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:
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Hollyburn Hikers Access Trail to Hollyburn Peak will remain open until February 1, 2010. Between February 1, 2010 and March 8, 2010 access will be closed to the public in order to support security operations associated with the 2010 Olympic Winter Games.
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Black Mountain Winter Access corridor will remain open until December 1, 2009. Between December 1, 2009 and March 31, 2010 this corridor will be closed in consideration of public safety and in order to support Games related operational requirements.
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Howe Sound Crest Winter Access corridor including Yew Lake Trail and Bowen Lookout will remain open until December 1, 2009. Between December 1, 2009 and March 31, 2010 this corridor will be closed in consideration of public safety and in order to support Games related operational requirements.
- 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