Grouse Mountain skiing excursions are an epic Vancouver winter pastime.
Sitting 20 minutes above the city as if it were floating on one of Vancouver’s famous rainclouds, this is as close to urban skiing as you’ll ever get.
Let’s go through the basics and get you up to speed to see if skiing Grouse Mountain is right for you.
- Grouse Mountain Skiing
- How to Get to Grouse Mountain
- Grouse Mountain Lift Passes
- Night Skiing
- Ski Conditions
- Grouse Mountain Ski Map
- Grouse Mountain Ski Rentals
- Grouse Mountain Times
- Tips & Advice
Grouse Mountain Skiing
Grouse Mountain is one of the three local ski hills in Vancouver.
It’s got 26 runs and 4 chairs – with the majority of runs being blue (moderate) and black (difficult).
If you’re looking for a true beginner hill you’re probably better off at Mount Seymour, though most casual skiers and families are fine at Grouse.
As a local, when I think about skiing Grouse Mountain I think:
- It’s the closest to downtown Vancouver so it’s the most convenient
- It’s got Vancouver’s best terrain park by far
- You’ll find the cheapest skiing in Vancouver here
- It’s got the only ski run with a sweeping panoramic view of the city
- The 2800 foot Grouse Mountain Skyride to get up there is a thrill in itself
Indeed, with 1 million visitors a year Grouse Mountain is a winter tourism juggernaut that also includes snowshoeing, ice skating, sliding, restaurants, and even a theater.
If you’re looking for more of a resort feel then this is the local mountain for you.
How to Get to Grouse Mountain
Locals brag that you can leave the office in downtown Vancouver and be skiing in 45 minutes.
Sure, the drive from downtown to 6400 Nancy Greene Way takes about 20 minutes with no traffic.
But, you can only drive so far:
Since cars can’t go up Grouse you’ll need to take the Grouse Mountain Skyride (those red lines) from the Grouse parking lot.
This Swiss-style ski gondola (included in your Grouse Mountain lift pass) departs every 15 minutes and brings you right to the chalet, where you can basically strap in.
Getting to Grouse with Public Transit
Taking Vancouver public transit? From downtown you’ll have to take the Seabus to North Vancouver then grab the #236 bus to Grouse Mountain.
It is not recommended to bring your own equipment on public transit.
If you’re a visiting tourist on a Vancouver itinerary or a local without a car you should opt for the Lift Ticket & Ski or Snowboard Rental package:
Get My Grouse Lift Ticket + Rental Package
Related: How to Get to Grouse Mountain
Grouse Mountain Lift Passes
Grouse Mountain’s 2022-23 lift tickets are as follows:
- Adults: $78.75
- Youth & Seniors: $57.75
- Children (5-12): $28.35
- Children (0-5): Free.
Just an FYI: the Skyride has limited space, so it’s much better to show up with tickets and board right away instead of having to wait in annoying ticket lines.
I’ve missed so many Skyride departures by minutes, and having to wait another 20 minutes for the next one sucks when you’re all jacked up to get skiing.
Book My Lift Passes in Advance
Night Skiing at Grouse Mountain
On a clear, crisp winter night there’s something festively fantastic about Grouse Mountain night skiing.
Depending on snow conditions, up to half the runs are open including the most popular Grouse Mountain runs: the legendary Cut, Heaven’s Sake, and Peak.
This is a great way to get cheap Grouse Mountain lift tickets and you pay about 20% less.
Opening hours are 4:00 pm to 9:00 pm (or 10:00 pm depending on conditions).
Book My Night Skiing Lift Tickets Now
Grouse Mountain Ski Map
Here’s a little sneak preview of what you can expect skiing Grouse Mountain:
Looking for a higher resolution Grouse Mountain ski map?
You can download the pdf version as well.
Grouse Mountain Ski Rentals
If you’re visiting Vancouver in winter and you’ve got no equipment the best option is to rent skis at Grouse Mountain – that way you don’t have to lug all that gear around town.
