Mount Washington...
Winter time, summer time, or any time! Photos courtesy Mount Washington Alpine Resort
It’s all here!
Accommodations, Events and more about Mount Washington
Real Estate
Mount Washington’s ONLY Resident Realtor
Rick Gibson
M I L E
H I G H
N E W S
Available on Mount Washington and on the web at www.milehigh.ca
www.rickgibson.ca
Tel. 250-334-3124 Direct: 250-338-1723
Inside...
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Year Round Adventure Getting Here Alpine Winter Nordic Winter Mountain Biking Alpine Summer Trail Maps Accommodations Accommodation Guide Stay & Play Marriages & Meetings Beyond the Mountain Culinary Delights Live the Dream
For travel planning information visit:
www.discovermountwashington.com Reservations: 1-877-754-4661
Imagine... Imagine a winter sports resort at the heart of an island on the edge of the Pacific Ocean. A resort where you can catch air on your snowboard while catching a glimpse of the sea 5,000 feet below. Or ski through frosted glades in the morning and kayak through ocean waves in the afternoon. And slide on a snow tube at night before slipping into a hot tub on the deck of a cozy alpine chalet. Now imagine a summer resort where mountain biking attracts champions and mountain hiking is unsurpassed. Where from your mountaintop base you can explore a world of natural wonders, where eagles soar, salmon leap and whales play. A resort where, in any season, you feel like it’s a home away from home as you relax in your village accommodation. A resort where the glitz and excesses of so many others is absent. Imagine no more. Mount Washington is a destination like no other. Welcome to our mile-high resort on Vancouver Island!
#1 Strathcona Parkway Mount Washington, BC V9J 1L0 Email: info@tourismmountwashington.com Phone: 250-338-0226 The Mount Washington Visitors’ Guide is produced on behalf of Tourism Mount Washington by:
Design & Production: Tyra Newsom Advertising: Nancy Newsom Editorial: Philip Round Photos courtesy Mount Washington Alpine Resort Photographers: Tony Radomi, Boomer Jerritt, Alex McKay, Todd Marshall No part of this publication may be reproduced without written permission of Tourism Mount Washington (TMW). TMW is not responsible for errors or omissions printed in this publication. TMW does not assume any responsibility for any accommodation, service or activity advertised in this guide.
Printed in Canada by Mitchell Press
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year ro u nd a d ve nt ure
Winter or summer...
It’s a Year Round Adventure! winter wonderland In winter, Mount Washington is a worldrenowned ski and snowboard resort that is, quite simply, in a class of its own. It is set on a mile-high Pacific island mountain with 360 degree views, including a jaw-dropping panorama of the ocean below. It’s a family-friendly resort where all ages
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feel welcome and where the great choice of accommodation can make it feel like a home away from home as you relax in your ‘own place’ after a day on the slopes. With an average of 10 metres (33 feet) of snow a year, the mountain regularly enjoys one of the greatest snowpacks in North America. There’s no need to make snow here —it falls by the ton! Nine ski lifts glide you to a full range of runs, including the Boomerang, a dual load and unload quad chairlift accessing the Outback—our backcountry terrain where every run and glade is double black diamond. The front side of the mountain has a great mix of advanced, intermediate and beginner
runs, two progressive terrain parks and a fun snow tube park with its own lift. Mount Washington has a vertical drop of 505 metres (1,657 feet), with night riding options to extend your time on the slopes. There are night skiing and snowshoeing possibilities at our Nordic centre, too. Our world-class Nordic facilities offer a total of 55 kilometres (33 miles) of trails for cross country skiing along with 20 kilometres (12 miles) of rolling snowshoe trails to explore. After an exhilarating day on the slopes and trails, rest assured you can relax in your mountain home or dine out on the mountain or down in the Comox Valley, where you’ll find many pubs, bars and restaurants waiting to welcome you.
The Choice
of Olympians
Taking a winter vacation at Mount Washington will see you skiing in the tracks of Olympians.
summer sensations In summer, Mount Washington is transformed into one of Canada’s premier mountain biking and hiking centres. Two lifts speed riders and bikes to a high altitude to enjoy some of the finest trails and greatest views imaginable. There are more than 30 kilometres (20 miles) of single-track free riding trails at advanced, intermediate and novice grades with 1,657 vertical feet of descent. The progressive bike park includes a downhill race course and three skill centres designed to push you and your bike to the max. Our mountain bike rental fleet ensures you have access to the latest in bike technology so you can follow in the treads of champions. Private lessons, training camps and guided rides are all there for the asking.
Hikers use the Eagle Express chairlift to get that ‘top of the world’ feeling as they view the incredible panorama down to the Comox Valley and across the ocean to the mighty snow-capped Coast Mountain Range. Or they simply walk straight from the resort through the aptly-named Paradise Meadows of Strathcona Provincial Park to link with countless trails through forests, across alpine meadows and around lakes, with mountain peaks and the legendary Comox Glacier towering above. Other summer activities on the mountain include disc golf, mini golf, bungee trampoline jumping and scenic chairlift rides. Options for adventure at the foot of the mountain include whale watching, kayaking, diving, sport fishing, swimming and golf to name but a few. Mount Washington is the perfect setting for weddings, with many couples taking their vows at the scenic summit or on the slopes before celebrating in style with their friends and family at the Raven or Alpine Lodges. The resort is also an ideal venue for conferences and events, with meeting rooms and 10,000 square feet of function space to accommodate meetings from five to 500 people. The mountain offers a wide choice of accommodation options to welcome them all.
