About - Mount Washington Alpine Resort
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Your ISLAND MTN

Mt. Washington Alpine Resort is a Year-Round Recreation Destination

It's all right here. Where else can you spend Saturdays catching the first lift up Eagle Chair with ocean views, then an afternoon in Cumberland pedalling on two-wheels, followed by a sunset paddle on the Salish Sea. Here in the Comox Valley's alpine, locals find reprieve from the wet-coast winters and summer buzz to take things higher. 1588 metres above sea level higher, to be exact. Adventure is around every turn.
 
Relish in the authentic West Coast vibe, where the clock ticks a little slower. Island time radiates throughout the happy, laid-back Mt. Washington locals who prosper in the bounty of fresh local fair, beautiful climate, and an endless coastal playground, year-round. The true seasonal magic you're looking for is all right here.
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We receive some of the biggest snowfalls in North America - over 11 metres (457 inches) annually on average. Whoa, snow! Don't let our island location fool you. Paired with beautiful glades, powder bowls and 1,700 acres of in-bound terrain, plus The Outback terrain via Boomerang Chairlift offers incredible snowpack and an out-and-back experience unlike any other.
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Captain Richards named Mount Washington as he explored Canada's Pacific Coast in 1860; choosing the name Mount Washington after the Rear Admiral John Washington, who was the Official Hydrographer to the Royal Navy. Mount Washington Alpine Resort was established in 1979 by Henry Norie and Alex Linton, two Campbell River businessmen. The idea originated in 1975 when Linton, an avid skier and local businessman, was impressed by Mount Washington's height and snowpack.

Together with Norie, who owned a helicopter, they surveyed the mountain. Construction commenced in 1977, making Mt. Washington one of the first master-planned resorts in British Columbia, officially opening to the public in 1979.
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Total Alpine Runs

55 km

Total Nordic Trails

About Mount Washington Alpine Resort.

Vancouver Island, British Columbia, is home to over 800,000 people, with BC's provincial capital, Victoria, located a few hours drive south of Mount Washington Alpine Resort (MWAR). MWAR has grown to be one of Canada most beloved local ski areas, for the record snowfall, the amazing people, and the unmatched alpine to ocean scenery. With a summit elevation reaching a mile above the nearby Pacific Ocean, 1,700 acres of ski terrain with 1,657 feet of vertical rise, and a historical snowfall average of approximately 11 metres (457 inches) of snow each year, one of the highest averages of any ski area in North America. 

With 5 chairlifts and a dedicated beginner learning carpet zone, Easy Acres, MWAR's terrain offers adventure for all ability levels as well as many lessons and programs for skill progression. Get amongst solo snowy laps of varied terrain on-piste, or a good ol' boot pack into the powder-filled back bowls with your best pals. The Outback terrain via Boomerang Chairlift offers an incredible snowpack and an out-and-back experience unlike any other.

While the alpine skiing is notably more famous, the Nordic Centre at Raven Lodge facilities are equally impressive with its own base lodge offering over 55 kilometres of cross-country skiing, along with snowshoeing and fat biking trails, half of which are in the adjacent Strathcona Park, BC's oldest Provincial Park. In anticipation of the Winter Games that were held in Vancouver in 2010, MWAR upgraded their Nordic facilities to Olympic standards, and many of the teams competing made MWAR their training center leading up to those Olympic Games for cross-country skiing and biathlon. Those same world-class facilities are now enjoyed by Mount Washington’s guests and Season Pass Holders each winter season.

Mount Washington Alpine Resort has been a must-visit destination for Vancouver Island snow sports enthusiasts for over 40 years.

So Much More Than A Ski Hill...

Mount Washington is not all brawn, however. Its natural beauty has been recognized universally as one of the most serene landscapes of any ski resort in Canada, with stunning views of the Pacific Ocean’s Salish Sea across to the Coastal Mountain Range, and the spectacularly scenic Strathcona Provincial Park. MWAR has also been named as one of the 10 places that should be on every Canadian’s “bucket list.” Whether you're an avid skier, snowboarder, cross-country enthusiast, or casual snowshoe explorer - Mount Washington has something for everyone to experience!

