Snow transforming Grouse Mountain into ‘Vancouver’s North Pole’

The snow that fell across Metro Vancouver Monday was nothing compared to what the local mountains are seeing, and it’s exactly what they’ve needed.

“We’re excited by the recent snowfall. The mountaintop has truly been transformed into Vancouver’s North Pole. We have our Peak of Christmas celebration on right now, so it’s looking like an absolute winter wonderland,” Melissa Taylor with Grouse Mountain said.

“I know skiers and riders are just really excited about the snow as well and excited to hit the slopes.”

About 15 centimetres has fallen in the past two days, according to Taylor. She says with Grouse’s snow-making teams hard at work, “we’re excited to be opening up more terrain for skiers and riders very soon.”

Related article: Grouse Mountain to require guests be vaccinated for winter ski season

Taylor adds it’s important to show up prepared, adding some people have arrived not realizing how much snow is up there right now.

“As we get further and further into the season, there will be lineups, there will be extended wait times. So we just encourage everyone to come pick up their passes now. Ideally, during the weekday is the best time to do that from our guest services. And as well, check our current conditions on our website prior to arriving at the mountains to make sure that you’re prepared for whatever conditions there may be.”

#KnowBeforeYouGo: The Skyride is operating at regular capacity this season without a reservation system in place. This means passholders do not need to book their visit in advance. For more winter tips, please visit https://t.co/eRq0w4Y669 pic.twitter.com/RdHFbTy0Hr

— Grouse Mountain (@grousemountain) December 6, 2021

Staff have been fully vaccinated and Taylor says everyone else up on the mountain has to be fully vaccinated as well.

“I know many people have reached out saying they’re grateful that we have taken this step. Again, each resort has a unique situation and we felt given our circumstances with the Skyride as the only way to access the mountaintop, but this was the best decision for us,” she said.

Taylor advises, to move things along, pass holders can combine that with their vaccine passport.

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“We do have a VaxTrax program … So pass holders are actually able to be pre-verified prior to arriving to the mountain. So that’s linked to their pass. When they arrive, they’re able to show their pass and it says that they have submitted all the documentation to show that they are vaccinated,” she explained.

If a pass holder hasn’t yet linked their pass to their passport, Taylor says they can send an email at least 72 hours before arriving at the resort.

“Guests of course are able to show proof of vaccination on-site as well,” she added.

“We’re really excited this season to be able to offer a safe outdoor environment for people to enjoy the winter environments, enjoy winter activities — skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing, our Peak of Christmas celebration. It’s really wonderful to see families being able to experience the joy of the holiday season together in a safe environment.”

Taylor adds there’s been a lot of local bookings and international interest is slowly going up but it’s challenging given all the travel rules.

“Given the restrictions and just some of the uncertainty of what’s going to happen with international travel, there may still be sort of a slow uptick to that. But I do know it definitely seems to be on the path to recovery.”