Our world-class facilities have been selected for training by several international teams preparing for the 2010 Va n c o u v e r O l y m p i c a n d Paralympic Games. Elite athletes include those from the USA, Switzerland, Sweden, France, Germany, China and Ukraine—and Canada’s own snowboarding and Nordic stars. Top medal contenders have discovered that our mountain is ideal for honing their skills in disciplines from snowboard PGS to crosscountry, and from freestyle skiing to biathlon. The mountain’s success in hosting prestigious winter sports competitions, like the International Paralypmic Committee’s World Cup Nordic Finals in 2009, earned Mount Washington the accolade of setting “a new standard of excellence” for such events. Now it’s all yours to enjoy!
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Mountain
There is so much to see and do when you rent a
from
Facilities GPS Available
Winter Mount offers ski skiin/ski in/skiout out Mount Washington Washington offers accommodation for more than 4,000 accommodation for more than 4,000 people, 1,600 acres of amazing downhill people,with 1,700+ acres of amazing downhill terrain ocean views, two terrain terrainawith ocean views, two terraina parks, world-class Nordic centre, biathlon centre andNordic much more! parks, a world-class centre, a biathlonseason: centre and December much more! Winter – April Number of lifts: 9December - April Winter Season: Alpine Trails: 60+ named trails Number of Lifts: 1,588 5 Summit: metres (5215’) Magic Carpets: 5 metres (1657’) Vertical Rise: 505 Average Annual Alpine Trails: 81 runs Snowfall: 10 metres (33’) Summit: 1,588 metres (5215’) Lift Capacity: 12,200 riders/hour VerticalParks: Rise Front: 2505 metres (1657’) Terrain Ozone & night VerticalTubing: Rise Back: Lift 362accessed metres (1187’) Average Annual lit snow-tubing Nordic Trails: 55 kms (33 miles) Snowfall: 11.5 metres (38’) Longest Trail: 9 km Lift Capacity: 13,000 riders/hour Snowshoeing: 20 kms (12 miles) of Terrain Parks: 2 snowshoeing trails Snow Tubing:
Expanded with dedicated carpet & nightBar lit & Grill Alpine Lodge: Fat Teddy’s
Summer
Nordic Trails: 14 trails, 55 kmsand (families welcome), Altitude Sport (33and miles) Gifts, a cappuccino bar general store. Raven Lodge: Perfect wedding Snowshoeing: 22summer kms (13.5 miles) of and event venue. snowshoeing trails Tread Shed: Mountain Bike Lessons, Summer Gear, Rentals, Sales & Service. On Mountain Alpine Lodge:Activities: Ted’s Bar & Grill (families Mini Golf • Bungee Trampoline • Hiking welcome), Altitude Sport and Gifts, a Disc Golf • Mountain Biking cappuccino bar and general store. Mtn. Bike Park: 1657 vertical feet of Raven Lodge: Perfect summer wedding trails; 35 km of and event venue. single track trails Biking Trails: Activities: 18 trails: 30% novice; On Mountain 35% 35% adv. Scenic Chairlift • Mini Golfint; • Bungy Longest Run: kmGolf Trampoline • Hiking 5.8 • Disc Skill Centres: Upper, Mid & Lower Number of Lifts: Skills 1 Areas, Downhill RaceSplit Course Hiking Trails: Terrain Number of Lifts: 242% easy; 29% Hiking Trails: Terrain Split: 29% intermediate; 42% easy; 29% int; advanced 29% demanding
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g etting here
Getting Here is Easy Mount Washington is on a Pacific island, but it’s so easy to get to. In fact, getting here is often said to be one of the highlights of a Vancouver Island adventure. Mount Washington is located in the North Central Region of the Island, an area renowned as a premier all-season adventure destination. It’s a geographic location that is as easily accessible as it is diverse in landscape and adventure. For those arriving by air, boarding a connecting flight to Comox from Vancouver or Calgary International Airports means you can reach the slopes of Mount Washington quicker than getting to other mainland resorts. Arriving by car, the 90 minute ferry ride will be one of the highlights of your trip and your total journey time to our Island mountain need be no more than three hours from the mainland. Once on the Island, you will be at our resort in less than an hour from the Comox Valley (Courtenay, Comox and Cumberland) or Campbell River. And even from the Island’s furthest points, your maximum journey time will be a three hour scenic drive from Victoria in the south or from Port Hardy to the north.
:
by air Travel by air is quick and easy. There are daily direct flights into the Comox Valley Airport (YQQ) from Vancouver, Calgary and Edmonton with national and international connections at all three gateways. Central Mountain Air and Pacific Coastal offer daily scheduled services from Vancouver while WestJet has daily direct services from Calgary and Edmonton. A daily floatplane service is offered by WestCoast Air between the downtown Vancouver Terminal and Comox Bay Marina year round. by ferry :
Regular ferry services link Vancouver Island with the BC mainland and Washington State. BC Ferries operates a scheduled service from Vancouver to Nanaimo and Victoria. If arriving during peak holidays or on busy long weekends it is advisable to make an advance booking to avoid potential delays. Nanaimo’s Departure Bay terminal is an easy 90 minute drive from the mountain, but allow an extra 30 minutes
if arriving or departing from Nanaimo’s Duke Point terminal. For further information visit www.bcferries.com. US drivers wanting to avoid mainland border crossings have a number of options to get to Vancouver Island, including the Port Angeles (WA) to Victoria Coho Ferry and the Victoria Clipper.
that connects all our Island communities with the mainland. Greyhound offers bus services from Vancouver and Victoria to Courtenay year-round. Once in Courtenay, a daily ski shuttle runs from the city’s downtown to Mount Washington in winter, and cab services are on call at all times.
by road :
by train :
Visitors arriving by car from the south can choose to drive the picturesque Oceanside Route (Hwy 19A) or the more direct and slightly quicker Inland Island Highway (Hwy 19). Head north and follow the signs for Courtenay and Mount Washington and turn off the highway at the Mount Washington interchange (Exit 130).
