How Metro Van is taking advantage of snow

The snow may have created a mess of roads and shut most schools in Metro Vancouver, but that isn’t stopping some people from finding the silver lining.

On Wednesday, hills around the region were filled with eager children and adults who took advantage of the layer of white to get some tobogganing in.

Jan. 17 marked the first day of the season that many were able to get out and do some sledding.

“I kind of planned it yesterday,” Ivy told The Leader Spirit from Queen Elizabeth Park in Vancouver.

“We did go on the jump and they landed it. And I was watching all the other people and they never landed it.”

She and others — unsurprisingly — say they’re happy school was called off Wednesday so they could spend the time outside.

“It barely snows here so I really like the snow when it comes,” another child, Sakura, added.

Many of the kids we caught up with echoed that sentiment, though drivers may not be too fond of the prospect of more snow.

Traffic was in chaos across the region due to the slippery conditions Wednesday, with officials repeatedly urging people to avoid driving, if possible.

Some heeded those warnings. Joel opted for a pair of skis over wheels to get around.

“I think I’ve done about eight kilometres, heading over to the Olympic Village area,” he told The Leader Spirit in Vancouver during the morning commute.

“I mean, skiing to work is an anomaly in Vancouver. Maybe in Squamish or Whistler. I bike to work fairly frequently, but it’s a treat to get on the skis today.”

Listen to The Leader Spirit 1130 for weather updates after traffic every 10 minutes on the ones. You can also follow Meteorologist Michael Kuss on X and subscribe to breaking news alerts sent directly to your inbox.