Despite the stiff competition offered by mainland mountain resorts such as Whistler, Sun Peaks and Big White, Vancouver Island's Mt. Washington has held its own as a top-notch alpine playground for over 30 years.

The first and most obvious reason is the snow itself. The mountain's central location on Vancouver Island along with its elevation means cold air and high precipitation. The result? Quite often, the most seasonal snowfall in the entire province. In 1995, it even held the worldwide title with an amazing 21 feet of snowpack!

Another reason is its accessibility. Mt. Washington is located half way up Vancouver Island in the Comox Valley, making it an easy drive for visitors coming from both the north and south of the island. Just 25 kilometers west of Comox and Courtenay, Mt. Washington is only a 3-hour drive north of Victoria and barely 2 hours north of Nanaimo. Additionally, ferry service from the mainland takes 75 minutes and puts visitors within minutes of the shuttle service and the mountain road. Flying in? Comox Valley Regional Airport, includes 3 major carriers. It's not just its geographical accessibility that puts Mt. Washington on the map either. It's also the seasonal accessibility. Open from early winter all the way through to the Easter weekend, Mt. Washington caters to the eager powder-fiends chasing the first snowfall as well as the Spring skiers who just can't say goodbye to winter.

The sheer beauty of the area is another reason why so many people come back year after year. On a clear day, the Sunshine Coast is visible from Powell River to Sechelt, across the shimmering Strait of Georgia. Turn around and you'll find yourself gazing out across Strathcona Provincial Park and Mt. Washington's sister peak, Forbidden Plateau. But aesthetics aside, a ski hill is just a mountain without the hardware. And does Mt. Washington ever have the hardware!

Picture 60 runs, the new Eagle Express high-speed quad chair, a fixed-grip quad, 2 triples, a double, a platter, a rope-tow and a vertical drop of over 500 meters and you might be getting the idea…

Mt. Washington doesn't lose its appeal in the summer either. A favourite mountain biker destination during the warmer months, the ski runs become adrenaline-charged trails just waiting for brave pedal-pushers to test their courage.

Vancouver Island is proud of its mountain destination. Come and find out why!