:
by bus Smith Transportation runs a dedicated daily ski bus in the winter season from Victoria and Nanaimo, scheduled to give you a full day on the slopes and to arrive in time for the first run of the day. There is also a daily bus service with Island Coachlines
VIA Rail’s ‘Malahat’ train —the E&N Dayliner—makes a scenic run from Victoria to Courtenay daily. On arrival, passengers will need to take a cab or rent a car to get to the mountain.
:
car rental Rental companies are located at all major airports (including Comox) and in Courtenay and Campbell River. The distance from sea-level Courtenay to the resort is just over 30 kms (20 miles). It’s an easy, scenic drive that takes about 30 minutes. Visit www.discovermountwashington.com for more details on routes and options. www.discovermountwashington.com
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alpine w i nte r
Winter on our Alpine Slopes In winter, Mount Washington is home to one of the deepest natural snowpacks in the world! It’s a winter playground on an island where it is difficult to concentrate on the depths of snow because of the mesmerizing views across the green valley and blue waters of the Georgia Straight to the Coast Mountain Range beyond. It’s a place where high quality on and off-piste terrain, excellent powder snow and stunning views combine with a super friendly atmosphere and wide choice of on-mountain accommodation to deliver a perfect family ski destination. It’s a destination with facilities for those strapping on skis or a board for the first time or elite athletes in training. downhill skiing & snowboarding :
Sixty plus named runs and glades—some lit at night—and 1,657 feet of descent over 1,600 acres of diverse terrain with great allnatural snow conditions are ready for you. terrain parks : The Easy Rider offers all
freestylers the chance to find their groove, while the more advanced will have a blast at the tough, night-lit Stomping Ground with its arsenal of stunts, rails, boxes and jumps.
the outback : Accessed by our over-the-
top Boomerang lift, every run and glade through 400 acres on the far side of the mountain is rated ‘double black diamond’— the ultimate challenge. 6
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goodtime glades : Mount Washington
is known for steep and deep tree skiing, but novice and intermediate skiers can now get in on the act through these perfectly spaced and gently-graded glades.
freestyle and moguls : A favourite on
the mountain for years, the bumps and jumps challenge the daring and adventurous.
ozone snow tubing : Night lit and lift-
accessed for multiple runs, this is a riotous sliding experience that even non-skiers enjoy, with music and bonfires most nights and snacks available at the log cabin. Snow tubing is a great aprés ski activity that is fun for all ages.
lifts : Short wait times are a big plus at our
nine lifts, which include the high speed Hawk 6ix-Pack, Sunrise Quad, Whiskey Jack Triple, the Eagle Express Quad to the summit, and the over-the-mountain Boomerang dual load and unload Quad. Multi-day, full-day and morning, afternoon or evening passes are available. snow school: Whether you’re a beginner
or master, everyone can push themselves further. Private and group sessions are available and our all-in Discover Skiing and Snowboarding packages are perfect for complete beginners. Special programs for seniors, kids, women and the disabled ensure that everyone can boost their skills and enjoy the mountain.
mountain kids: Our Mountain Kids team makes family vacations easy and fun, looking after and teaching kids from ages 4 to 12. A supervised day care and play zone allows parents to get away and enjoy the snow. camps and courses : As short as one day to as long as 12 weeks! Among them are women’s and masters’ ski camps, an
introduction to Telemark skiing, training to become a ski or snowboard instructor, and avalanche awareness courses. r e n t a l s : Alpine ski and snowboard
equipment, ski clothing and helmets are available to rent at the Bradley Centre. At the nearby Mtn. Tek, check out and test run the latest high-performance gear.
alpine lodge : At the heart of our alpine
resort you’ll find Fat Teddy’s Bar and Grill, a family restaurant and cappuccino bar, the Alpine Cafeteria and other tasty snack vendors along with the Altitude sport and gift store. The great facilities there are also the ideal setting for conventions and wedding receptions. Elsewhere on the slopes, make sure you seek out eateries like Sushi Mon.
alpine to surf trips and treats :
Tourism Mount Washington can help arrange other adrenalin-rush winter sports for you outside the resort, like diving, river fishing and surfing adventures. For more information visit www.discovermountwashington.com.
www.discovermountwashington.com
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n o rd i c w i nte r
Winter on our Nordic Trails It’s not all about the downhill terrain at Mount Washington. Our world-class Nordic facilities with 55 kilometres (33 miles) of trails, a biathlon centre and night-lit trails are a favourite destination for Nordic enthusiasts and the official training site of the Canadian National Cross Country Ski Team. c ro ss c o u nt r y s k i i n g : Follow 55 kilometres (33 miles) of scenic trails—some floodlit at night, others bathed in moonlight. Ski the renowned World Cup course, or head off through forests, around frozen lakes and across alpine meadows. The named groomed track-set classic and skate ski trails range in length from 0.5 to 9 kilometres. s n o w s h o e i n g : Strap on modern,
lightweight snowshoes and experience a new way to enjoy the snow and make first tracks as you explore the alpine. Join our Discover Snowshoeing two-hour interpretive guided tour to get your legs in top gear, or taste the action at a Snowshoe and Fondue evening. Explore trails across gentle slopes that cover 20 kilometres (12 miles) in all.
