Warning still in place despite Grouse Grind being open

NORTH VANCOUVER (NEWS1130) – The Grouse Grind opens today, but that doesn’t mean it’s summer on the mountain. There is still a warning up about the climb.

Tim Jones with North Shore Rescue says although the trail itself is now clear of snow and ice, other parts of the mountain still have winter conditions.

But he says the biggest problem people have on the climb is not weather-related. “People need to gradually get into doing the Stairmaster, and then work towards it. The biggest thing, the common mistake, is they don’t hydrate enough and that’s really a key thing. At least a litre of water before you do it, and a litre of water during the trip.

He also says bringing a small backpack along with you is a good idea. “Emergency supplies like a high-energy bar, a small first-aid kit, a foil blanket, a whistle, and cell phone goes a long way to helping them stay out of trouble or helping somebody else.”