Should you buy a pass access local trails?

Author: Lori R Pederson
Trail:
http://www.seatoskygondola.com/hiking/habrich-ridge-hiking-trai
Photo Credit: Chris Barton

When I look at this picture it gets me excited about new trails to explore. The Sea to Sky Gondola is almost open and this is some of what you're going to see. Is it worth buying a pass? Here's a list of our local mountains, trails and costs associated with seeing some million dollar views.

The newest hikes are a ride up the new Sea to Sky Gondola in Squamish, BC. It's opening date is just weeks away although hiking some of the trails will be weather depending. Some are easy & short while other's are more of a challenging day trek's.  There are six main hikes:
Sea to Summit Trail: http://www.seatoskygondola.com/hiking/sea-to-summit
Wrinkle Rock: http://www.seatoskygondola.com/hiking/wrinkle-rock-trail
Shannon Basin Loop Trail: http://www.seatoskygondola.com/hiking/shannon-basin-loop-trail
Sky Pilot Valley Trail: 
http://www.seatoskygondola.com/hiking/first-nations-spirit-trail
Skyline Trail: http://www.seatoskygondola.com/hiking/skyline-trail
Al's Habrich Ridge Trail: http://www.seatoskygondola.com/hiking/habrich-ridge-hiking-trail
There are Front Country Trails that are well marked and Backcountry Trails that are more rugged and require a little more experienced hikers to travel these areas.  The hikes on The Sea to Sky offer streams, thick forests, vistas, meadows, granite outcroppings, small lakes, tarns and stunning coastal mountain terrain. There are also many back country hikes and rock climbing for the experienced mountaineers. A one time visit is $39.95 plus tax or a season pass is valid from May-October 2014 for $99.00 plus tax. When you bring a friend they get 20% off their ride up. Operation hours are 9-5 pm. For more information on all the activities on a The Sea to Sky Gondola: http://www.seatoskygondola.com

If those hikes don't convince you then a pass on Whistler's Peak 2 Peak sure will. From a season that starts July-October (weather depending) has spectacular views of vistas, flower covered meadows & alpine lakes. There are also roof top b-b-q's at a reasonable cost usually accompied by live music to finish off your spectacular day of hiking. There are over 10 hikes to experience, some are easy walks while others are a little more challenging. For more information and maps: http://www.whistlerblackcomb.com/events-and-activities/summer-activities/hiking-trails-and-sightseeing.aspx#prettyPhoto
The one thing I really like about Whistler's Peak 2 Peak is a one time visit is 
$49.95 plus tax or if you are a BC resident you can buy a season pass for $59.95 plus tax. Well worth it and a great way to give BC residents a break. However, the gondola doesn't start until 10 am (2013 summer season) which makes it hard to complete some of the trails. You can bring 4 friends with you per day and with your pass they get 25% off. To buy your pass on-line: http://www.whistlerblackcomb.com/tickets-and-passes/lift-tickets/summer-tickets.aspx

You can also access trails on Grouse Mountain. There is 
Goat Mountain: http://www.vancouvertrails.com/trails/goat-mountain/
Dam Mountain: http://www.vancouvertrails.com/trails/dam-mountain/ 
Grouse Grind: http://www.vancouvertrails.com/trails/grouse-grind/  
BCMC: http://www.vancouvertrails.com/trails/bcmc-trail/
There are also some backcountry trails that start in Lynn Canyon Regional Park and end up at Grouse Mountain. A day pass for the tram up & down is $39.95 and a year pass is $109.00 plus tax. You can use the year pass for SS'ing in the winter and in the summer to go on the hiking trails. You are just paying for the tram as the trails do not cost anything to go on. There are lots of membership benefits. For more information: 
https://www.grousemountain.com/general-admission-membership

If you decide to not buy passes there are still many free trails you can visit. My favorite trail guides are: www.vancouvertrails.com
www.hikingforthescaredycat.com
www.livetrails.com

Happy & safe trails. Hiking for the Scaredy Cat 

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