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cross country kids : Kids have fun too:
our one-hour program for those aged 6 to 12 will see them exploring the Nordic terrain under expert guidance.
rentals and passes : Whether it’s classic or skate skis, snowshoes, performance skis and boots or even a tow sled, they’re all at our Raven Lodge rental centre. There you can also get trail passes, along with lift tickets for the Hawk 6ix Pack chairlift for handy access to higher terrain. d i s c o v e r c ro s s c o u nt r y : Never tried Nordic before? Now’s the time! Our beginners’ special package includes a trail pass, all rental equipment and a one-hour learn to skate ski or classic ski on cross country trails. You won’t regret it. c a m p s a n d c o u r s e s : Top-flight
instructors are ready with the lessons and programs you’re looking for. From children to seniors, beginners to masters, one hour to six weeks—you choose and they’ll get you going.
ra v e n l o d g e : Raven Lodge with its
West Coast design and cozy welcoming fire offers stunning panoramic views over the mountains and forests of Strathcona Park. Relax and enjoy a bite or beverage in the restaurant or browse the sports shop for clothing and souvenirs.
trip s and treat s : Tourism Mount
Washington can help you book other winter activities such as dog sledding and backcountry adventures. For more information check out: www.discovermountwashington.com
Winter Events
december : On the mountain: • Carols by Candlelight • Christmas Eve service • Torchlight Parade and Fireworks • New Year’s Eve parties
Off the mountain: • Winterfest Parade, Campbell River • A Visit to Bethlehem, Campbell River • Carol Walks, Kitty Coleman Gardens
january : On the mountain: • Kokanee Winter Festival • Yeti Snowshoe Race • O’Neill Rail Jam • National Learn to Ski & Snowboard Week
Off the mountain: • Polar Bear Swim, Saratoga Beach
february : On the mountain: • Slopestyle Competition • Valentine speed date night skiing • Herb Bradley Coca Cola Classic • Presidents’ Day (US visitors ski for free!)
Off the mountain: • Bald Eagle Fest, Campbell River • World Community Film Festival
march : On the mountain: • After Dark Invitational • Ski & Board Slopestyle Competition
Off the mountain: • Words on the Water Writers Festival, Campbell River
april : On the mountain: • Snow to Surf multi-sport relay, Mount Washington to Comox
Off the mountain: • CAF Snowbirds air display practices, Comox Valley
www.discovermountwashington.com
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alpin e s u m m e r
Walk on the Wild Side This is an alpine destination that beckons those who like to explore on foot, offering countless kilometres of hiking trails winding through alpine meadows and forested glades, and along pristine lakes and mountain ridges.
striding out: Endless trails are within the
1,000 square miles of Strathcona Provincial Park and on Mount Washington itself—from a forested circuit around nearby mountain lakes to a strenuous multi-day trek right over the glacier (for experts only). Visit the new Strathcona Park Wilderness Centre by Raven Lodge for excellent trail maps and information about what to look out for on the ground and in the air.
mile high scenic chairlift rides :
The 15 minute scenic ride to the summit of Mount Washington is a must. You will be rewarded with a breathtaking 360 degree panorama of snowcapped mountains, green valleys, sparkling lakes, alpine meadows and ocean waves. 12
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sweeping vistas : Once at the top of
Mount Washington, take a while to explore and identify the many mountain peaks in the distance and the alpine plants at your feet as you follow the trails and interpretive signs along the ridge. Marvel at the soaring bald eagles and fearless whiskey jacks. Coming down—on the lift or on foot—the views, and the chance to see one of our resident Vancouver Island marmots, are not to be missed.
bungee trampoline : For the young and
young at heart, everyone can put a spring in their step on the bungee trampoline.
alpine tips & treats : The circular route
to Lake Helen Mackenzie is an easy hike and offers the opportunity to take in some great views and enjoy a refreshing dip in the lake before heading back.
natural peace : Writers, readers, artists
and photographers can retreat here to be with nature, to find the peace, tranquility and inspiration the landscape and pure mountain air can offer.
family fun disc golf : Challenge your friends to disc
golf, throwing Frisbee-style discs in to each of nine baskets set out on the slopes close to the Alpine Lodge. mini golf : It’s just for fun, but the nine-
hole Eagle miniature golf course can be more difficult than it looks!
ENDANGERED VANCOUVER ISLAND MARMOT
a gentle stroll: From the resort, you can step directly into Strathcona Provincial Park, BC’s oldest provincial park. Take a gentle but inspirational stroll around the wheelchairaccessible boardwalks of the aptly-named Paradise Meadows, with plenty of benches on which to rest, admire the scenery and study the alpine flora and fauna along the way.
