Grouse Grind reopens, with changes

VANCOUVER (NEWS 1130) — The Grouse Grind reopened Monday for the first time since closing due to the pandemic, with some changes.

For those hiking to the top, though, a reservation is required to take the gondola back down.

“It’s important to remember to book your download time in advance,” said Julia Grant, with Grouse Mountain.

She also advised to maintain a safe physical distance from others while on the trail, and to stay to the right so others can pass, if they wish.

“Use the left to pass, when it is safe to do so.”

For all you hikers planning on tackling the #GrouseGrind on opening day, you'll need to reserve a download time on the Skyride in advance. Reservations can be made one day in advance when buying a Download Ticket online. Learn more about What to Expect https://t.co/k687rEUhKU pic.twitter.com/kRRUMOjRHD

— Grouse Mountain (@grousemountain) June 20, 2020

Those aren’t the only changes.

“So we’ve significantly reduced the capacity on the Skyride,” said Grant. “It’s about 70 per cent reduced, we’re beginning with, so that allows for 30 people per Skyride cabin.”

Grant added visitors also need to wear a mask while on the gondola.

Grouse Mountain has been closed since mid-March due to COVID-19 concerns.

Meanwhile, North Shore Rescue is asking people seeking to take advantage of the mountains in that area to remain aware of potential dangers after a man was pulled from Seymour on Sunday.

“His first big mistake is he went for a hike and didn’t tell anybody where he was going,” Search team leader Mike Danks said. “The only information we had was a dropped 9-1-1 call to say that he was on Mount Seymour and he was by a creek.”

Danks added the hiker — pulled to safety after spending a cold night on the mountain — was lucky to survive, and that the area where he was found is where North Shore Rescue has performed a number of “body recoveries.”