Vancouver is surrounded by the mountains and the sea in the gorgeous and lush Pacific Northwest. Upon arrival, visitors will glimpse a beautiful and towering mountain to the north, it is Grouse Mountain, widely beloved as a favorite and most convenient skiing destination in Canada. In fact, as part of their green initiatives Grouse Mountain lift tickets include a round trip ride from Vancouver to minimize traffic and save on gas.
Being so close to the ocean provides a few big advantages. For starters, the base elevation is low, only 900 feet above sea level, which allows for quality skiing and a mild climate which helps to make it a quality alpine resort. Another big plus is that just over half the mountain's runs are open for night skiing until 10 pm, so guests can ski over the stars while captivated by shimmery Vancouver below. There are ski trails for all levels of ability. While the majority is intermediate runs, neither beginners nor experts are neglected at Grouse Mountain. In fact, there are heart-stopping double-black-diamond trails just waiting to challenge and thrill. Speaking of the best, the ski instructors are consummate experts who will instruct first-timers, intermediate and expert skiers alike. Their insights have proven invaluable and quite a few gold-medal skiers got their start at Grouse. The ski patrol is top-notch as well. Both paid professionals and volunteer patrols look out for the safety of all guests on the mountain.
Though the base is low, the peak still soars up to 4,100 feet, so while guests enjoy far milder climates, they should still dress for skiing and the mountains. The temperatures can get cold and the wind coming off of the Pacific can be fierce. Grouse recommends light layers with a breathable, waterproof outer shell, waterproof gloves, a hat that covers your ears, and ski goggles are in order.
Whether you enjoy night skiing under the stars as you gaze out at the lights of Vancouver (a breathtaking sight, having the city right there at your feet,) or call it a day before dark, you'll be in for a true pleasures and treasures in Vancouver. This progressive city is downright famous for serving up a wild time. Whether the scene is mellow coffeehouses or the trendiest dining and nightclubs, Vancouver's has something for everyone. There are great museums, cultural centers, restaurants, theatres, live music, and much more.
Vancouver hosted the 2010 Winter Olympic Games and millions of people saw the innate beauty of the city and its surrounds for the first time. A chance to experience one of the most beautiful cities in the world and get up to a mountain in less than twenty minutes is a great experience. In fact, there may not be a ski experience of this caliber so close to a major city anywhere else in the world. Ski Grouse Mountain, and enjoy all that it and Vancouver has to offer!
Snowboarding is all about the action and style, and British Columbia’s Grouse Mountain’s got plenty of both! Just a 15 minute drive takes you from Vancouver’s urban center to the slopes. The terrain park’s expert design is full of fun stuff to play on and off of, while the slopes offer both moderate inclines for play, and some really steep double black diamond challenges. If that wasn’t enough, they’ve even got night skiing and riding, a mild winter climate, and the best urban view visitors will ever find on a ski slope. Imagine riding beneath twinkling stars, catching air while Vancouver shimmers below your feet, it really is an amazing experience.
Freestyle Terrain takes on new meaning at Grouse Mountain. The terrain parks (yes, plural) are world-class, designed by experts for fun and challenges. Grouse Mountain has been a pioneer in the industry in many ways, and these terrain park zones prove it. The Rookie terrain park, situated beneath the Screaming Eagle chairlift, provides a bunch of medium-big designs so novices can work out their moves. More experienced freestylers can hone their skills before moving up to the advanced terrain park. Quicksilver Terrain Park is set up for intermediate and advanced snowboarders. Just under a kilometer (more than half a mile) long, you’ll find Quicksilver’s medium, large and XL features on the Side Cut run. At the height of the season, there may be as many as 30 jumps and jibs. Grouse Mountain’s Pro Team, a group of some of the best riders in the world, practice and performs for the camera throughout the winter.
In Grouse Mountain is big on events, camps and clinics. Their certified snowboarding instructors are some of the best anywhere, so whether guests are total novices or just looking for some tips or coaching to polish up specific moves, they’ll help improve and expand confidence and skill levels. Oakley, Quicksilver, Coors, and Roxy are among the many sponsors of the camps, clinics and competitions, including a Showdown Over The City with $10,000 in prize money! Grouse Mountain isn’t just a mountain, it’s the mountain to ride in Vancouver!
With the great terrain park features and awesome climate, guests will no doubt want to spend ample time on the mountain. However, after the park closes at 10 pm the night is far from over! Vancouver’s got a great nightlife replete with bars, lounges, clubs and live entertainment. From posh nightclubs to coffeehouses full of live acoustic music, Vancouver’s got a little bit of everything. They also have an impressive and mouthwatering array of restaurants that feature cuisine from all around the world.
Snowboarding Grouse Mountain is a unique experience. Grouse Mountain has got to be one of the most awesome, convenient and exhilarating snowboard resorts anywhere and it’s just 15 minutes from one of the most beautiful cities in the world. Oftentimes lift tickets come with a round trip from Vancouver’s city center, so get to Vancouver and get ready for a one of a kind experience.