Grouse Grind now closed for the winter

While this week brings good news for downhill daredevils with the opening of Whistler, uphill enthusiasts in Vancouver are probably done for another year.

Due to “unpredictable and rapidly changing hazardous mountain weather conditions,” the Grouse Grind at Grouse Mountain is now closed, Metro Vancouver has announced.

It’s been a great hiking season, and #GrouseGrind is now closed for the winter. Thanks, all! See you in the spring. @grousemountain pic.twitter.com/73beSdb7yI

— Metro Vancouver (@MetroVancouver) November 23, 2016

“The decision to close the trail for the season is based on an assessment of the winter conditions at the top of the trail, accumulated rainfall and weather forecasts,” said Mike Neale, a watershed protection officer, who oversees the trail, told Daily Hive in an email. “The closure is made to ensure public safety.”

The date of the closure is is assessed based on the current and forecasted weather conditions.

“We ask hikers to respect the season closure of the Grouse Grind,” Neale added. “Metro Vancouver will assess the trail in the Spring and advise of the seasonal re-opening date.”

The annual seasonal closure typically takes place in mid-November, and this year is no different. The closure takes effect for reasons such as:

• Snow, ice and slippery conditions in steep terrain
• Avalanche danger
• Debris torrents
• High winds and falling tree debris
• Off-season trail use leading to increased erosion and trail damage