Lift Blog

All but one of Cypress Mountain’s six chairlifts would be replaced under a proposed Development Plan released yesterday and up for public consultation. As the largest of Metro Vancouver’s three ski areas, Cypress operates a fleet of five quads and one double, several of which are approaching the end of their useful life. Whistler-based Brent Harley and Associates (BHA) prepared the 60 year plan, which seeks to improve Cypress within its existing footprint rather than expanding. Approval of the vision and individual projects will rest with BC Parks as the ski area occupies Cypress Provincial Park.

Michigan-based Boyne Resorts took over Cypress in 2001 and immediately installed two Doppelmayr quad chairs now approaching 30 years old. Easy Rider, British Columbia’s third shortest chairlift, would be removed for two conveyors as part of a purpose-built learning expansion. Together with a new ski school building, learning forms the “centrepiece” of BHA’s plan. Vancouver is expected to add 700,000 residents by 2045, the majority of which will be immigrants or children of immigrants who don’t ski. Carpets are now considered easier for new skiers to learn than chairlifts. New conveyors would be positioned to break up existing terrain into shorter lengths of consistent grade. Once removed, the former beginner quad may be relocated and lengthened to replace Midway, the oldest lift at Cypress. The new quad would be called Lower Bowen, running closer to Lions Express and unloading lower on Mt. Strachan.

The second of Boyne’s original installs is Eagle Express. The development plan envisions a six pack replacing the detachable quad, transporting 2,800 skiers per hour (up from 2,200.) Eagle would also serve the Gravity Logic-designed Cypress Bike Park, set to open next summer. One thing a new Eagle won’t carry is mountain coaster carts. The current Eagle pipe coaster is expected to be removed and a new coaster with integrated uplift built near Easy Rider.

Further down the line Cypress envisions installing the Lower Mainland’s first eight place chairlift, joining fellow Boyne Resorts Big Sky, Boyne Mountain, Loon Mountain and Sunday River in the eight place club. Lions 8 would carryt 3,200 skiers per hour, 33 percent more than the current lift constructed for the 2010 Olympics. Finally Cypress plans to replace the Raven Ridge quad, a 1997 Poma fixed-grip with relatively long ride time. A detachable quad would reduce sit time and boost throughput from 2,000 skiers per hour to 2,200. This project could utilize equipment from one of Cypress’ existing detachable quads or one from elsewhere in the Boyne network.

“Together these lift improvements will modernize the lift network, increase beginner ski terrain, and improve circulation and the lift experience across the mountain,” BHA noted. “These changes modestly increase the Alpine Comfortable Carrying Capacity (CCC) from 4,713 to 4,866 skiers per day, while bringing the terrain offering into closer alignment with the skier marketplace.” In addition to lifts, Cypress envisions expanding snowmaking and adding year-round attractions such as a via ferrata, alpine viewing platforms and an aerial adventure park. Parking and facility expansions are also planned.

Cypress will host open houses on September 25th and 26th for the public to learn more. Folks can also share feedback with BC Parks online through November 16th.