Summer Starts Right Now!

Grab your sunglasses, big appetites and snowshoes as Grouse Mountain is ready to kick off our summer season on Saturday May 21. It has been a record breaking winter but we will transition into full summer operation this Victoria Day long weekend with all our fabulous activities including the Eye of the Wind, lumberjack shows and Birds in Motion demonstrations. Some snow remains at the summit allowing you to enjoy a bit of winter and summer at the same time. It is guaranteed to be a unique experience!

With great weather in the forecast for the long weekend it looks like sunscreen will finally be needed in alpine Vancouver. While everyone eagerly awaits the opening of the Grouse Grind we still have the equally heart-pounding Snowshoe Grind open every day for fitness junkies and casual hikers alike. Afterwards you can relax with a beverage in the sunshine on our stunning patio with its unrivaled view.

As you may have already heard, Grouse Mountain will re-start skiing and boarding on May 28 after temporarily shutting down for essential maintenance allowing snow lovers to enjoy the slopes until Canada Day. The Screaming Eagle Chairlift, Paper Trail, The Cut and Quicksilver Terrain Park will be in operation on weekends between the hours of 9:30am to 5:30pm.

Come on up this Saturday and help us celebrate summer’s long awaited arrival!

Grinder and Coola Emerge from their 10th Hibernation at Grouse Mountain!

On Wednesday afternoon at approximately 2pm, Grinder and Coola, our two resident Grizzly Bears, emerged from their 10th hibernation at Grouse Mountain. This was their longest hibernation at Grouse Mountain at a little over five months in duration!

As per their usual routine, Grinder dug his way out first once the den door was open and he was followed shortly thereafter by Coola. Once outside both bears proceeded to have a good romp in the snow, slide down the snow hills, clean their coats on the fresh snow and generally have a good time. After a good wrestle they both were breathing heavy and ready for a bit of R&R in the snow.

During hibernation Grinder and Coola did not eat, sleep, urinate or deficate. They did spend some time shifting around, stretching and occasionally going for a short walk. These movements help keep their bones and muscles active so that in the spring they can be ready to go. Their rambuncious antics certainly were testimony to that!

You can now visit Grinder and Coola in their hibernation habitat daily during our operating hours.

Some photos of the emergence:

Grinder & Coola Come Out of Hibernation

Wednesday, May 11th, 2011 – At approximately 2pm, Grinder and Coola, our two resident Grizzly Bears, emerged from their 10th hibernation at Grouse Mountain.

As per their usual routine, Grinder dug his way out first once the den door was open and he was followed shortly thereafter by Coola. Once outside, both bears proceeded to have a good romp in the snow, slide down the snow hills, clean their coats on the fresh snow and generally have a good time. After a good wrestle they both were breathing heavy and ready for a bit of R&R in the snow.



You can now come up and see the bears during our operating hours. Read more about our Endangered Wildlife Refuge here.

Skiing, Riding and Snowshoeing Continue

With more than 6 metres of snow atop Grouse Mountain, conditions are amazing and there's every reason to keep the skiing and riding going! Grouse Mountain has extended its season – once again proving to have the longest season on the North Shore.

Spring hours and pricing are now in effect. Skiing and riding are available at General Admission rates starting May 2, 2011, making downhilling that much more enticing. For season passholders, your winter snowpass is still valid. Spring operating hours are noon-8pm weekdays, and 9:30am-5:30pm weekends.

Looking for uphill adventure instead? Snowshoeing also continues at the Peak of Vancouver. To get Grouse Grind-ready try the mountain top Snowshoe Grind for a fabulous workout in a snowy paradise. Snowshoe trails are available during daylight hours.

Enjoy this bonus finale to an epic season by skiing, riding or snowshoeing.

Where to Dine Awards 2010

Congratulations to everyone that works hard every year to make The Observatory one of the finest and most sustainable venues to dine at in all of Vancouver. Yesterday, April 27th 2011, The Observatory was honoured with the Sustainability Award at "Where to Dine Vancouver" by Where Magazine.

Above is a photo of Chef de Cuisine - Brendan Robson, Executive Chef - Dino Gazzola and Steve Conroy - Manager at the event.

Learn more about The Observatory and our commitment to sustainability.

A big thank you to everyone in Vancouver who supports efforts to further sustainability, locally sourced ingredients and world class dining. Thank you as well to Where Magazine for hosting such an amazing event at Blue Water Cafe in Yaletown.

Excavations begin on Bear Habitat!

Hello everyone - it has been a long winter filled with incredible snow fall and amazing ski conditions. Now, however, the days are getting longer and warmer and that means Grinder and Coola are begining to wake-up from their period of winter dormancy. Both bears have been seen leaving their sleeping chamber more often to explore the outer building, have a look outside, or roll around in the snow that has blown into their bear den.

Seeing this, we have begun our excavations of the bear's hibernation habitat adjacent to the bear den. This process will take up to two weeks and then we will put the fence up and allow the bears to official end their hibernation. For now we will continue to work at preparing their home and monitoring their behaviors.

More updates to follow but here are a couple pictures of the incredible snow base we have to clear from around the bear den!

Spring Break & New Specials

Spring Break starts this weekend, folks! This means we'll be extending our hours to accommodate all of your skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing and outoor needs!

Don't forget that Daylight Savings takes place at 2:00am this Sunday, March 13th. Remember to get up one hour earlier and come get some fresh tracks before everyone else realizes the clocks have changed!

Here is a list of our updated hours during spring break (March 12th-27th):

- First Skyride is at 8:15 am
- Outpost rentals will be open at 8:30 am
- Starbucks will be open at 7:00 am
- Grouse Grind Coffee bar will be open at 8:00 am

All winter outerwear and apparel from the following brands have been added to the Outfitter’s Winter Clearance Sale:

- North Face 30-50% off
- Rossignol 30-50% off
- Spyder 40-50% off
- Salomon 30-50% off

We also continue to have a great selection of winter apparel from Burton and Descente and our Oakley Factory Sale; all at 30-50% off.

Thanks everyone, and please share your pictures and experiences on our Facebook wall!

Altitude Bistro Drink Features

Sit back, loosen your boots and leave the rest to our bartenders. Enjoy our newly featured drinks menu at Altitudes Bistro and wind down your day up at Grouse Mountain.

Monday: "Martini Monday's" - All of our featured martinis on special for $7.50 ($2.00 off)

Tuesday: "Tasty Tuesday's" - All of our featured cocktails on special for $6.50 ($1.00 off) (note the grizzly Beer is on for $8.00..down from the usual $9.00)

Wednesday: "Whistler Wednesday's" - Whistler draft on special for $5.50 a pint, $17.00 pitcher + Whistler bottles for $5.00 each.…also runs into our Social Night specials

Thursday: "Toasty Thursday's" - All of our specialty hot drinks on special for $6.50 ($1.00 off)

Friday: "GI Friday’s" - Granville Island Draft on special for $5.50 a pint, $17.00 a pitcher

Saturday:“ Whistler Mixer” - Bucket of 4 bottles of Whistler beer for $20. (Typically all 4 flavors but substitutions are okay)

Sunday: "Sunday Caesars" - Caesars on special for $6.25 ($1.50 off)