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British Columbia provides
some of the best skiing in North America, and Vancouver Island slopes are second
to none! By virtue of its location between the Pacific Ocean and the Strait of
Georgia, Mt. Washington gets heaped with snow during the season. Thrill-seekers
can golf, sail or scuba dive in the morning, ski in the afternoon and revel in
a hot tub in the evening. Whether you ski the diamond slopes or challenge the
all-natural Snowboard Park, you'll have a winter vacation to cherish for a lifetime.
There are two Ski Resorts on Vancouver Island:
Mt.
Washington
Mt. Cain
Mt.
Washington and Area
Mt. Washington Ski
Resort is the premier resort on Vancouver Island, located in the Comox Valley
west of Courtenay. The snow here is often deeper than anywhere else in British
Columbia, and occasionally deeper than anywhere else in the world! That was Mount
Washington's claim to fame in late 1995. Try as they might, no matter where the
staff called, no one could beat the more than 21 feet of snowpack that just kept
falling and falling.
Mount Washington has long been known for having
good snow conditions from early in winter to well past Easter. This accounts,
in part, for Mount Washington being the second-busiest winter recreation destination
in BC, behind Whistler/Blackcomb. It doesn't take long to discover why this part
of the province continues to attract new arrivals from across the country. With
a temperate coastal climate, it is possible to ride bicycles on local trails year-round,
yet be up in the snowfields with a half-hour drive.
A great deal of Mount
Washington's charm comes from its location. Mount Washington's chairlift glides
to a mile above sea level, and on a clear day, visitors have a 360-degree panorama
of the Strait of Georgia and the Sunshine Coast from Powell River to Sechelt,
with the peaks of the Coast Mountains rising in a long march behind. Closer at
hand, the many peaks adorning Strathcona Park's Forbidden Plateau region look
equally magnificent. Take your fill of the inspiring vista and set off on one
of the world-class alpine runs, groomed daily to ensure excellent run quality.
Snowboarding: Experience the thrill of the Snow Zone! Mt. Washington's
Snowboard Park includes 2 Terrain Parks and a half pipe maintained with a pipe
grinder, guaranteed to test the most skilled of snowboarders. The slopes offer
plenty of enjoyable and challenging runs down to the high-speed lifts that will
return you to snowboard heaven.
Cross-Country Skiing and Snowboarding:
Although Vancouver Island is renowned for its steep, rugged mountains, there's
also great beauty in the mellow, rounded hills and snow-carpeted meadows. This
terrain is ideal for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing, great aerobic activities
for the whole family, or the wandering couple and invigorating exercise for the
fitness fanatics. Fifty five kilometres of quiet track-set trails, partially located
in Strathcona Provincial Park, will provide enough terrain for the most demanding
adventurer to explore.
Nordic skiers on Mt. Washington enjoy some of
the most diverse and scenic trails in the Pacific Northwest. All trails are track-set
for classic and have a centre lane groomed for skating. From the cozy, cross-country
day lodge at Mount Washington, a series of loop trails offers workouts of between
3 and 12 km long across the gentle terrain of Paradise Meadows. All told,
there are over 55 km of skating-style and double-track cross-country trails around
Mount Washington.
Intermediate and advanced nordic skiers can take advantage
of a specially priced lift ticket for the Red Chair, from which you can descend
into the upper West Meadows along 10 km of tracked trails. For some of
the best cross-country terrain anywhere, try the Lake Trail Loop and the Upper
West Trail. There's an unhurried nature to cross-country skiing at Mt. Washington.
Snowshoeing is the best and easiest way to access the outdoors in winter
time. Strap on your snowshoes and hit the trails at Mt. Washington. Don't miss
the Lantern Light Cross-Country and Snowshoeing tour through the incredible meadows
of Mt. Washington. Glide along under a canopy of stars, with only lanterns or
headlights to guide you home.
Families that have diverse interests within
their group will appreciate having both alpine and backcountry facilities within
a short walking distance of each other at Mt. Washington. While some members are
riding the ski lifts, others can be exercising in the quiet of the backcountry.
Some of the best views of Mt. Washington's alpine terrain are from out in Paradise
Meadows.
Snowmobiling: Vancouver Island's hundreds of kilometres
of old logging roads provide convenient access to remote forests and mountain
ranges. Snowmobile touring on the island combines exploration of unexplored areas
with panoramic views of distant valleys and towering peaks.
With abundant
snowfall and spectacular views, Mt. Washington is a great place for snowmobiling,
offering unlimited adventure. Snowmobiling is not permitted beyond the 10-km marker!
Snowmobile rentals are available in Courtenay and Campbell River, and guided snowmobiling
tours can also be arranged.
Winter Camping: Self-sufficient skiers
intent on winter camping use these trails as starting points for exploring the
Battleship Lake and Lake Helen MacKenzie region and beyond.
Snow
Tubing: Lift accessed and night lift, 3 chutes.
Rentals: Skis,
snowboards, snowshoes and tow sleds are available from the rental shop at Mt.
Washington. Mt. Washington Ski Bus Company departs daily from Victoria. Luxury
coaches transport enthusiasts to the mountain, arriving prior to the lifts opening
and departing shortly after the last run of the day. The bus ride includes on-board
movies and meal stops.
The Mount
Washington Ski Area lies 31 km west of Hwy 19 in Courtenay, and is accessible
from Courtenay, Comox
and Campbell River. Visitors can arrange
to stay in either the on-hill accommodations or in the nearby Comox
Valley. If you're not into driving, shuttle buses to the mountain run from
a number of hotels in Courtenay.
Mt. Cain and Area
Mt. Cain
is located in Mt. Cain Regional Park, off Highway 19 north of Campbell River,
and is run by the non-profit Mt. Cain Alpine Park Society. It is Vancouver Island's
only community owned and operated ski and snowboard facility, with plenty of enjoyable
and challenging runs.
At Mount Cain you'll find untouched powder which
has built up over the week, virtually no line-ups for lifts and the friendly,
welcoming atmosphere of a family oriented mountain. With its island interior location,
Mt. Cain has drier snow than other Coastal mountains, and better spring skiing
conditions. Mt. Cain (1,646m) is open on weekends and ski holidays in the winter,
offering 18 downhill runs (vertical drop 450 m) and 15 km of unmarked cross-country
trails to explore.
Mt. Cain is accessed from the Island Highway 19 and is located 8 km south of the
Woss turnoff. It's a 16-km ride on a gravel road from the highway to the day lodge.
Roads are regularly maintained by the mountain's maintenance department, assisted
by the forest companies. |
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Mount Washington Alpine Resort, Mt. Washington |
Listing Details |
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Play in the snow, in the mile high alpine at Mount Washington Alpine Resort, Vancouver Island's Winter playground. Mount Washington has long been known for having good snow conditions from early in winter to well past Easter, accounting for Mt Washington being the second busiest winter recreation destination in BC, behind Whistler Blackcomb. Mt. Washington Alpine Resort offers something for everyone, featuring an average snowfall of 10 metres (33 feet), 60 marked runs, cross-country skiing, snow camping, snowshoeing trails, and two terrain parks. Mt Washington also offers lift-accessed and night-lit snow tubing. |
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Mt. Cain Ski Resort, Woss |
Listing Details |
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Mt. Cain is located in a regional park and is run by a non-profit society, the Mt. Cain Alpine Park Society. It is Vancouver Island's only community-owned and operated ski and snowboard facility. Situated on the north end of Vancouver Island, Mount Cain offers a unique experience for skiers, snowboarders and backcountry explorers. |
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