The surrounding mountain community houses a passionate group of local residents. Many accommodation rentals, both short and long-term, are found within the quaint villages, offering chalets and apartment-style condos all nestled among the quiet coastal scenery. We're no strangers to shovelling snow around here! Staying in the Mount Washington Village is at the heart of a quintessential winter wonderland experience on Vancouver Island. Seasonal events, holiday celebrations and recurring monthly favourites like Live Star Karaoke, Music Bingo, and regular après entertainment all keep the locals always coming back for more.

In the summer, MWAR offers a lift-accessed Bike Park, the Eagle's Flight Zipline Tour, sightseeing and hiking experiences, courtyard games like giant chess and checkers, a full-service licensed patio and more to explore. Mount Washington has a strong history with mountain biking, with the mecca of Cumberland right here at our doorstep. Not to mention all of the legendary events drawing crowds from all over to experience our coastal playground in the sunny season.

Our Environment

Our Environment

Mount Washington is surrounded by breathtaking flora and fauna throughout the summer and winter seasons. Whiskey Jacks, Marmots and Bears, oh my!
Environment
Sustainability

Sustainability

Mount Washington has a committed history of preserving and enhancing natural resources, and continues to take steps to help improve our environment.
Sustainability
Safety

Safety

To ensure you have a safe and enjoyable stay while recreating at Mount Washington please read, follow and understand the safety guidelines.
Safety

1700 ac

Acres of Alpine Terrain
within resort boundaries

11 m

Average Annual Snowfall
11 Metres

44 yrs

Vancouver Island's
Mountain Since 1979

Vancouver Island's Largest Ski Destination.

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Among North America's snowiest.

Don't let our island location fool you. Mount Washington boasts one of North America's biggest average annual snowfalls.

A Canadian Hidden Gem, Tucked Away in the Pacific West Coast:

With stunning unmatched views of the Pacific Ocean’s Salish Sea across to British Columbia's Coastal Mountain Range, we're one of the 10 places that should be on every Canadian’s travel “bucket list". Whether you're an avid skier, snowboarder, cross-country enthusiast, or casual snowshoe explorer - Mount Washington has something for everyone to experience!

Strathcona Park Neighbours.

Breathtaking scenery in British Columbia's oldest recognized Provincial Park.

Year-Round Activities.

Summer offers a lift-accessed Bike Park, Zipline Tour and more mountain adventures.
Where we are located
Approximately a 30-minute drive from the Comox-Valley and Campbell River, and 1.5 hours from Nanaimo where the Departure Bay ferry from North Vancouver is located.
GETTING HERE
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Alpine Experiences

MORE ABOUT ALPINE

The Nordic Centre

MORE ABOUT NORDIC

/ LAND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT.

Mount Washington Alpine Resort recognizes the deep history and cultural significance of the lands where we recreate. We are grateful to work and play within the unceded traditional territory of the K’ómoks First Nation in the mountains of the Pentlatch, E'iksan, Sahtloot and Sasitla peoples.

A peace dance in the mountains was shared in the summer of 2020 by the Kumugwe Cultural Society. Through sharing the songs and dances of the K’omoks and Kwakwaka’wakw peoples, the Kumugwe Dancers are able to help facilitate respect and understanding within the local community and communities abroad. Watch the video now.
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Watch Video Now
We're Hiring for Winter!

We're Hiring for Winter!

One of Vancouver Island's largest winter employers, with over 800 team members.
APPLY FOR JOBS
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Where Work & Play Collide

About Our Team Here at Mount Washington Alpine Resort.

We Work Hard, & Play Hard.

Our team of Mount Washington staff is a close-knit community of passionate, adventure-fueled, outdoor-loving, mountain folk.
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A Safe Place For Everyone.

The mountains don't discriminate, and neither do we. We aim to provide a friendly, safe and inclusive environment for all.
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Mount Washington Sixpak

Our Other Favourite Season
Summer in the Alpine

In the summer, MWAR offers a lift-accessed Bike Park, a high flying Zipline tour experience, sightseeing and hiking, courtyard games like giant chess and checkers, and so much more to explore. Mount Washington has a strong history with mountain biking with the mecca of Cumberland right here at our doorstep. Not to mention all of the legendary events drawing crowds from all over to experience our coastal playground.

Summer

RECREATION IS ONE OF THE ESSENTIAL FOOD GROUPS.

OUR PACIFIC GROUP SISTER RESORTS:

PGRI
Jay Peak Resort
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Wintergreen Resort
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safety at Mt Washington   Snow Report for Mt Washington Alpine Resort   Contact Us at Mt Washington Alpine Resort