Members Stay Motivated

As the decadence of the holiday season recedes in our memories and retailers replace Christmas Gift Ideas with Valentine's Romance Packages, the stark reality of our augmented consumption lingers on. In many cases, our bathroom mirrors unforgivingly reflect this reality every morning, prompting us to undertake radical fitness regimens that are doomed from the outset. Some statisticians estimate the New Year's resolution failure rate to be as high as 95%. Why so high?

One answer is lack of concrete objectives. Why are we in the gym at 6:30 am, hardwired to our iPods and counting down the seconds of our requisite 20-minute treadmill labour? For many, the reasons are nebulous, pointing to little more than the widely accepted hysteria surrounding "better living" in the New year. If the outcome of the regimen is unclear, and the anticipated reward undefined, the motivation quickly wanes.

It is for this reason that Grouse Mountain invented the Membership. Fitness is not a time-of-year initiative, but an on-going way of life. We know, we know, this whole "way of life" thing seems like such a major shift and commitment. Take our word for it, it doesn't have to be. Start small. Try a 15 minute hike through the forest on a pair of snowshoes. Maybe you'll spot an owl. Take a crisp, deep breath of mountain air. You'll feel better already.

From there, attempt a longer trail, maybe one with a bit of a climb. Again, your motivation is nothing more than a pleasant respite from the grind of city living. And what's 30 minutes, anyway? Another re-run during the writer's strike? Before you know it, you'll anticipate these hikes and will wonder what's up over that next bend on the way to Dam Mountain. We can describe the view to you, waxing poetic about panoramic vistas as far as the eye can see, but we'd rather you experienced it for yourself.

A Grouse Mountain Membership is your access tool to all this terrain and other cool winter stuff like ice skating, special rates for your friends and family, and deals on the gear you'll want as your fitness level increases. For $89.95, you can travel the Skyride as many times as you want for a whole year. And who knows, by the time spring rolls around, your winter workouts might have put you in a position to tackle that other trail you've been meaning to try: The Grouse Grind.

Hopefully with some concrete goals and a stunning outdoor setting you will be inclined to shift your fitness ambition from an ill-fated New Year's resolution to the timeless exploration of a backyard playground.

First out of the gates!

A November winter season opening is always something to celebrate! Grouse Mountain was happy to once again be the first out of the gates with downhill terrain for the Lower Mainland.

We are very optimistic about the season ahead and would like to reiterate a message of thanks to our dedicated snowmaking team whose efforts have gone a very long way in complimenting our natural snowfall and expanding our available terrain. For a great collection of early season photos, visit the CBC's website here. Thanks to Evan Mitsui for shooting these great images.

Dancer and Vixen join Santa at The Peak of Christmas

Dancer and Vixen, two of Santa's Reindeer, have arrived on Grouse Mountain from the North Pole. They can be visited beside Santa's Workshop near the Skating Pond.

Reindeer Interpretive Sessions will be held daily at 2pm and 4pm from December 1st to 24th.

Family Skate with Shae-Lynn Bourne & Victor Kraatz

This Sunday, December 2nd, legendary figure skating duo Victor Kraatz and Shae-Lynn Bourne reunite for a magical evening of family skating atop Grouse Mountain's outdoor skate pond.

From 6:30pm to 7:30pm you can hit the ice for an unforgettable chance to glide with Canadian icons. Whether you're up for a triple toe loop or a bent-ankle shuffle, the duo will be on hand for pointers and an exhibition of their renowned artistry.

Don't forget, now that The Peak of Christmas is up and running, Grouse Mountain's Family General Admission gives you full access to our regular activities for only $69.95 (2 adults & children/youth). Skate pond admission is complimentary with a Grouse Mountain Membership or Snow Pass.

• Where: Grouse Mountain Outdoor Skate Pond
• When: Sunday, December 2nd. 6:30 pm to 7:30 pm
• Cost: Complimentary with General Admission, Membership or Snow Pass.

Come on up and join the fun!

BYOP - Designers Wanted!

Our Terrain Parks survey at the end of last winter season generated the fastest and largest response of any winter survey we’ve ever done. We could not have asked for better, more honest, open or constructive feedback.

In fact, you gave us so many ideas and so much input that we decided to do something completely different this winter: let you build the parks. I mean, why not, right? You ride it, you know it, and if you build it, chances are it’s going to be exactly what you want.

From that same survey we learned that the majority of you want to be more involved with the park design process as well as want a reliable feedback system. These will be the two main goals behind the BYOP program.

Through a series of surveys and update videos on our YouTube channel, we’ll not only build what you ask for, but we’ll show you the progress, challenges and successes behind the Grouse Mountain Parks.