Perched high above Vancouver, the Grouse Mountain Skyride trams are among the most recognizable sights in British Columbia. Whether you're ascending for a hike, heading up for first tracks, or looking up from the valley below, these cabins define the alpine experience.
Grouse Mountain just refreshed the visual identity of their trams and Blast Media helped by combining precision large-format print production with high-altitude installation. Grouse's team designed a fresh new look and we helped bring it to life. Here is a look behind the scenes at how we brought the update from file to flight.
The Vision: Bold Branding with a True Canadian Signature
Grouse's design called for clean, impactful updates visible from multiple vantage points:
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Sleek Side Cab Branding: Crisp, bold white lettering spelling out GROUSE MOUNTAIN alongside the iconic crest logo, set against an understated base stripe to maximize contrast against the tram's glass and vibrant red shell.
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The Belly Graphic: For visitors looking up from the ground or fellow riders on the trail below, the underside of the cabin received a custom off-white and red Canadian maple leaf emblem, framed cleanly around the tram's exterior service panels and hardware.
Phase 1: Precision Engineering & Print Production
Outfitting heavy machinery operating in a harsh Pacific Northwest alpine environment requires far more than standard vinyl. Between freezing temperatures, driving rain, dense fog, and intense UV exposure at elevation, the material demands were extreme.
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Precision Template Mapping: Every tram base features distinct rivets, drain plugs, and structural access points. We measured and mapped the exact panel layouts to ensure the maple leaf design aligned seamlessly without obstructing mechanical access or safety points.
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High-Performance Cast Film: We utilized ultra-conformable, premium-grade cast vinyl engineered specifically for fleet and commercial transit applications.
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UV & Weather Laminate: A heavy-duty, UV-blocking matte overlaminate was applied to protect the red and white pigmentation from fading, scuffing, and moisture intrusion over seasons of constant operation.
Phase 2: The High-Altitude Installation
Installing graphics on a stationary vehicle is straightforward; wrapping a multi-ton aerial tram car suspended above concrete pads and terrain presents unique logistics.
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Surface Decontamination: Mountain air, hydraulic residue, and brake dust build up quickly. Before applying an inch of vinyl, our crew executed a multi-stage clean and chemical surface preparation across the underside and side panels to ensure maximum bond strength.
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Under-Cab Rigging & Application: Working directly beneath the cabin required meticulous alignment. Applying the oversized graphic panel meant working around flush-mounted fasteners, cutting custom relief holes for hardware, and post-heating the edges to eliminate lift points against wind sheer.
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Side Track Line-Up: For the side profile, positioning had to be level across segmented window sills and doors, ensuring the brand mark remains uniform and legible whether the cabin is docked or soaring along the haul ropes.
Ready for the Climb
The finished cabins embrace a more sleek, modern look, while maintaining the classic mountain heritage, character and spectacular views visitors have known for decades. Seeing the tram take flight with the crisp new profile—and that bold red maple leaf standing out against the open sky—was a rewarding milestone for our entire production and field team.
Next time you catch a lift up the mountain, make sure to look up.