Whether you’re a skier or a snowboarder you can get everything needed at their Outpost Rental Shop.
A caution: it’s highly recommended to book your rentals in advance especially if you’re in Vancouver during Christmas.
Equipment is always limited so reserving your gear is common sense.
Lift ticket and rental packages can be reserved using the orange button below:
Book My Lift Ticket & Rental Package
Current Ski Conditions at Grouse Mountain
Grouse Mountain Skiing Times
Naturally, Grouse Mountain skiing times are subject to the opening hours of the Grouse Mountain Skyride.
The current hours are as follows:
- Skyride (uphill): 9:00 am to 9:00 pm
- First Skyride downhill: 7:30 am (this is for hikers)
- Alpine Guest Services: 11:00 am to 7:00 pm (weekdays) and 8:00 am to 9:00 pm (weekends)
- Altitudes Bistro: 12:00 pm to 9:00 pm
- Starbucks: 7:00 am to 9:00 pm
- Spirit Gallery Gift Shop: 10:30 am to 7:00 pm
Related: When Does Grouse Mountain Open for Skiing?
Related: When Does Grouse Mountain Close for Skiing?
Grouse Mountain Winter Activities
If you’re on the fence about skiing Grouse Mountain, there’s still a second option here that’s fantastic for visitors and tourists alike.
Buying Grouse Mountain Skyride Tickets without ski passes gets you the thrilling, scenic ride up the mountain plus:
- The Light Walk attraction (a glowing light tunnel) around Blue Grouse Lake
- Access to the 8,000 sq. foot Mountaintop Skating Pond
- The Sliding Zone which is great for those visiting Vancouver with kids
- Munday Alpine Snowshoe Park that’s ideal for beginners and intermediates
- Half a dozen restaurants and cafes (some with incredible views of the city)
Of course, these are all included with your ski passes as well so you can make a whole day (and night) out of it.
Related: Is Grouse Mountain Worth It?
Looking to see Capilano Suspension Bridge too? Consider a Grouse Mountain and Capilano Suspension Bridge tour.
Advice For Skiing Grouse Mountain
- Avoid heading to Grouse Mountain during rush hour as the Lions Gate Bridge is a nightmare
- Go night skiing to save money – especially late season (Feb-Mar) you should have plenty of light
- Make sure to save time for a post-ski drink at Altitudes Bistro – it’s best best view bar in town!
- Book your Grouse Mountain lift tickets in advance so you can walk right onto the Skyride instead of lining up and having to wait 20 minutes for the next one
- The restaurants and cafes can get pricey so don’t be afraid to stuff your ski jacket with drinks & snacks – it’s allowed
Grouse Mountain Skiing FAQ
Is there skiing at Grouse Mountain?
Yes, Grouse Mountain operates as a ski resort during the winter months in addition to its many other winter activities.
When is Grouse Mountain open for skiing?
In general, expect Grouse Mountain to open for skiing in mid to late November depending on the local ski conditions.
How long is Grouse ski season?
Last year (2021-22) Grouse Mountain’s ski season lasted from November 20th until May 15th.
Is Grouse good for skiing?
Yes, Grouse Mountain is the perfect casual ski hill since it’s easily accessible from downtown Vancouver and counts a long list of moderate runs.
Is Grouse Mountain good for beginner skiers?
Grouse Mountain has 5.2 kilometers of easy runs (three green runs) which is about 16% of the total skiable area. Much of the 14.4 km of intermediate runs (43%) are also suitable for beginners, making Grouse a solid choice for beginners.
How late can you ski on Grouse?
Night skiing at Grouse Mountain is possible until 9:00 pm or 10:00 pm depending on conditions.
Ready to Travel to Grouse Ski Resort?
Skiing Grouse Mountain is one of the best outdoor activities in Vancouver, and it’s a one of a kind tourist attraction to boot.
I hope I’ve helped you figure out which local mountain ski at, and how to visit like a pro – but if not, please get in touch in the comments with any questions.
Have a nice trip! ⛷️
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