Vancouver Island's Mount Washington Alpine Resort is the second-busiest winter recreation destination in BC – second to Whistler/Blackcomb, home of the Vancouver 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games. Mount Washington's phenomenal snowfall, mild temperatures, and astounding views of the Pacific Ocean, Gulf Islands, and Coastal Mountain Range make for a memorable cross-country ski experience. With 55km/34mi of trails, machine-groomed for cross-country skiing (classic and skating), the resort provides a top-rated Nordic experience. Since being granted Official Training Site status by Cross Country Canada, the Nordic trails, biathlon, and training facilities have been upgraded. The Canadian, US, Swedish, German, French, Czech, and Chinese Biathlon teams have prepared for the Vancouver 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games here.
Cross-country Ski Trails
Cross-country skiers at Mount Washington enjoy some of the most diverse and scenic trails in the Pacific Northwest. Most cross-country ski trails lie within the boundaries of Strathcona Provincial Park, the oldest and largest park of its kind in BC. Skiers are awestruck by views of rugged mountains, gigantic glaciers, and majestic stands of old growth forest. All trails are track-set for classic cross-country skiing and offer a centre lane groomed for skating. A few of the higher trails offering yet more spectacular views can be accessed by chairlift. But with most trails at the 900m/2953ft elevation receiving about 9m/30ft of snow annually, there's no need to look any farther for a panoramic view.
Children's Program
In keeping with its family fun sensibility, the resort offers an excellent children's program that allows parents to continue to play while their tuckered tykes have naps, snacks, and playtime in a cheerful, well-monitored environment.
Raven Lodge
The post-and-beam Raven Lodge on the edge of Strathcona Provincial Park is the epicentre of Vancouver Island's cross-country ski community. From this cozy day lodge, a series of loop trails offers easy workouts of between 3km/1.8mi and 12km/7.4mi across the gentle terrain of Paradise Meadows. Intermediate and advanced cross-country skiers take advantage of specially priced lift tickets to visit the upper West Meadows. Make time for the Lake Trail. Meandering over hills and past the stunning Helen Mackenzie and Battleship Lakes, the 9km/5.6mi trail takes skiers deep into the heart of the park. Views include Mount Albert Edwards, Golden Hinde and the flat-topped Comox Glacier. From mid-December to the end of March, cross-country skiers can follow machine-groomed trails around the resort and through scenic parklands.