This morning, we woke up at 5:45am to get ready to drive the 45m (with good traffic) trek to Grouse Mountain. Of course, it decided to snow last night and there was a decent amount stuck to the roads. We left extra early in case the freeway was busy with rush hour.
We made it to the base of Grouse Mountain in about an hour - which is pretty darned quick with the snow and traffic factored in!
We bundled up into snowpants, boots, jackets, gloves and toques then went off to go for the 1 mile ride to the top on the gondola. It was pretty quiet - especially since it was only 7:45am! There wasn't any wait to go up and there was plenty of elbow room on the skyride.
Outside, you could meet Prancer - a real reindeer!, go ice skating or visit Santa in his workshop. There is also sleigh rides, but those weren't in operation today. Indoors, there's Christmas cartoons on in the theater starting every half hour, crafts and the SOS Children's Gingerbread Village.
We had stored our stuff (diaper bag, D's snowpants and jacket, all the gloves etc, in the lockers that they have available for rent so we didn't have to drag it all over (chasing after a 16 month old with a diaper bag on your shoulder and winter gear coming out the wazoo just isn't fun!) Totally worth the $1. However, it wasn't me that had to make the two minute walk outside through the snow to get to the lockers - thanks husband! - so I didn't mind it wasn't located in the main building. I'm crossing my fingers that next year, when it's my turn, they have moved them to the main building, where it makes more sense to have them (or at least some!)
I think next year, when D is older and will understand what this white quicksand all over the ground that keeps tripping him is for, he will enjoy it more. He definitely did have fun this year even with being cranky towards the end! He was out within five minutes of being in the car.
The Peak of Christmas, in my opinion, is more geared towards the 4-6 year old range or the 10+ ages if they like to snowboard or ski while at the top after spending sometime with the family. It is fun, regardless of age though!