8 ways to experience winter in BC if you don't ski or snowboard

adidas TERREX is adidas’ outdoor-specific brand, featuring gear that inspires outdoor adventure – be it climbing, trail running, mountain biking or enjoying a day on the snowy mountains. Their new Kitsilano store offers Canadian customers the opportunity to shop and experience the entire TERREX collection in person.

---

There’s no need to know how to do a triple salchow for a trip to the local ice rink. The Skate Plaza at The Shipyards and the Robson Square Ice Rink are two great options. Both offer free admission if you have your own skates, but have affordable skate rentals for under $10. The Robson Square Ice Rink has theme nights if you want to be a little more festive and the Shipyards Skate Plaza is available to rent for private events.

Get bundled up and enjoy a stroll among the twinkly lights atop Grouse Mountain. The Light Walk is included in your admission ticket, but if you put in a little bit of work, you can cut the cost drastically. Just hike up the BCMC a couple of hours before sunset (or two hours before the gate closes at the bottom) and you’ll get up there for free. All you need to pay for is the download ticket. Don’t forget to bring a headlamp and your crampons as the top is pretty icy or snowy. Snowshoes are also available for rent at the top.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Mt Seymour (@mtseymour)

Cypress Mountain | Grouse Mountain | Mt. Seymour

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Cypress Mountain (@cypressmtn)

Bring out your inner child and go snow tubing or tobogganing at any of the North Shore mountains. You get to experience a little bit of an adrenaline rush in a less intimidating space.

Cypress Mountain | Grouse Mountain | Mt. Seymour

Dog sledding in Whistler

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Blackcomb Dogsled (@blackcombdogsled)

Dog lovers, this is an experience you can’t miss. It is a bit on the expensive side but think of it as a once-in-a-lifetime experience. You get to ride a sled with a professional musher, being pulled by a team of cute dogs through the forests in the Callaghan Valley. Plus, you get to meet the dogs and pet them! Blackcomb Snowmobile and Canadian Wilderness Adventures offer these tours that will surely be an experience you won’t forget.

Curling

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Vancouver Curling Club (@vancouvercurling)

Grab your brooms, “hurry hard” to your nearest curling centre, and join a class to learn about this popular winter sport. I’m sure you’ve seen it at the Olympics and were curious so why not give it a try? It’s definitely not as easy as you think it is. The Vancouver Curling Club and Port Moody Curling Club both offer classes for newbies.

Snowmobiling tours

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Blackcomb Snowmobile (@blackcombsnow)

Have you ever tried snowmobiling? It turns out, all you need is a driver’s licence and proper outdoor clothes. Tourism Whistler can help you choose your adventure, from scenic, well-groomed trails for beginners to an exciting backcountry trek for more experienced riders.

Ice Climbing

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by MSAA (@msa_adventures)

If you ever wanted to scale an ice wall, here’s your chance. Mountain Skills Academy and Adventures offers a two-day Intro to Ice Climbing class in Whistler. They say there are no prerequisites but some climbing experience will help you. Play at your own risk and always put safety first.