Summer Events
may: MAY Off the mountain:
the mountain: •Off Highland Games, Courtenay • Highland Courtenay • Painters atGames, Painters Lodge • Painters at Painters Lodge • Home & Garden Tour, Denman Island Home &Days, Gardne Tour, Denman Island ••Empire Cumberland Empire Days,Festival, Cumberland ••Art & Bloom Kitty Coleman • Art & Bloom Festival, Kitty Coleman
june: JUNE On mountain: On the the mountain:
••Scenic start(till (tillSept.) Sept.) Scenicchairlift chairlift rides rides start Off the mountain: Off the mountain: ••Art Island Art Studio Tours, Quadra Island ••Comox ValleyFestival, Shellfish Festival BC Shellfish Comox Valley ••Transformations Transformations Wood Wood Carving Carving Festival, Campbell River River Festival, Campbell • Spirit of Campbell River Festival
JULY On the july : mountain: • Tapped Beer Festival On the mountain:
Live Music • Great food • Friendly staff • Full liquor Store
Mudd Sweat & Tears Obstacle Race ••Beerfest Family Scavenger ••Canada Day FamilyHunt Picnic Off the mountain: Off the mountain: Canada Day Parades ••Vancouver Island MusicFest Vancouver MusicFest ••Canada DayIsland Parades Comox Tours, Valley Campbell Youth Music Festival ••Garden River • Classic Car Weekend, Courtenay • Comox Valley Youth Music Festival •AUGUST Classic Car Weekend, Courtenay
Open 7 days a week 9AM-11PM
On the mountain:
• Alpine Wine Festival Off the mountain: Off the mountain: • Comox Nautical Days ••Comox Days Filberg Nautical Festival, Comox ••North Island Logger Sports Contest Hornby Festival, Hornby Island ••Filberg Festival, Comox Comox Valley Exhibition & Fair • Big Time Out, Cumberland SEPTEMBER • Hornby Island Festival the mountain: •On Comox Valley Exhibition & Fair • Extended weekend chairlift rides september : Off the mountain: On the mountain: • North Island Logger Sports ••Alpine FoodMountain Festival Adventure Race Mind over • Haig Brown Festival, Off the mountain: Campbell River Artisans’ Coleman ••Mind overWeekend, MountainKitty Adventure Race Classic Car Rally, Campbell RiverRiver ••Haig Brown Festival, Campbell • Artisans’ Weekend, Kitty Coleman • Classic Car Rally, Campbell River
photo by Nancy Shields
august: • Alpine Wine & Food Festival On the mountain: • Bearclaw Invitational
Top 50 live music venues in Canada - CBC Radio Best ski town bar in North America - Skiing Magazine Business of the Year - Cumberland Chamber of Commerce
2692 Dunsmuir Avenue in the historic Village of Cumberland - 250 336 8322
www.discovermountwashington.com
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& Mountain Hiking TrailBiking Maps& Hiking Trail Maps lift access : Mount Washington’s bike
trails are so popular that our high-speed Hawk 6ix Pack lift is totally dedicated to bikes and their riders in summer so they can maximize their time on the downhill runs. Bikers can also ride the Eagle Express Quad lift to the summit to face the challenge of the black diamond trails at altitude with the ocean in view way, way below.
spectator alert : Even if you’re not riding, check out the big bike events staged here over the summer—ultimate riding not to be missed! discover downhill riding : You don’t need to be an expert to enjoy riding at Mount Washington—for two hours, we’ll rent you a full suspension bike and teach you how to ride it on single track downhill trails with oh-soessential tips on braking and cornering. Lift pass included. Jump Park
kids ’ camps : Great day camps for children 8-12 years old include bike rental, lift pass, guided lesson and a bag lunch.
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Future Trail
guided rides : Already experienced but
new to the mountain? Let our expert guides show you all the Bike Park’s sweet spots.
one -on-one lessons: Two-hour private
one-on-one bike lessons can be pre-booked.
repairs and rentals : The mountain’s one-stop bike shop, the Tread Shed, has an ever growing rental fleet of full-suspension
downhill bikes, body armour and full face helmets. The Tread Shed also provides full on-site bike repair service if your own equipment is taken past its limits. tips & treats : If you are new to mountain
Jump biking, the Discover Downhill Riding is great Park
value for money and a good introduction to the trails. A bike wash station is located outside the Tread Shed.
www.discovermountwashington.com
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Alpine & Nordic Winter Trail Maps
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mounta i n a c c om m o d at io n
Stay and Play There’s no better place to stay than on the mountain itself. A ski holiday or winter vacation to Vancouver Island would not be complete without staying a few nights to experience the peace and tranquility of our alpine setting. There are 4,000 beds available right on the mountain, and depending on the size of your party, you can choose from a large 12-bedroom chalet to a single studio suite in hotel-style accommodation—and just about every size in between! Wherever you stay on Mount Washington, you’ll have a great view—often from your own balcony or hot tub—and you’ll be at the lifts within minutes. That’s because from virtually every property you can ski right from your front door. Accommodation is available year-round, so in summer you can enjoy great hiking and biking, or maybe a peaceful spring or fall retreat to find inspiration in the pure mountain air and spectacular scenery. The following list will help you decide on the location and type of property that best suits your holiday needs. When booking, choose from a wide range of well-equipped, comfortable home rental properties—including Tourism BC Approved Accommodations. Properties can be viewed and booked online at www.discovermountwashington.com, or directly from the listing opposite. alpine village : Choose from chalets,
tow n h o u s e s , d u p l e x e s , s u i te s a n d condominiums, many with balconies and fireplaces. Pedestrian-access only during winter for peace and safety, with baggage transport available from nearby visitor parking lots.
b e a r a n d d e e r l o d g e s : Two
slopeside hotel-style developments on Alpine Way featuring wheelchair-accessible accommodation from one bedroom studios to three-bedroom suites; check-in desks; communal hot tubs; underground parking.
b e a u f o r t h e i g h t s : Newly-built,
individual single-family homes with private parking beside the front door.
blueberry hill : Two and three-bedroom wheelchair-accessible apartments with both underground and outdoor parking. creekside house: Two and three bedroom
wheelchair-accessible apartments with both underground and outdoor parking.
