Every winter we go snowshoeing as we own snowshoes and it's something that everyone can do at the same level. I've shared several tips here but just remember, comfort and snacks are key! Oh, and don't forget to get there early because parking can be wild on the local mountains.
One winter activity that I enjoy is snowshoeing. It's affordable as we own our own snowshoes and use the free trails. Even if you end up renting, it is still a great way to get the alpine experience without spending a lot of money. It is also easy for people of all ages and abilities as the mountains have a variety of terrain in their snowshoe trails. I've been in a number of weather conditions and often you don't really know what to expect so these would be my recommendations for a safe and comfortable time:
Several weeks ago we bought an annual family pass to Grouse Mountain. Gary and I had an amazing snowhoeing date and with sunny skies this weekend we decided to go up with the kids. I was nervous that it would be too cold or that they would be tired of the snow due to the fact that we've had it around for about a month now. We were pleasantly suprised with their positive attitudes and how easily they were entertained!
Gary and I had an adventure date planned as my Christmas gift to him. Normally we go snowshoeing first thing in the morning (which I do recommend safety wise) but in order to experience the Light Walk we went up in the afternoon. I had never been snowshoeing at Grouse Mountain and we decided to make the most of it by getting a family annual pass that was on sale so that we can do the Peak of Christmas with the kids next December. Also, my hope is to do some hiking there in the summer and the Grouse Grind a time or two.
What says "B.C." to me? Nature's adventure-filled playground with breath-taking views. Over the holidays we love to do one extra special excursion and this year's location was spectacular! The boys and I drove to Squamish to experience some of the sights that beautiful B.C. is famous for on the Sea to Sky Gondola.
The twelve minute gondola ride (which was Koen's highlight) gave us an amazing view of Howe Sound. It is open year-long and we will definitely have to go back to experience hiking in the alpine beauty during the summer.
Once up at the top, we did a loop. We started at the Spirit Viewing Platform and then walked along the Sky Pilot Suspension Bridge. I'm glad I had just two kids with me because it was a bit slippery and I'm afraid of heights.
We then walked along the Spirit Trail which is about ten minutes long and does not require snowshoes (note that you can rent snowshoes there or bring your own up!) It was perfect for my boys as it was completely safe and they could let off excess energy by throwing snowballs, shaking snow off of trees onto themselves, and falling into the snow banks.
We had passes to go to the Tube Park which is a definite "must do" if you have kids over 42" tall. The pass is just $5 a person and the ride down had me screaming more than once.
You need to slide down and walk up so be prepared for that (and possibly pulling your six-year-old son's tube up too!) There is a sweet cliff-top viewing deck where you can watch all of the action.Tubing was the highlight for Kai.
All of the attendants that we ran into were so friendly and helpful, I truly appreciated their service!
We took a break to enjoy some lunch at the Summit Restaurant. Koen loved his crepes off the kid's menu and licked his plate clean. Kai and I shared a tomato bisque soup and hamburger – super yummy food! The view from inside the Summit Lodge is unbelievable and there are places to eat if you bring in your own food. There's also a train table and activity area for young kids to play at.
We decided to do one more loop over the suspension bridge before heading back home.
I have been wanting a mother-son(s) adventure day for a while and this was better than I ever imagined! A family pass is $95.95 but you can also purchase tickets online to save money (kids five and under are free.) If you live in B.C., a trip up the gondola would be highly recommended – I'm so glad we finally did it! Also, if you have a friend or relative visiting, what better way is there to show them B.C.'s beauty?
Every year we go snowshoeing at Mount Seymour with our kids. We own our snowshoes and hike in the Provincial Park so it is free! They have many other trails that you can pay to use at an affordable price ($10/child.) This year we had the most beautiful snow we have seen up there – it was gorgeous!
Today we went up to Seymour to go snowshoeing! Gary, Kai and I got our own snowshoes last year and then this year I also bought some for Koen. We totally do not go enough to get our money's worth but oh well. If you would like to borrow them, let me know! They are currently being borrowed until Jan. 2nd:)
We left at 8:30am and got up there by 9:15am. We had to park soooooooo far from the trailhead. Lame. It was a sunny day but I didn't know it would be that busy. We would've gone on a weekday but `someone' has basketball practice tomorrow. Anyway...
{Minutes before falling asleep}
The boys were excited to be in snowshoes and Nya seemed comfortable (and warm) enough in the Ergo. After about 10 minutes of walking alongside the parked cars, Koen had enough and laid down. Great.
It took a lot of perseverance (and two granola bar breaks) but after 45 minutes, we reached the trailhead. We only hiked in the forest for about 15 minutes. So beautiful in there. We needed to head back as Ms. Nya was going to need to eat soon and the boys were so done. Koen also had a `lister' as he calls them (blister). At this point Koen just walked in his boots.
So, we hiked the 30 minutes down hill back to our van.
{Go Koen Go!}
I'm glad we persevered. It was not super fun but it was so beautiful out there and so good to get some fresh air. Nya did SO well. She actually fell asleep as we were walking back. I had sold Koen's baby snowsuit which would have fit her perfectly so she was crammed into a 0-6 month one but it worked and she was nice and warm.
I love our Ergo. I had her in it for almost 2 hours and it was so fine. It helps that she's probably only 17lbs:) As we left the mountain, the cars were lined all the way up the whole road and there was a 2 hour wait to get a parking spot!
Last night we walked to Tim Hortons to get a donut. I can tell you that not one sprinkle was wasted on Koen. That kid. Wow. He is a vacuum cleaner/garburator. Kai now savours food. Kai is huge and I don't know when that happened.
And, before I forget to include them, here are some pictures from our Chapman Christmas aka Christmas #3.
{The cousin table}
{Koen checking out `Angel Judy/Grandma' attached to grandpa's helmet}
{Grandma with Nya. Nya just wanted to eat her bracelet. It used to make me sad every time I saw Judy with our kids because I thought of what my mom was missing out on. However as time passes I am just more thankful for the role that Gary's parents play in our kids lives}
{Nya loves her new doll. Well, she loves eating it.}
{I know I'm dorky but we've always had `school books' around for the kids. They love them. I love that they love it:) I usually get them from Costco and we usually do them over the holidays. Kai got a new Grade 2 one today.}
{Kai loves teaching Koen}
And this is what our evenings look like. Every. Single. Night. This is just a snippet and it's usually much rougher. It usually goes on from 5:30-6:30pm.
So ya, it has been busy!! How is it New Years Eve tomorrow already? I used to have such big plans for it, and now? Not so big. We always go out for dinner as a family and then Gary and I watch a movie at home. Boring but good guess. We almost had a party once but then we got sick.
So much to be thankful for this year. So much.
Oh yes, I must add that I ran 6 km's on Thursday! Go me! I'm still sick but I'm getting there!
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