Grouse Mountain Invites Skiers and Riders to Design New Gondola Cabins Grouse Mountain Resort in British Columbia is taking an innovative approach to decorating its soon-to-be-launched gondola. The ski resort has announced an art contest that will allow skiers and riders to showcase their creativity on the new lift cabins, offering a chance to become a permanent part of the mountain's legacy.The contest theme, "Memories of a Lifetime at Grouse Mountain," encourages participants to draw inspiration from their personal experiences at the resort. Five grand prize winners will see their artwork adorning the gondola cabins and receive $2,000 along with two invitations to the exclusive Gondola Launch Party.
To ensure authenticity, the competition is open to all artists with a personal connection to Grouse Mountain. The resort has partnered with Carson Ting, a renowned Vancouver-based visual artist, who will create his own piece for the Grouse Gallery before joining the judging panel.The new gondola, representing a $35 million investment, will feature 27 eight-person cabins and 14 towers. With a trip time of just 5.5 minutes and an hourly uphill capacity of 1,000 persons, it will more than double the capacity of its predecessor, the Blue Skyride, which has been in operation since 1966.
The existing blue aerial tram which has been operating at the resort since 1966. Credit: Grouse Mountain Grouse Mountain aims to have the new gondola operational for the 2024-2025 winter season, modernising access from the parking lot to the slopes. This upgrade is part of a larger expansion plan, which includes the opening of a lift-assisted bike park and the construction of a mountain coaster in spring 2025, totalling an additional $9 million investment.As one of three ski resorts in the Vancouver area, alongside Cypress Mountain and Mt. Seymour, Grouse Mountain has been a favourite among local skiers since opening its first chairlift in 1949. The resort offers stunning views of Vancouver from its slopes, making it a unique skiing destination.The art contest and new gondola installation mark an exciting chapter for Grouse Mountain, blending community engagement with infrastructure improvements. As the resort continues to evolve, it remains committed to creating memorable experiences for skiers and riders while honouring its rich history.
About the author
Michael Fulton
Melbourne-based skier and snowboarder with 50+ resorts across 5 continents. Specialises in Australian resorts and international resort comparisons.