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fosters place : Large private chalets with
three to as many as 12 bedrooms and a mix of private garage and outdoor parking.
mountainside lodge : Two and three-
bedroom drive-to apartment units with outdoor parking.
p a r k v i e w p l a c e : Four-bedroom
townhouses with balcony and double garage with some additional outdoor parking.
paradise ridge : Two, three and four-
bedroom wheelchair-accessible apartments with heated outdoor swimming pool, hot tub, sauna. Underground and outdoor parking.
p t a r m i g a n r i d g e : One-bedroom
apartments with kitchen. Outdoor parking.
SKI-OUT
DRIVE TO
MAX # OF GUESTS
# OF BEDROOMS
# OF BATHROOMS
LIVING ROOM & KITCHEN
WHEELCHAIR
PET FRIENDLY
yes
yes
yes
8
3
2
yes
HT
yes
no
$150
$250
Bear Lodge #215 peakaccom.com • 1-866-826-7325
condo
AW
yes
yes
yes
4
1
1
yes
HT
yes
no
$145
$235
Bear Lodge #409 bearescape@shaw.ca • 250-338-0972
condo
AW
yes
yes
yes
6
2
2
yes
HT
no
no
$180
$200
Bear Lodge #412 cronk@uniserve.com • 250-204-0560
condo
AW
yes
yes
yes
9
3
2
yes
HT
yes
no
$145
$235
Bear Lodge #420 mountwashington.ca • 250-338-4383
condo
AW
yes
yes
yes
6
2
2
yes
HT
no
no
$109
$124
Blueberry Hill #105 washingtonwaychalets.com • 1-866-707-0018
condo
HR
yes
yes
yes
7
2
2
yes
S
yes
no
$125
$185-$377
Blueberry Hill #117 s.hadden@shaw.ca • 250-335-2794
condo
HR
no
yes
yes
7
3
2
yes
S
no
no
$75
$145
Blueberry Hill #211 peakaccom.com • 1-866-826-7325
condo
HR
yes
yes
yes
9
3
2
yes
S
yes
no
$189
$235
Blueberry Hill #212 peakaccom.com • 1-866-826-7325
condo
HR
yes
yes
yes
6
2
2
yes
S
yes
no
$169
$175
Blueberry Hill #218 washingtonwaychalets.com • 1-866-707-0018
condo
HR
yes
yes
yes
7
3
2
yes
S
yes
no
$149
$227-$458
Blueberry Hill #304 peakaccom.com • 1-866-826-7325
condo
HR
yes
yes
yes
4
2
2
yes
S
yes
no
$169
$175
Blueberry Hill #314 PH washingtonwaychalets.com • 1-866-707-0018
condo
HR
yes
yes
yes
11
3
2
yes
S
yes
no
$205
$344-$568
Chalet 71 chalet71@shaw.ca • 250-595-4984
chalet
SW
yes
yes
no
12
4
3
yes
S
no
yes
$100
$150-$250
Clinton Wood #25 washingtonwaychalets.com • 1-866-707-0018
chalet
AV
yes
yes
no
6
2
2
yes
S
no
no
$125
$206-$350
Creekside House #202 loisstevenson@shaw.ca • 250-339-0914
condo
HR
yes
yes
yes
8
3
2
yes
no
yes
no
$125
$175
Deer Lodge #101 deerlodgebc.com • 1-888-969-3322
condo
AW
yes
yes
yes
6
2
2
yes
HT
yes
no
call
$211
Deer Lodge #106 mountwashington.ca • 250-338-4383
condo
AW
yes
yes
yes
6
2
2
yes
HT
no
no
$99
$114
Dragonfly Suites #405 dragonflysuites.com • 1-877-285-2294
condo
HR
yes
yes
yes
9
3
2
yes
HT/S
yes
no
$85
$179
17 Fosters Place janet.gagne@shaw.ca • 250-665-7397
chalet
FP
yes
yes
yes
16
6
4
yes
S
no
no
$225
$475
Fosters Place 1146 peakaccom.com • 1-866-826-7325
chalet
FP
yes
yes
yes
13
4
2
yes
no
no
no
n/a
$469
Fosters Place 1155 peakaccom.com • 1-866-826-7325
chalet
FP
yes
yes
yes
25
11
4
yes
HT
no
no
$599
$1,000
Fosters Place 1236 peakaccom.com • 1-866-826-7325
chalet
FP
yes
yes
yes
16
6
3
yes
HT
no
no
$429
$645
Fosters Place 1268 peakaccom.com • 1-866-826-7325
chalet
FP
yes
yes
yes
15
6
4
yes
HT
no
no
$459
$700
Glacier View #4 washingtonwaychalets.com • 1-866-707-0018
chalet
AV
yes
yes
yes
10
4
2
yes
S
no
no
$205
$291-$444
Glacier View #7L washingtonwaychalets.com • 1-866-707-0018
chalet
AV
yes
yes
no
12
4
3
yes
HT
no
no
$225
$317-$476
chalet
FP
yes
yes
yes
16
5
5
yes
HT/S
no
no
$400
$600
Paradise Ridge #111 peakaccom.com • 1-866-826-7325
condo
HR
no
yes
yes
8
3
2
yes
HT/S
yes
no
$189
$260
Paradise Ridge #212 peakaccom.com • 1-866-826-7325
condo
HR
no
yes
yes
7
3
2
yes
HT/S
yes
no
$189
$260
Paradise Ridge #214 washingtonwaychalets.com • 1-866-707-0018
condo
HR
no
no
yes
10
4
2
yes
S
yes
no
$175
$300-$480
Paradise Ridge #309 deerlodgebc.com • 1-888-969-3322
condo
HR
no
no
yes
9
3
3
yes
HT/S
no
no
call
$221
Paradise Ridge #312 washingtonwaychalets.com • 1-866-707-0018
condo
HR
no
no
yes
9
3
2
yes
S
yes
no
$155
$259-$432
Paradise Ridge #504 washingtonwaychalets.com • 1-866-707-0018
condo
HR
no
no
yes
7
2
2
yes
S
yes
no
$135
$200-$400
Paradise Ridge #506 peakaccom.com • 1-866-826-7325
condo
HR
no
yes
yes
7
3
2
yes
HT/S
yes
no
$189
$260
Parkview Place #6 peakaccom.com • 1-866-826-7325
Twnhse
HR
yes
yes
yes
11
4
2.5
yes
no
no
no
$249
$350
Parkview Place #10 peakaccom.com • 1-866-826-7325
Twnhse
HR
yes
yes
yes
9
4
2
yes
S
no
no
$249
$350
