MOUNTAIN LIFE - Blue Mountains | Summer 2018

SUMMER 2018 ML BLUE 25 5 Experience an unfamiliar and untamed side of Blue Mountain: hike The Grind. This multi-use trail skirts the heavily wooded southern edge of the Orchard trails. Start your hike or run by following the signs, located left of the Orchard chairlift. (The trail is multi-use but bikes can only use it going up, so you don’t have to worry about a bike hurtling down on you.) The first section rises steeply and meanders through old apple trees, a reminder that there was indeed a series of mountainside apple orchards before and after the establishment of the resort in 1941. Continuing up into deeper hardwood forests you’ll forget you’re only a few hundred feet from the ski trails on one side and Scenic Caves Road on the other. At the summit, head south along the edge of the mountain, passing along all the runs you know so well in winter, and eventually you’ll hook up with Blue’s topside hiking trails: Southern Traverse, which leads into Route 66. Off Route 66, you’ll take a right onto Village Way, a hiking-only trail that will take you down the hill. This shady trail is well carved but can be challenging at times, with lots of rocky terrain and switchbacks. Eventually you’ll notice the Ridge Runner Mountain Coaster on skier’s right and know you’re making progress. Near the base you’ll emerge from the forest near the ziplines and the high ropes course, and then into the Village. Here you can cool down and enjoy a cold Smart Alec Ale on the newly revamped patio of the Grand Central Lodge, skier’s left as you walk into the Village past Activity Central. DIY: A full hiking map can be downloaded on your smartphone with the Blue Mountain Map App. Search for Blue Mountain on the app store. bluemountain.ca MICROTRIPS Mountain Hike: The Grind MARC LANDRY/COURTESY BLUE MOUNTAIN RESORTS