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Mount Washington
Mount Washington is Vancouver Island’s premier ski resort. It is the third most-visited snow resort in British Columbia. Located 31 kilometres west of Courtenay, Mount Washington is 1,588 metres high, with a vertical rise of 505 metres. The average snowfall is 975 centimetres (32 feet) and the snow here is often deeper than anywhere else in British Columbia.
Mount Washington provides both alpine and nordic facilities within a short walking distance of each other. There are 50 alpine runs, groomed daily to ensure excellent run quality, and over 35 kilometres of skating-style and double-track cross-country trails around Mount Washington. Mount Washington features 2 all natural terrain parks with plenty of features and a halfpipe maintained by a pipe grinder. Both terrain parks and the half pipe are open to skiers and snowboarders. The slopes also provide excellent snowboarding opportunities. Snowtubing and snowshoeing can also be enjoyed on Mount Washington.
In addition to world-class trails, Mount Washington provides visitors with an unparalleled view. Mount Washington's chairlift takes skiers up to a 360 degree panorama of the Strait of Georgia, the Sunshine Coast and the Coast Mountains, and Strathcona Provinicial Park.
Visitors can take advantage of accommodations and restaurants on the mountain or in nearby Courtenay and the Comox Valley. Shuttle buses routinely make the half-hour drive up the mountain from a number of hotels in Courtenay. Mount Washington is open every day from 9 am to 3:30 pm.
Mt. Cain
Situated on the north end of Vancouver Island, Mt. Cain is a two-hour drive from the Courtenay/Campbell River area. It is 1,646 metres high, with a vertical rise of 450 metres. Mt. Cain Alpine Park is home to 18 runs and 15 kilometres of marked cross-country trails that challenge and delight skiers of all abilities. 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. A ski shop, restaurant, equipment rental, lessons and rustic hostel-style accommodation are all available. Mt. Cain is open on Saturday and Sunday from 9:30 am to 3:30 pm and on Mondays for pre-scheduled school groups.
Strathcona Provincial Park
Strathcona Provincial Park borders Mount Washington and the Comox Valley. As BC’s oldest and largest provincial park, Strathcona offers more than 250,000 hectares of adventure to its visitors and is a winter paradise for cross country skiers. Mount Washington's quiet, track-set trails are partially located in Strathcona Provincial Park and extend 55 kilometers for skiers to explore. Rolling hills and gentle meadows framed by snow-peaked mountains and trees set the stage for this ski area.
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