get the 4x4 pass and ski at whistler. ITs your cheapest and best option. Baker is good too, but dealing with the border is a huge pain in the ass; sometimes out of nowhere its an extra 1-1.5 hours on your trip. I don't think manning is closer than the vancouver locals. From Langley, Manning is about 1.5-2 hours where as grouse would probably be 45 minutes to an hour. But the locals are very limited and have a horrible vibe at them, especially Grouse!