Pelayahu Escape #57 mountwashingtonchalet.com • 250-748-4347
chalet
BH
yes
yes
yes
10
3
3
yes
HT
no
no
$225
$375
Ptarmigan Ridge alpinechalets.com • 250-334-0077
condo
HR
no
no
yes
4
1
1
yes
no
no
no
call
call
Ptarmigan Ridge #101 peakaccom.com • 1-866-826-7325
condo
HR
no
no
yes
2
1
1
yes
no
no
no
$119
$119
Ptarmigan Ridge #106 deerlodgebc.com • 1-888-969-3322
condo
HR
no
no
yes
4
1
1
yes
no
no
no
$99
$110
Ptarmigan Ridge #301 peakaccom.com • 1-866-826-7325
condo
HR
no
no
yes
2
1
1
yes
no
no
no
$119
$119
Ptarmigan Ridge #304 washingtonwaychalets.com • 1-866-707-0018
condo
HR
no
no
yes
4
1
1
yes
no
no
no
$105
$117-$239
Red Roof Chalet #70, lower redroofchalet.com • 250-592-2842
chalet
AV
no
yes
no
10
3
1
yes
no
no
no
$100
$150
Red Roof Chalet #70, upper redroofchalet.com • 250-592-2842
chalet
AV
no
yes
no
15
5
2
yes
no
no
no
$150
$200
The 18th Hole http://members.shaw/skichalet • 250-338-2544
chalet
AV
no
yes
no
12
5
2
yes
S
no
no
$200
$250
Mt. Washington Alpine Chalet
mtwashingtonalpinechalet.ca • 250-652-0343
Location Legend:
AV = Alpine Village
AW = Alpine Way
FP = Fosters Place
HR = Henry Road
BH = Beaufort Heights
WINTER RATES FROM
SUMMER RATES FROM
SKI-IN
AW
ACCOMMODATION NAME & CONTACT
HOT TUB / SAUNA
LOCATION
condo
at Mount Washington
ACCOMMODATION TYPE
Bear Lodge #212 bearlodge@shaw.ca • 250-812-6807
Stay & Play
stay a nd p l a y
You’ll Love our Island Lifestyle! Stay and Play on Mount Washington... then experience even more of our island lifestyle by adding one of our special packages to extend your vacation. On the mountain, seasonal specials start from around $100 per person per night and include accommodation and lift tickets—and in many cases lessons, an après ski evening, a snow tube night and a celebratory meal to complete your stay. You can’t book a simple
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www.discovermountwashington.com
room in most winter resorts for that price! When you’ve enjoyed the snow, why not explore the Pacific surf or spoil yourself at a luxurious spa? Our special add-on packages include winter and summer surf adventures, which include oceanfront accommodation in Tofino, an introductory surfing lesson, and equipment rental for two days, as well as kayaking and scuba diving excursions. We also offer pampering overnight
retreats at a Comox Valley spa, including gourmet dinner and use of facilities; winter golf breaks, and theatre breaks. Or why not enjoy a ‘Take Two’ ski or boarding experience in Canada? A few days at Mount Washington, followed by a few more in a resort like Banff or Whistler? Two very different ski experiences on one great vacation! Visit www.discovermountwashington.com for a full range of tempting offers.
Escape to the Kingfisher Oceanside Resort & Spa Vancouver Island’s Premier Spa Resort Featuring the Pacific Mist Hydropath®. Truly unique to North America, it features eight water therapy stations set in a recreated West Coast shoreline of sculpted caves and pools.
Full Service Spa • Conference Facilities Oceanside Dining Room & Summer Patio Recreational activities in the Comox Valley include golfing, hiking, fishing, kayaking, birdwatching, beachcombing, swimming, biking, shopping and more.
Direct Flights to the Comox Valley YQQ 4330 Island Hwy. South, Courtenay, BC
To reserve your escape call 1-800-663-7929
kingfisherspa.com
www.discovermountwashington.com
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www.discovermountwashington.com
marri ag e s & meeting s
Mile High Marriages and Meetings On the most memorable day of your life, you can marry in style at the summit of Mount Washington. Our chairlift will carry you to a special mile-high location with bright clear skies and the mystic powers of majestic eagles above and nature’s best all around you as you exchange your vows. Or tie the knot on the lower slopes, with a backdrop of Strathcona Park’s alpine meadows, pristine lakes, lush forests and rugged mountains forever enhancing pictures in your album. Whatever your preference, Mount Washington is a natural choice. Your guests will be well catered for whatever the occasion. Raven Lodge hosts receptions, parties and events for up to 150 people; while the newly-refurbished function rooms in the Alpine Lodge can accommodate from five to 500 people in 10,000 square feet of divisible space.
