About Us: Our Story

Grouse Mountain was named by the first recorded hikers to reach the summit in October 1894. In those days, climbing Grouse Mountain was a three or four day epic journey - there was no bridge across Burrard Inlet and no road to the base. The hardy group of hikers slogged through snow, scrambled over rock and up through the dense forest. Along the way, they hunted a Blue Grouse and honoured the plentiful game bird by calling the Peak "Grouse Mountain".

Soon after this first ascent, Grouse Mountain began attracting hundreds of intrepid hikers. Among these were Don and Phyllis Munday who built the first log cabin on the mountain. Today, the Munday Alpine Snowpark bears their name in honour of their contributions to mountaineering.

Cabin at The Cut
The cabin area at the base of The Cut has a long history - it began with Vancouverites who found it an easier place to live than the city during the great depression - and it was the proposed terminus of yet another inclined railway, in 1939. World War II and another steel shortage ended this attempt, which had actually progressed to the construction stage, even though the tracks were half steel and half wood.

The World's First Double Chairlift
In 1949, the world's first double chairlift was built, replacing a two to three hour hike from the skiers' bus stop at the base of the mountain. This confirmed Grouse Mountain's reputation as a leader. The first chairlift for "The Cut" was built in 1951, and for the first time, skiers and visitors could reach the mountain in a two-stage trip. The Peak of Vancouver soon became a hub for the international jet set, drawn to dining and dancing in the original Grouse Mountain Chalet.
In 1965, the Grouse Mountain Snow School opened, drawing upon an already well-established history of skiing, ski clubs, and world champion skiers.

The Skyride Opens
On December 15, 1966, the 45 passenger Grouse Mountain Skyride was opened and dedicated by Premiere W.A.C. Bennett. A new mountain station with two restaurants, gift shops and other facilities accompanied the opening of the Skyride, as did a new valley station complete with 1,000 paved parking spots. Other accomplishments included building Canada's largest snowmaking system, completed in 1973.

A New Beginning
In 1974, the McLaughlin family purchased the controlling interest of Grouse Mountain Resorts Ltd., and provided the necessary funding to construct a second tramway. The addition of the 100 passenger Red Skyride made the Grouse Mountain aerial tramway system the largest in North America.
In 1989, the McLaughlin family purchased 100% of the shares of Grouse Mountain. The following year, the addition of the Theatre in the Sky represented the first year round attraction to be built on the mountain.

Renovations and Enhancements
Since 1990, $25M in renovations have been undertaken, merging Grouse Mountain's rich history with the latest in modern recreational technology and convenience. Among the developments:

• Renovations to the Peak Chalet in 1996 further enhanced the appeal of the lodge - using natural, indigenous materials to build upon its rich heritage.
• In 1997, the híwus feasthouse and cultural centre was constructed on the shores of Blue Grouse Lake. Offering visitors native dining, culture and entertainment, this beautifully carved cedar longhouse has been praised for its authenticity and uniqueness.
• In 1999, The Observatory Restaurant was opened, providing visitors with a magnificent fine-dining experience high above the city. The Observatory offers the finest in contemporary British Columbian cuisine.
• In 2000, Grouse Mountain invested $4.3 million to enhance its winter operations - including Vancouver's first high speed quad chair, the Screaming Eagle. Snow grooming and snow making operations were also improved, providing an exceptional winter experience.
• In 2001, Grouse Mountain brought the world-renowned UCI Mountain Bike World Cup to Vancouver for the first time, and was commissioned to host the event for three consecutive years.
• Also in 2001, The Grouse Mountain Refuge for Endangered Wildlife was launched. Grinder and Coola, two orphaned grizzly bears, were the first to call The Wildlife Refuge their home.
• 2001 also saw the addition of wraparound decks, providing optimum viewing of the city below. Renovations were completed to the popular Lupins Café.
• In 2002, orphaned grizzly bear brothers Cari and Boo were given a second chance at life in the Refuge for Endangered Wildlife. Their critical first winter was successfully passed in a custom-crafted hibernation den.
• Early in the summer of 2002, renovations were completed on Grouse Mountain's newest dining venue, Altitudes Bistro, offering casual West Coast fare in a sleek mountaintop setting. Altitudes boasts one of the greatest patios in the province.
• Also in 2002, extensive renovations to Grouse Mountain's Guest Services and Rental facilities were completed, streamlining operations and allowing guests to get started on their mountaintop adventures more promptly.
• Winter of 2002 saw the introduction of a new Magic Carpet Lift, especially designed to facilitate the beginner's ski and snowboard experience. A new intermediate run, Heaven's Sake, was introduced off the Peak, increasing Grouse Mountain's skiable terrain. In addition, 5 new snowguns were added to the fleet, bringing the grand total up to 35 machines.
• In 2003, Grouse Mountain introduced snow skating to its repertoire of winter activities. Snow skaters were permitted access to Grouse Mountain's greatly enhanced Terrain Park for the cost of General Admission.
• Also in 2003, grizzly cubs Cari and Boo departed the Grouse Mountain Refuge for Endangered Wildlife to anchor phase two of the grizzly bear rehabilitation project. The 2-year old brothers moved to the world's largest protected grizzly bear habitat at Kicking Horse Mountain in Golden, BC. Following Cari and Boo's move to Kicking Horse, resident grizzlies Grinder and Coola will inherit free reign over the entire 5-acre grizzly habitat at Grouse Mountain's Refuge for Endangered Wildlife.
• In July of 2003, following Vancouver's successful candidacy as host of the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games, Grouse Mountain announces plans for a $4M upgrade to its winter infrastructure in the form of a new high-speed detachable quad chair. Aptly named the Olympic Express, the new lift will offer tangible user benefits such as decreased ascent times, shorter line times, and greater scenic viewing opportunities for all guests.
• June of 2004 marked the arrival of a pack of adult grey wolves atop Grouse Mountain. The wolves are retired film industry stars that were born into captivity and were hand raised. Grouse Mountain is proud to give these wolves a large, protected home where they can roam freely and explore their new habitat at the base of the mountain.
• June 2008 Air Grouse mountain ziplining arrives at Grouse Mountain. The Air Grouse experience puts guests high above the alpine rainforest, careening through the air at speeds of more than 50 km/hour.

A View to the Future
With a storied past, a captivating present and a promising future, Grouse Mountain continues to expand its role as Vancouver's premier four-season destination and ambassador to the world leading up to 2010.