The Skiers' Guide to Grouse Mountain

Grouse Mountain is one of Vancouver's most accessible ski resorts, located just 15 minutes from downtown. One Snomad community member liked that "it's only 30 minutes from Vancouver city centre," making it an ideal spot for locals and tourists alike. What makes Grouse truly unique is its spectacular panoramic views over Vancouver and the Pacific Ocean—our users frequently mention this as a standout feature.

Unlike most ski resorts, you don't drive to the slopes but instead take a gondola (locally known as the Skyride) from the base to reach the ski area. The resort spans from 880m to 1,250m, offering 34 runs across a compact but varied terrain. While not vast in size, it packs plenty of options for a day on the slopes.

The Snomad community gives Grouse Mountain 3.69/5 overall, with particularly strong scores for family friendliness (4.54/5) and snow parks (3.81/5).

Grouse Mountain features 34 runs: 4 beginner, 17 intermediate, and 10 advanced trails serviced by 4 chairlifts and 2 drag lifts. The vertical drop isn't massive at around 370m, but the terrain variety punches above its weight.

For beginners, the Paradise area offers gentle slopes to build confidence, though as one user notes, "Their easiest run has some very steep parts and I've seen quite a few people lose control." Intermediates have the most options with 17 blue runs including The Cut, which offers breathtaking city views but can become icy as the day progresses.

Advanced skiers gravitate toward the back runs, with one expert skier commenting that "Back runs are fantastic black runs." These more challenging sections tend to be less crowded, as a user points out: "The blue/black half of the resort rarely has lines as the resort is more popular with beginners and families."

Grouse Mountain scores snow parks (3.81/5). which our users consistently praise. "Great terrain parks with all kinds of features," mentions one advanced skier from Canada. Another highlights the "park to learn tricks and jumps that is very good" and appreciates the "tow bar, which is honestly amazing for park progression."

The mountain can suffer from wet, heavy snow due to its coastal location and low elevation. As one expert snowboarder notes, "Not the best powder resort, as the snow is mostly heavy and wet there (low altitude, close to the ocean)."

Grouse Mountain scores 3.28/5 for eating out, with mixed reviews from our users. The dining options, while limited, offer decent quality but at premium prices.

Several Snomad users mention that food is expensive at the resort. "Food is overpriced," notes one advanced snowboarder, while another points out there's "not so many healthy choices so bring something." One reviewer explains that you might pay "£40 if you wanted a full pizza and £8 for one slice which is outrageous."

The resort has a few main dining venues including Lupins Café, which one user describes as "reasonably priced and nice food," and Altitudes Bistro, which another user recommends as "the best option for a nice big dinner after a long day." The Observatory is mentioned as being "a little pricey" but offers a more upscale dining experience.

The main drawback appears to be the limited outdoor dining options, with one advanced skier commenting that "Outdoor dining is almost nonexistent" and noting the lack of "outdoor patios, not even a Beaver Tails shack."

Grouse Mountain scores 2.54/5 for après-ski, reflecting its relatively subdued nightlife compared to larger ski resorts. The après scene here isn't focused on wild parties but rather on enjoying evening activities with Vancouver's city lights as a backdrop.

Night skiing is frequently mentioned as a highlight and doubles as a form of après activity. One advanced skier from Canada shares that "night skiing makes for a lovely evening activity after work," while another notes you can enjoy "lap after lap with great city views" during evening sessions.

The mountain's proximity to Vancouver means many visitors head back to the city for proper nightlife rather than staying on the mountain. As one user puts it, "Don't expect elaborate rentals or après," reinforcing that Grouse is more about the skiing experience than party atmosphere.

Altitudes Bistro serves as the main on-mountain spot for post-ski drinks, offering stunning views of the city below. While not rowdy, the atmosphere is described as friendly and relaxed, making it a pleasant place to unwind after a day on the slopes.

Grouse Mountain excels with 4.54/5 for family friendliness, making it one of the resort's strongest features. "Very family-friendly," states one expert snowboarder, while another user simply describes it as a "great ski hill for families that is affordable, fun, and easily accessible by transit."

The resort offers activities beyond skiing that appeal to families with children of varying ages and abilities. As one beginner skier notes, "Other activities available include snowshoeing, ice skating and hiking." Another reviewer adds that there's "a sliding zone" for younger children to enjoy.

The ski school receives strong feedback from users, with one expert skier mentioning it's a "great ski school for everyone." The mountain's layout allows families to meet easily for lunch or breaks, and the compact nature of the resort means children are less likely to get lost.

A major advantage for families is the resort's accessibility. Being close to Vancouver means families don't need to commit to long drives or stays, making day trips practical. As one user summarizes, Grouse is "a great local ski mountain" that's perfect for family outings without breaking the bank.

Grouse Mountain scores 3.00/5 for accommodation options, reflecting the fact that most visitors don't actually stay on the mountain. Most accommodation is found in North Vancouver or Vancouver proper rather than at the resort itself.

Our reviewers mention that "accommodation is terrible throughout all of North Van," highlighting that staying at the mountain isn't common practice. Because of its proximity to Vancouver, Grouse functions primarily as a day-trip destination, with visitors typically returning to city accommodations.

The mountain's excellent public transport connections make it feasible to stay anywhere in Vancouver and still access the slopes easily. Many users appreciate this flexibility, with one noting that the resort is "a bus journey away from North Vancouver."

For those who do want to stay close to the resort, North Vancouver offers various hotels and rental properties, though they lack ski-in/ski-out convenience. The trade-off is gaining access to Vancouver's much wider range of dining and entertainment options in the evenings.

Grouse Mountain has made notable strides in environmental responsibility, particularly in energy usage. The resort operates wind turbines on site, known as the Eye of the Wind, which generates clean energy for operations. Their gondola transport system also helps reduce car traffic on the mountain road.

The resort's proximity to Vancouver and good public transport links significantly reduces the carbon footprint associated with visitor travel. Many Snomad users mention taking buses directly to the resort rather than driving.

Grouse Mountain's "Blue Grouse Habitat" initiative focuses on protecting local wildlife and their ecosystems. The resort also practices water conservation through efficient snowmaking systems and has implemented waste reduction programs throughout their facilities.

Their educational programs highlight environmental awareness, teaching visitors about local ecosystems and conservation efforts through their wildlife refuge and interpretive programs.