Start your New Year’s Resolutions Early at the Grouse Mountain Snowshoe Grind
December is certainly a month full of indulgences. From turkey to Christmas cookies to champagne, you might be feeling a bit sluggish after this holiday season… So, if you’re thinking of making a resolution to get back in shape (after one more glass of wine… okay, two…), the Grouse Mountain Snowshoe Grind is one of the best activities in town!
When the weather in town is frightful, there’s a good chance it’s snowing up the mountain. So if you don’t feel like going for another soggy jog around the neighbourhood, check out the Snowshoe Grind for a great way to stay in shape.
With the official Grouse Grind closed for the winter season, it’s a bit harder to get such a great workout opportunity in the great outdoors. Luckily, Grouse Mountain has created an alternative for the snowy months.
Image courtesy of Grouse Mountain
The Snowshoe Grind will take you on a sweaty climb up a spectacular mountain with some stunning views, which makes it almost seem like you’re not working out. At the top of the Grind, you’ll be rewarded with a stunning 360 degree view of the surrounding mountain ranges and a great view down on the city below.
Located at the top of the mountain, the Snowshoe Grind promises a challenge. Starting at a Grouse Grind timer (don’t forget to time yourself to provide motivation for the next time), the Snowshoe Grind will take you away from the Chalet adjacent to the Skyride and into the snowy winter landscape.
The Snowshoe Grind is not a simple walk in the park. In fact, you can burn around 500 calories an hour on snowshoes, and that’s just walking on a flat path! You’ll be able to feel the calories burning away as your legs also burn from the exertion.
Image courtesy of Grouse Mountain
Quick Facts about the Snowshoe Grind
Length 4.3 kilometres (2.67 miles)
Elevation Gain 240 metres (787 feet)
Average Time About 1 hour. The trail was selected so that your Grouse Grind times will be similar to your Snowshoe Grind times.
Participants Anyone who is reasonably fit can do the Snowshoe Grind.
To access the Snowshoe Grind, or any of Grouse Mountain’s other snowshoe trails, a Ski & Snowboard Pass, Alpine Experience Ticket or Annual Membership is required. The Snowshoe Grind is open in daylight hours, seven days a week in the winter.
If you’re looking for something a bit easier, the Mundy Showshoe Park offers a few other options. You can either tour the groomed beginner and intermediate snowshoe trails of the Blue Grouse Loop, or head for Dam Mountain – a pristine loop of three main trails that circle Dam Mountain and Thunderbird Ridge. Whatever you decide, you can find the trails easily with clearly marked signs from the top of Grouse Mountain.
If you happen to stay on the top of Grouse Mountain after nightfall, don’t forget to check out the much-loved Light Walk for some great photo opportunities.