Ski & Snowboard Ability | Grouse Mountain - The Peak of Vancouver

Please be advised, the downhill area is now open for skiing and riding Monday-Friday from 12pm-8pm and Weekends/Holidays from 9am-5pm. Mountaintop access is available from 9am-9pm and other activities/attractions are open as conditions allow.

For information on today's activities, attractions, and dining options, please check Today on Grouse.

Ski Ability Levels

FAQ Display

+Level 1: Introduction to Ski

Introduction to the Alpine Responsibility Code
Able to put on and take off skis
Can stand, walk and climb on skis
Show good balance while straight running
Able to get up from a fallen position
Able to make a gliding snowplow
Able to make a snowplow stop
Can use the Magic Carpet

+ Level 2: Beginner Snowplow

Braking snowplow to control speed
Able to side step on any hill
Can turn legs to show direction change
Can link snowplow turns down Paradise Bowl
Can skate along flats
Able to get on and off chairlifts and understands chairlift safety
Skis under control at all times

+ Level 3: Basic Parallel

Can use turn shape to control speed on all green runs
Stands centered on skis
Skis in a small snowplow
Skis become parallel at the end of the turn
Can balance on turning leg
Demonstrates the ability to bend and extend legs
Introduced to side-slipping and edging skills
Can ski the Cut confidently

+ Level 4: Parallel Skiing

Can vary turn shape
Controls speed with usage of turns
Matching skis parallel in the middle of the turn
Can make a hockey stop
Introduced to ski poles
Able to ski Expo and Centennial in control
Can recite the Alpine Responsibility Code

+ Level 5: Intermediate/Advance Parallel

Linked rhythmical turns
Can release both edges simultaneously at the start of the turn
Can make a parallel turn on blue terrain
Can ski various conditions on blue terrain
Begin to make short turns
Introduced to beginner bumps
Various radius of turns

+ Level 6: Advance Parallel & Bumps

Can ski with control and confidence on Black Slopes
Vary turn shape to match terrain and snow conditions
Makes strong pole plants
Improving edging to carve more
Maintain balance throughout the turn
Skis short radius turns
Ski blue bumps in the fall line

To book a 2 hour private lesson or for more info please call Guest Services.

Snowboard ABility Levels

FAQ Display

+Level 1: First Time Rider

Introduction to the Alpine Responsibility Code
Put on and take off snowboard
Skate on flat terrain
Able to sidestep up and down slight inclines
Able to straight run on gentle slope
Introduction to slide slipping
Can use the Magic Carpet

+ Level 2: Beginner Rider

Begin to develop a balanced body position
Side slipping on toes alone
Side slipping on heels alone
Introduction to Pendulum
Able to get on and off chairlifts and understands chairlift safety

+ Level 3: Novice Rider

Pendulum with confidence
Stands centered on snowboard
Toe to heel turn
Heel to toe turn
Starting to use upper and lower body to direct snowboard
Able to make it down The Cut without assistance

+ Level 4: Intermediate Rider

Link toe to heel and heel to toe turns
Able to use turns to control speed
Development of rotational balance
Development of up and down movement throughout the turns
Using upper body movement to start turns
Can recite the Alpine Responsibility Code

+ Level 5: Cruising & Carving Intermediate

Consistently carving on Green terrain
Linked turns on intermediate terrain (Expo and Centennial)
Able to absorb small bumps and rolls with lower body while upper body remains quiet
Able to ride all terrain
Show good rhythm while turning
Able to hold and ride the fall line

+ Level 6: Advance Riding

Able to carve on all terrain
Rides confidently on all terrain, on and off groomed runs
Introduction to various approaches to riding bumps and steep terrain
Developing timing and pressure control skills
Shows good steering of the board throughout the whole turn
Shows good angulation and flexion throughout the whole turn

To book a 2 hour private lesson or for more info please call Guest Services.