Snowshoe Al's Habrich Trail

Strap on your snowshoes and head up to the Sea to Sky Gondola in Squamish, about a 45 minute drive from Vancouver. 

You can either take the gondola up (~$40), or hike up the Sea to Sky Summit trail that begins near the parking lot to the chief to get to the trailhead for Al's Habrich. If doing the latter, make sure you leave super early during the winter season, as both trails combined would be about an 8-hour day. 

The trail begins on the groomed slope to the left of the tube park. Head 100 meters down this trail and you'll find the backcountry trail sign which will show you the full details on the hike up (take a picture as the maps given out at the gondola don't have detailed backcountry information). From here it's a climb up to the first viewpoint at trail marker 18. There are some gentle and steep climbs up through some trees to get to this point, nothing crazy unless you're in fresh snow! 

Keep following the trail and it will take you down into the wooded section of the hike - I'd recommend adding a layer before heading down as it gets cold in the deep forest. This is the meat of the hike, and will take you up and up and up towards lookout number 2, your first ridge experience. Hit trail marker 33 and turn left, then quickly right up onto the rock above you. This lookout is truly fantastic, and had seen zero traffic when we went. You can either choose to stop here or head on to the last 1.5 kms up to the top of the ridge where you will be rewarded with the ultimate view. This being said however, beware: some route finding may be necessary.

Follow the same route back and reward yourself with a made-it meal and beer down at the gondola centre!