365 Days Of The Sea To Sky Gondola (2017)

In spring, the juxtaposition of the season of rebirth is the starkest. In the valley, budding trees paint the air misty green while in the the alpine it’s still very much a winter environment as meadows and gullies are packed with snow. Flurries can happen suddenly, so it’s always worth keeping an eye on the weather, and the changing weather is magical. Spring’s seasonal events include the Easter egg hunt and special brunch, storytime, and crafts for Mother’s Day and Father’s Day, and Winemaker’s Dinners.

Summer brings longer days, alpine wildflowers, cobalt blue skies, and the opportunity to lounge on the patio with a cold craft beer and enjoy live music as part of the weekly Mountain Music Series every Friday night from June 9 to September 22, 2017. Sunset Saturdays offer 50 per cent off tickets purchased at the ticket window after 5pm until September 23.

This summer wellness is a focus. The Sea to Sky Gondola’s yoga series will kick off on Saturday, June 17 at Summer Welcome with Yoga Solstice event. The yoga series will continue Monday to Friday, June 19-September 1 from 9:45 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. with a variety of Squamish-based yoga instructors. For those seeking the burn the Rise + Climb dedicated group hike meet-up every Saturday from July 1 to September 2. Pace groups will leave at dedicated times, or hikers can choose to pick their pace up the Sea to Summit with a 10 a.m. coffee or on the deck.

Now, the vast potential of activities and programs becomes possible, and the choices are endless. Guided or self-explore walking and hiking routes range from the many lookouts and viewing platforms on the Spirit Trail, the Chief, and the Lookback. Exploring the mountain with Mountain Skills Academy on their Via Ferrata vertical adventure is just one of the many ways to experience the Howe Sound’s views from height. Every bend in the trail reveals a new panorama and yet another #seatoskygondola Instagram record of your trip.

Autumn is truly the Sea to Sky Gondola’s secret season. The tourists of summer have left, and what’s left behind is the golden glow of magic alpine light and crisp, invigorating days perfect for hiking. After a brief maintenance shutdown in November, the Gondola offers winter activities for all ages and levels of experience, not to mention a chance to escape the rain that often falls at lower elevations. Enjoy snowshoeing trails and tours, winter walking, the fabulous Sky Pilot suspension bridge, a four-lane tubing park and, for the experienced adventure-seekers, backcountry ski touring.

Note that winter weather can be very unpredictable and the utmost care must be taken when venturing away from the cleared, manicured trails of the Summit area. Travelling with a certified guide is highly recommended for both backcountry snowshoeing and skiing accessed via the gondola. For details on backcountry guiding services, contact Sea to Sky Guides.

Visitors can also top off the day at the Summit Lodge for après-adventure food and beverage including micro brews, hot chocolate, fondue and seasonal menu features made from fresh, local ingredients.

The Spirit of Christmas officially arrives at the Sea to Sky Gondola with holiday concerts, children’s story times, a winemaker’s dinner, artisan pop-ups and a very special visit from Santa himself.