Backcountry Skiing Access During The Olympics

Last week I had a post about the local ski resorts, when they were opening, and what impacts were expected during the Olympics.

This afternoon I came across a good report of how backcountry skiing will be impacted this winter season. The info below is taken from the Cairn Publishing website: http://www.cairnpublishing.com/author/articles/olympic_access.html (on a side note, I think I’m going to have to buy Scrambles in Southwest BC from this website, looks great! Anyone have this already?)

So, what will the impact of the 2010 Olympics be on backcountry skiing access?
The long and the short of it is that it’s probably a good year to head out towards the Coquihalla and Mount Baker.

Cypress
Trails closed to the public:

Black Mountain: December 1, 2009 to April 1, 2010

Howe Sound Crest Winter Access including Bowen Lookout: December 1, 2009 to April 1, 2010

Hollyburn Hikers Access Trail:

Above Water Board Cabin Site: December 1, 2009 to March 8, 2010

No access on the entire length of the trail: February 1 to March 8, 2010.

Road Closures

During the exclusive use period (February 1 – March 8, 2010), access to the mountain will be limited to Olympic and local traffic only as a security and public safety measure.

There will be no spectator or public parking at the Cypress Mountain venue during the Games period.

Sea to Sky Highway

Feb 11 – Feb 28 Sea-to-Sky Highway checkpoint opens at Alice Lake turn-off. Only Olympic vehicles, residents with permits and people with hotel accommodation will be allowed northbound from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. Day skiers or tourists should take commercial motorcoaches or travel during off peak hours.

Whistler Parking

Sept 1 ¯ Day skier lots 7 and 8 were closed

Nov. 15 ¯ Whistler Creekside staged parking restrictions begin.

Feb. 1 ¯ In Whistler, day skier lots 1, 3, 5, 6 closed

Feb. 4 ― In Whistler, local vehicle permits go into effect

Callaghan

Sept 1 – Mar 21 Whistler Olympic Park access will be closed at the main gate
just past the Callaghan Lake road at Alexander Falls. Access to Callaghan
and Madely lakes will still be open. Cross country trails and backcountry
access will be via Callaghan Country’s base at Alexander Falls.

Feb 5 – Restricted access to Callaghan Valley Road begins