Ski holidays Mount Washington

Mt. Washington Alpine Resort, located on the eastern edge of the Vancouver Island Ranges, is the island’s premier ski destination. While it may not be the first choice for international ski tourists, Mt. Washington offers a unique combination of ample snow, family-friendly atmosphere and breathtaking water views.

The resort’s strength lies in its versatility, with terrain to suit all levels of skiers and snowboarders, as well as a strong focus on beginner-friendly areas and family activities. The extensive Nordic facilities and alternative winter activities make Mt. Washington a versatile destination for all types of winter visitors.

Mt. Washington Resort overview

• Skiable area: 1,700 acres (688 hectares)
• Vertical drop: 505 meters (1,657 feet)
• Summit height: 1,593 meters (5,226 feet)
• Base height: 1,084 meters (3,556 feet)
• Number of slopes: 81 marked trails
• Lift system: 5 chairlifts (2 express) and multiple surface lifts
• Annual snowfall: 11.6 meters (38 feet)

Specific slope areas and trails

Eagle Express Area

• Coaster:
  • Long blue trail with panoramic views of Georgia Strait
  • Perfect for intermediate skiers who want to enjoy long turns
• Whiskey Jack:
  • Black diamond through glade area
  • Challenging terrain with natural features
• Easy Acres:
  • Green area dedicated to beginners
  • Served by covered magic carpets and a slow chairlift

Boom Chair Area

• Linton’s Loop:
  • Blue trail winding through forest
  • Popular with families and intermediate skiers
• The Nose:
  • Black diamond with steep sections and bumps
  • One of the resort’s most challenging slopes

The Outback

• Powder Face:
  • Double black diamond in open bowl
  • Requires a short traverse to reach, but rewards with pristine snow
• Good Evil:
  • Challenging black diamond through dense forest
  • Requires expertise and good snow conditions

Unique terrain features

• Stomping Ground Terrain Park: Progressive park with features for all levels
• Foster’s Place: Natural half-pipe-like terrain
• Sitzmark Ridge: Beautiful ridge with stunning views and varied terrain

Snow quality and weather conditions

• Known for copious amounts of snow, often heavier and wetter than inland snow
• Southwest aspect can affect snow quality on sunny days
• Microclimate that often produces snow, even when it rains in the lowlands

Accommodation options

• Bear Lodge:
  • Ski-in/ski-out apartments at the foot of the Eagle Express lift
  • Fully equipped kitchens and hot tub access
• Deer Lodge:
  • Centrally located hotel with a mix of rooms and suites
  • On-site restaurant and lounge
• Alpine Lodge:
  • Budget-friendly rooms close to Nordic Center
  • Perfect for cross-country skiers and snowshoe enthusiasts
• Comox Valley accommodation:
  • Various hotels and B&Bs in Courtenay and Comox, 30-40 minutes drive from the resort

On-site facilities

• Alpine Lodge:
  • Ted’s Bar & Grill: Casual dining and popular après-ski spot
  • Hungry Marmot Express: Fast food and snacks
• Raven Lodge (Nordic area):
  • Raven Lodge Café: Specialty coffee and light meals
  • Nordic Equipment Rentals and Lessons
• Eagle Express Day Lodge:
  • Mount Washington Snow School
  • Retail shop and ski equipment rental

Transport and accessibility

• 33 km northwest of Courtenay in the Comox Valley
• Nearest airport: Comox Valley Airport (YQQ), 45 minutes’ drive
• Ferry connections from Vancouver to Nanaimo (2 hour drive to the resort)
• Shuttle bus service available from Courtenay/Comox area

Unique Mt. Washington experiences

• Snowshoe Fondue Tours: Guided snowshoe tours with fondue dinner (weekends)
• Ozone Tubing Park: Fun for the whole family with reserved time slots
• Fat Biking: Winter mountain biking on specially designed trails
• Sunset Snowshoe & Dinner: Evening tour with dinner in Raven Lodge (selected dates)

Best runs for each level

• Beginners: Green Line in the Easy Acres area
• Intermediate: “Coaster from the top of the Eagle Express
• Advanced: “Powder Face in The Outback
• Experts: “The Yeti” in the Boomerang Bowl

Activities beyond alpine skiing

• Nordic skiing: 55 km of groomed cross-country ski trails
• Snowshoeing: Guided tours and self-guided trails available
• Winter Disc Golf: 9-hole course at Raven Lodge
• Vancouver Island Mountain Center: Education center with workshops and courses

Canada offers many exciting ski/snowboard opportunities, with destinations such as Fernie, Kicking Horse, Lake Louise, Apex, Big White, Cypress Mountain, Kimerley, Silver Star and many more.

If you want to read more about Canada as a ski holidays destination, click here.