British Columbia — It’s been a long time since Cypress Mountain has had lift-served mountain biking. However, happy days for Vancouver mountain bikers are here again.
Last week, Cypress Mountain Resort announced that it’s bringing back the downhill mountain biking park. Known as the North Shore’s first downhill mountain biking park, the ski resort closed it after the 2005 season to prepare the mountain for the 2010 Winter Olympics. After the Olympics concluded, they originally decided not to bring it back. In recent years, mountain biking’s popularity has grown, making a revival come to fruition.
Technically, mountain biking never left Cypress Mountain. A series of steep, harrowing bike trails around the area remain open to the public. However, they aren’t lift-accessible and should only be attempted by the most experienced riders. If you aren’t at that level, just wait till next year.
The plan is to build out the trail network over three years. Gravity Logic, the artists behind Whistler’s world-famous bike park, will work with the ski resort on the trails. Work is set to begin this month and go through November. The plan is to debut the park in the summer of 2027. The collaborative process includes work with BC Parks, First Nations, and other community partners.
“Welcoming the mountain bike community back to Cypress after more than 20 years will be a special moment for us,” said Matt Davies, the general manager of Cypress Mountain. “The redesigned Cypress Bike Park will offer terrain for every kind of rider — flowy, jump trails for those who love to build speed and catch air, technical lines for riders chasing a bigger challenge, and beginner-friendly runs for those just getting started. We’re thankful to our partners at BC Parks, First Nations, and the community groups who have helped shape how we’re bringing it back.”
The park will have varying terrain, from beginner to advanced. This includes both flow and technical trails, featuring jump lines, rock features, and berms.
“Cypress has great vertical, varied terrain, and a baked-in mountain bike culture and history that gives us a really strong starting point,” said Tom Pro of Gravity Logic. “We’ll be working with the natural terrain as much as practical and will pay close attention to water management to build trails that are fun, progressive, and sustainable.”
For those who want a sneak peek, Cypress will host Red Bull Hardline for the first time in Canada. The event is regarded as the toughest event for mountain bikers.
About Cypress Mountain (By Cypress Mountain)
“Cypress Mountain Resort is Vancouver’s largest mountain destination, located within Cypress Provincial Park just 30 minutes from downtown. With roots dating back to 1924, the resort offers 600+ acres of alpine terrain, six chairlifts, and the Lower Mainland’s only Nordic trails (19 km) in winter, plus the Eagle Coaster, scenic chairlift rides, hiking, alpine dining in summer, and new summer activities coming. As the official venue for all freestyle skiing and snowboarding events at the 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympics, Cypress continues its legacy of innovation and community while providing an escape for those who live in the city but are drawn to the untamed nature of the mountains.”
Image/Video Credits: Cypress Mountain Resort, Jordan Boostmaster Raw
