at night and luckily Cypress Mountain received about 13cm of fresh snow early in the morning.
Cypress’ New Lodge & Night
After meeting up with our friend Lili we took off to the Collins (green) run to warm up. The thing that was a bit different for myself was I repositioned my bindings a bit further apart. This should help me get in a lower stance on my board, boy did it help! I also lengthened my straps a bit to make it easier to strap my boots in. I have been having troubles doing that.
The snow was fresh, and the crowds were minimal, in fact not many people were on the mountain at all. I guess being New Year’s Eve people would rather be at home partying than be on the mountain. Not I, I loved the fresh snow, the quiet surroundings of riding down the runs.
Looking towards Black Mountain
We took to Horizon (blue) and unfortunately Robyn skied over a rock and bailed. She was alright though and we continued down the run. It was quite moguly and icy in some spots though I did find I had an easier time going down this time than the previous day. There were some more exposed areas on the run due to boarders plowing the snow. Trust me, I really try not to plow the beautiful snow anymore! I too now find it frustrating going over sheets of ice and/or exposed rocks!
We went up to the other side of Cypress (Black Mountain) and went down Panoramic (green). Yes we did do these runs last time on Cypress (Sunday) but I needed to get used to the new wider stance of mine. It was great and I really enjoyed it. After that run we met up with some more friends of ours (Tony and Ali) and took to our next run Fork (blue). So far Fork (upper & lower) are my favorite runs on Cypress. They are wide enough for me to practice my turns, but also kept it a bit more challenging due to the steepness as well as offering occasional narrow bits to practice tighter turns.
Cypress’ New Bar & Grill
After a couple runs down Fork we took to the Crazy Raven Bar and Grill, part of the new Cypress lodge addition. They offer great food and friendly staff. Not to mention the great view of the snow outside.
Great food at Crazy Raven
While we feasted on nachos, various other foods and drinks it started to snow outside. A light dusting of 2-3cms allowed the runs to be even more fun. We suited up and took back up the Eagle Express Quad Chair to get in a couple more runs down Fork before the mountain closed at 10pm.
Ever since I took my level 3 lesson, snowboarding for me has gotten much more easier and more enjoyable. Being able to link c-turns has allowed me to really enjoy snowboarding at a whole new level. Robyn and our friends did not really have to wait up for me anymore. At times I even passed them by and kept going.
Robyn recommends I take the level 4 lesson which is an introduction to Black runs as well as carving, terrain adaptation and moguls. Though according to my previous instructor it was an introduction to Blue runs, but I am already doing blues.
For being my first night ski/board experience I have quite enjoyed it. I have to realize though the night wasn’t as icy as Robyn has experienced in previous seasons but it was really enjoyable and I think I was spoiled, weather and snow condition wise. I am looking forward to more night skiing/riding as the winter season progresses.
