Grouse Mt. has no detail snow data, so we estimate 350 inches snowfall, consistent with other low altitude maritime Northwest areas. The key risk to snow conditions is not drought but rain. This is a minor issue for the locals, who can sit out the wet weather and wait to ski the next week’s dump. It does, however, make planning a big trip involving air travel here more of a gamble. In terms of quality, storms at Grouse Mt. can bring the cold stuff that makes for beautiful turns, or just as often, they can douse you with warmer snow that you weigh by the pound instead of measuring by the inch. Be prepared with the fattest, most rockered skis you can get for the latter conditions.

Accumulation and Preservation

With its ample snowfalls, Grouse Mt. is often well covered by mid-December and rates to be in full operation by Christmas most of the time. Like all the Vancouver local ski areas, altitude is low and exposures are variable, so snow preservation is not the greatest. Grouse Mt. is best skied midwinter or immediately after fresh snowfalls.