Grouse Mountain

Named after the Sooty Grouse inhabiting the area by the first hikers to reach the summit in the late 1800s, the Grouse Mountain Ski Resort offers skiers and riders downhill fun outside North Vancouver. Millions of dollars have been invested in upgrading and expanding the winter venue since 1990, growing its reputation with skiers and snowboarders in the region.

Motorists will use the Trans-Canadian Highway 1 to get across the Harbour to North Vancouver, British Columbia. Transferring to local roadways will reach the northern outskirts where the winter facility sits. Those flying into the region will use Vancouver's International Airport, which offers rentals and other ground transport.

North Shore Mountain Access

The Grouse Mountain Ski Resort rests in the North Shore Mountains, part of the Pacific Ranges in the Province. These peaks receive a lot of snow, and the average annual snowfall here is 342 inches. Several improvements over the years have provided the staff with snowmaking and grooming equipment that supplement and maintain the best alpine conditions. Snow maintenance usually occurs after hours, but skiers and snowboarders should be aware, especially along the edges of runs and glens.

The Grouse Mountain ski area has several areas equipped for nighttime skiing and riding, but overnight accommodations must be sought off-site. Nine shops provide various drinks and foods to keep everyone fueled for more downhill exploration, with some having space for visitors to meet up and take a break from carving the pow. Essentials, The Outfitters, and The Spirit Gallery Gift Shop offer on-site retail covering everything from forgotten necessities to souvenirs.

The Grouse Mountain Ski Resort offers rental skis, snowboards, and clothing (first-come/first-served). Many park rats reserve gear in advance online so that they can show up empty-handed and get equipped quickly. Other items include ice skates, snowshoes, and sleds.

A Decent Amount of Activities

The Grouse Mountain instructors are qualified, so the skiing and snowboarding lessons offered here will get newbies started right or improve the downhill enjoyment of those with experience.

Skyrides on the aerial tramway provide stunning views of the mountains and Vancouver from the slopes. Visitors wanting to keep their feet on the ground can lace up some skates for a trip across the 8,000 square foot outdoor pond. Two lanes of sliding fun are appealing to kids of all ages, and those wanting more of a challenge can explore Grouse Mountain on a pair of snowshoes.

The alpine skiing and snowboarding are what attracts the most visitors here each winter, though. Grouse Mountain has a base elevation of 899 feet and has a vertical rise of 1,198 feet. That gives skiers and riders access to potentials down a mountainside that provides more than 200 skiable acres to explore.

Over 30 runs cover the slopes, with several trails equipped with lights. The terrain here offers green/beginner runs (17-percent), blue/intermediate alpine trails (54-percent), black diamond/advanced terrain (21-percent), and double black diamond/expert runs (8-percent).

Five lifts move visitors of Grouse Mountain uphill, all of which have lights for nighttime usage. Four terrain parks complete the offerings here.