Ideas for quick hits near Vancouver in late March

[bedellympian]

Hey all, 

Long way off, but wanted to see if anyone had ideas...

I will be visiting family in Vancouver BC in late March this coming year. I will have my family with me and can't do any overnight missions, but could conceivably do a full day or shorter. Never been in that area during that time of year before. Seems like it's probably going to be too wet for rock climbing, plus I've spent lots of time in Squamish over the years. Never done any winter alpine stuff in SW BC. Seems like there is some pretty easy access mini alpine, like the Lions, but it's low elevation and I am thinking it will probably be too warm?

Obviously, conditions and weather will be highly variable and that will determine if I do anything, but does anyone have any objectives that I should have on my radar? 

Open to rock, ice/mixed, skiing, or even just a fun scramble. Cragging to alpine. What's been good in the past? TR links?

[Rad]

The Sea to Sky gondola is a way to access alpine terrain quickly and easily, and your family can enjoy the station/restaurant if they go. March could definitely be stormy and wet and there will be tons of snow up high, but it's something you might watch. Sky Pilot, Co-Pilot, and Habrich are all accessible from the lift in a day, depending on conditions. Internet suggests it's open year round.

[JasonG]

 

[JasonG]

 

[JasonG]

Flora Mountain is another option

[JasonG]

But, in reality, it might be best to just go up and ski some late season powder on the mountains close to town..... the links above will work if the ski conditions suck.  The great thing about the mountains up here is that there is often something to do.... but not always! 

Bring your mountain bike for when the alpine/skiing is no good.  I'd be happy to show you around Galbraith, or there are many techy north shore destinations for mtbing

[bedellympian]

Thanks guys!

Jason, are you in Bellingham? I went to college there so I'm pretty familiar with the trails. That was before I was into climbing anything beyond basic mountaineering and bouldering in the rock gym. 

Based on where we'll be I'm guessing a Sea to Sky mission will make the most sense if conditions allow. Though a view of Slesse and co in their winter attire would be incredible.

[JasonG]

9 hours ago, bedellympian said:

Jason, are you in Bellingham?

Mount Vernon!  Ah, didn't know you used to live up this way....So you know how all over the place March can be.  Often the good skiing hangs around for a bit so that is often my go-to at that time, but you never know....