The Canadian Ski Patrol was active in the 1940s and early 1950s throughout British Columbia. The ski patrols in southern British Columbia decided to split off from the national body forming a number of regional ski patrols including WASP (Western Area Ski patrol) and FASP (First Aid Ski Patrol). Over the next two decades, most of the patrols decided to rejoin the national organization. It is because of this history that British Columbia remains served by two divisions: Pacific South and Pacific North.

In 1973, the Western Area Ski Patrol (WASP) under the leadership of Dr. Michael Swangard amalgamated with the Canadian Ski Patrol System, becoming Greater Vancouver Zone (GVZ). At that time, GVZ's only mountain was Hemlock Valley, about 50 miles east of the city of Vancouver.

Manning Park, a 3 1/2 hour drive east of Vancouver, joined GVZ as few years later.

Mount Seymour, located within 20 minutes of downtown Vancouver became a CSPS mountain in 1993.

In the early 1990s, GVZ took on the responsibility of providing First Aid training for Mike Wiegle's (MW) Heli-Skiing operations. All MW guides are members of the Greater Vancouver Zone.

In 1997, Mount Arrowsmith on Vancouver Island was added to the Zone and operated for two years until ceasing operations pending development approval of a ski village to the west of Qualicum Beach at the foot of the mountain. To date, this has not yet been approved.

In 1999, we have also laid the groundwork for operations with Garibaldi at Squamish, which is in the process of finalizing its development plans and financing. Originally slated to begin operations in 2001, lack of financing pushed back the opening date. The BC Government has extended the date for environmental assessment to 2003. GVZ eagerly awaits the decision to proceed with building the facilities and start of operations. There may be a push to start sooner than later should Vancouver's bid for the Winter Olympic Games be accepted by the IOC.