A historical fact that Andrew Saxton Sr. loves to share is that exactly three
weeks before he was born in September of 1929, British Prime Minister, Sir
Winston Churchill dined in the original Grouse Mountain Chalet. It speaks to
Saxton’s incredible knowledge about the history of Grouse Mountain as well
as his pride in being part of such a storied institution.
Originally from Hungary and orphaned at the age of 14, Saxton arrived in Canada in 1947. He went on to establish a number of businesses and hold many executive positions through his career.
Originally from Hungary and orphaned at the age of 14, Saxton arrived in Canada in 1947. He went on to establish a number of businesses and hold many executive positions through his career.
Saxton first became involved with Grouse Mountain in 1964. At the time,
the Mountain was owned by the Cromie family, owners of the Vancouver
Sun newspaper. The family had decided to sell their business, and the
new owner, being in publishing, was not interested in owning a ski resort.
Saxton was friends with the Cromie family, and having become aware of the
situation, was able to purchase Grouse Mountain with a group of investors,
forming the public company Grouse Mountain Resorts Ltd.
At the time, the only way to access the Mountaintop was via chairlift. Saxton
knew, in order to be successful, he needed to find a better way to get
people up the Mountain. Through research and connections in Europe, he
arrived at the idea of an aerial tramway – which would become the first of its
kind in Canada. Within 17 months of construction, the first Grouse Mountain
Skyride was opened and dedicated by Premier W.A.C. Bennett on December
15, 1966. With the 45-passenger tram came a new mountain station featuring
two restaurants, gift shops and other facilities as well as a new valley station
complete with 900 paved parking spots.
Now easily accessible, the Mountain became an
increasingly popular ski resort and attraction.
As Chairman of Grouse Mountain Resorts Ltd.,
Saxton was also instrumental in building what
was at the time Canada’s largest snowmaking
system. Completed in 1973, this established
night skiing on the Mountain.
As Grouse Mountain’s popularity continued to
grow, Saxton began looking at opportunities to
install an even larger tram. Ten years to the day
following the inauguration of the first Grouse
Mountain Skyride, the larger Super Skyride
was opened with the ability to carry 100
passengers to the Mountaintop.
Saxton remained an investor in the
company until it was taken private by the
McLaughlins in 1989. It was through his
initial leadership and innovative thinking
that Grouse Mountain took its first major
strides toward becoming the world-renowned
attraction it is today.