Some 1.2 million visitors travel to Mount Washington Alpine Resort annually. They are drawn by an startling average snowfall of 11m/36ft, relatively mild winter temperatures, and a encompassing view of the Pacific Ocean, Vancouver Island, and the Coast Mountain Range.
But summer is no slacker either. The resort's diverse terrain is used for hiking, sightseeing and mountain biking.
In total, five lifts (including 2 high-speed quads) and four Magic Carpet lifts service Mount Washington's 81 alpine runs and 505m/1,657ft of vertical. There are runs suited to all fitness and skill levels. Advanced skiers and snowboarders are particularly drawn to Mount Washington for its challenging backside, the Outback and extensive tree-skiing on the south side of the mountain. Night-skiing via the Whisky Jack Chair is also an option.
Terrain Park
In addition to the advantage of all-natural snow, the resort has two terrain parks: the Green Park is for beginners, while the snow mounds, formidable hits, step-up jumps, gap jumps, rails, rollers and wall rides of the Stomping Ground is for advanced riders only. The Canadian, American, Swiss, and Swedish snowboarding teams trained for the Vancouver 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games at Mount Washington.
Cross-Country Skiing
With 55km/34mi of trails machine-groomed for cross-country skiing (classic and skate), Mount Washington delivers a top-rated Nordic experience. A few of the higher trails offering yet more spectacular views can be accessed by chairlift. But with most trails at the 900m/2,953ft elevation receiving about 10m/33ft of snow annually, there's no need to look any farther for a panoramic view.
More Winter Activities
Mount Washington Alpine Resort offers some of the best snowshoeing in Canada according to Ski Canada Magazine. Snowshoe tours begin at Raven Lodge, where snowshoers can return after a journey into Strathcona Provincial Park for fondue. The Ozone Snow Tubing Park, lit all night, is great après-ski fun.
Summer Activities
In summer, Mount Washington Alpine Resort and neighboring Strathcona Provincial Park offer some of the most varied and challenging hiking in the Vancouver Island region. Mount Washington has seven alpine trails with alternate degrees of difficulty. Strathcona Provincial Park has an additional 40 trails.
The Bike Park at Mount Washington is also a major summer draw. Mountain biking trails range from smooth beginner runs to steep expert grades. Chairlifts provide access to alpine trails and long descents. Stunts abound on advanced trails. Premiere mountain bike events take place on Mount Washington in the summer.
Festivals
Every Boxing Day, the Mount Washington Snow Pros glide from the mountaintop, torches in hand, in elegant figure-8 patterns during the Torchlight Parade. Fireworks mark the end of the event.
The Spring Snow Jam in March features a number of events for the whole family. The marquee event, the After Dark Invitational, features pro skiers and boarders performing mid-air tricks as the fly over a 24m/80ft tabletop.
July brings the annual Beer Festival and August, the Wine Festival, both with tastings and food pairings.
Where to Begin
For more information about winter and summer activities, accommodation, dining, and festivals at Mount Washington Alpine Resort, contact the Comox Valley Visitor Centre in Courtenay.
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