Soon-to-be “Golden Boy” wins Y2Play Golden Ticket

What better way to celebrate your upcoming 50th birthday than with a Golden Ticket to the Peak of Vancouver?

Delta resident Paul Soukoreff is about to enjoy the ultimate year on the slopes of Grouse Mountain after winning the Peak of Vancouver’s biggest contest ever. Paul – who turns 50 years old on January 3 – has been shredding the Grouse Mountain slopes with his 19-year-old daughter Richelle since she was 10.

“We are offering unprecedented access to Grouse Mountain and we know Paul is in for a great year as the Y2Play Golden Ticket winner,” said Grouse Mountain General Manager Michael Cameron. “Happy Birthday Paul!”

The contest helped launch the 2013/2014 Y2Play campaign, enticing entrants with more than 20 unbelievable experiences. Prizes range from a 'tram surf' on top of the Skyride – yes on top! – to private first tracks to a Golden reserved parking space. Total prizing is valued over $10,000, though the package overall is essentially priceless with many once-in-a-lifetime perks.

More than 300 Grouse Mountain enthusiasts entered by answering the question, “Why Do You Y2Play?” From that group five finalists were selected to move on to the video round. The winner was determined by a combination of Facebook fan votes, a panel of celebrity judges and Grouse Mountain staff. 1,527 fans of the Grouse Mountain Facebook page voted for finalist Enzo and 1,433 voted for Paul, but Paul edged past Enzo with the top ranking from each of the three celebrity judges and Grouse Mountain.

When ranking Paul #1, the judges made these comments:

“The father, daughter bond was something special to see, you don't really see that every day, it really helped the video as it added an emotional element to it. Plus the guy is turning 50.”

Karm Sumal, VancityBuzz.com

“The scenes shot in the video just capture what a snowy playground Grouse is, high above the city.” 

Rebecca Bollwitt , aka Miss604.com

“We hear lots of talk about 'quality family time'...but this guy is doing it right!”

Erin Davis, Virgin Radio 95.3

The other finalists include: Steph, a hard-working, adventure-seeking mom; Enzo, a hard-studying, break-seeking UBC student; Gareth, who met his wife during a Grouse Mountain ski school lesson; and Sarah, a cancer survivor who returns to the mountains again and again for sanctuary.

“Each of the top five finalists will enjoy Grouse Mountain on us next season with a 2013/2014 Adult Y2Play pass,” Cameron added.

Now at 70% sold, Grouse Mountain’s Y2Play is B.C.’s best value snow pass. If purchased now passholders ski or ride for the rest of this season and all of next for up to 80% off.