And with so much overnight accommodation available on the mountain itself, every guest at even the biggest wedding or event can find somewhere special to stay within walking distance. Organizers of conferences, corporate retreats and larger groups will also find Mount
Washington a perfect venue, with its wealth of accommodation, meeting rooms, exhibition space and catering options. Group bookings of all kinds are welcome, and Tourism Mount Washington can help in coordinating arrangements for larger groups. Visit our website or call for more details.
www.discovermountwashington.com
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ABORIGINAL JOURNEYS
b eyon d th e mountain
Exploring Beyond the Mountain Mount Washington overlooks the beautiful Comox Valley—home to approximately 65,000 people and one of the fastest-growing communities in British Columbia. The spectacular scenery, appealing climate, great sport and recreation facilities, cosmopolitan range of restaurants and stores, friendly locals and a vibrant arts and entertainment scene draw people to the Comox Valley. Visitors don’t just return for vacations—they return for good! Being at the heart of Vancouver Island, it’s so easy to enjoy an amazing array of adventurous activities while staying on Mount Washington. Where else in the world can you ski or board in the morning, kayak or golf in the afternoon and then enjoy a snowshoe tour and fondue in the evening? Or go on a whale watching expedition before taking a stroll through alpine meadows? You can do all that here—and more!
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Here is just a sampling of the things you can experience beyond the mountain in the Comox Valley, Campbell River and the rest of Vancouver Island... adventure tours :
Vancouver Island is an adventure lovers dream! Join a whale watching or grizzly bear viewing tour to see these amazing creatures up close, or take a trip to explore the natural wonders of the area. Many world-renowned adventure tours along the rugged BC coast are accessible from operators just 30 minutes from Mount Washington.
ocean diving : Why not try scuba diving?
Jacques Cousteau considered this to be one of the world’s best cold water dive locations.
sport fishing : Nearby Campbell River,
regarded as the ‘Salmon Capital of the World,’ is the place to cast a line. surfing :
A day trip to the West Coast towns of Tofino or Ucluelet will take you to a year-round surfing and adventure paradise. kayaking : Take a lesson or rent a kayk and
explore the pristine local waterways.
WHALE WATCH TELEGRAPH COVE Northern Vancouver Island
British Columbia’s 1st Whale Watching Company . Since 1980
Reservations or Information 1-800-665-3066 www.stubbs-island.com
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www.discovermountwashington.com
caving: Discover the underworld by taking
a guided tour through Horne Lake Caves.
COMOX VALLEY RECORD / WWW.DOWNTOWNCOURTENAY.COM
birding : It’s not just the magnificent bald eagles—the Comox Valley is internationallyrecognized for overwintering birds like Trumpeter swans. flying : Spread your own wings by taking
a helicopter or light aircraft flight over the Comox Glacier and above Della Falls, Canada’s tallest waterfall.
aprés ski in the comox valley : It’s all so easy, because it only takes half an hour to get to sea-level towns, where you will find stores, cafés, bars, restaurants, stage and movie theatres, sports centres, swimming pools, spas, casinos and more! shopping : Shoppers will find many unique options in the Comox Valley and Campbell River. Don’t miss Downtown Courtenay— named one of the most charming downtown cores on Vancouver Island. spa escape : Pamper yourself at one of our luxurious local spas—a great way to unwind after a day on the slopes!
culture : Music, arts and culture are big
around these parts, and hardly a week passes in the summer without some festival or major entertainment. In addition to the mountain’s summer festivals celebrating food, wine, beer and more, events not to be missed include the annual Vancouver Island MusicFest and the renowned Filberg Festival. heritage: There’s heritage here, too. Eighty
million years ago, dinosaurs ruled and in the
Courtenay Museum you can not only view the finds unearthed here but also get the chance to join a fossil-hunting trip yourself. In Campbell River, the city’s museum includes impressive displays of native art; while in the Comox Valley, a visit to the I-Hos Gallery operated by the K’ómoks First Nation is a must to gain an insight into the region’s fascinating cultural history. Musuems and heritage sites in Cumberland and Comox also have great stories to tell about the area’s past.
www.discovermountwashington.com
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BREAKFAST LUNCH DINNER closed monday evenings
250 338 9838 atlascafe.ca
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www.discovermountwashington.com
dining
The Comox Valley is a delight for the culinary enthusiast. Whether you want to unwind and sip a cocktail on a patio overlooking Comox Marina, or cozy up next to a fireplace for a relaxing dinner, you’ll find somewhere satisfy to your tastebuds in the Comox Valley. The area is home to more than 80 eateries, offering everything from ethnic dishes such as Thai, Mexican and Japanese, to culinary fusions, blending diverse styles and traditions. Many local restaurants allow you to ‘Taste the Island’—offering fresh local seafood, locally-grown fruit and vegetables, naturally-reared meats, and a choice of Island beers and wines. If you are looking for off-mountain aprés ski, Skiing Magazine showcased one of your many options for local year-round nightlife when readers listed The Waverley Pub in Cumberland as the number one choice for a
BLACKFIN PUB AT THE MARINA
Culinary Delights...
celebratory drink across all North American ski destinations. Great indie bands, beers and atmosphere combined to put it ahead of the swish bars of more famous resorts. Wherever you decide to go, you won’t be disappointed. In fact, food tastes so good here, there are even a number of annual
festivals to celebrate it, including the Shellfish Festival in Comox, and the mountain’s own Alpine Food Festival. Treat your palate to the culinary delights of the Comox Valley. For breakfast, lunch or dinner, dining out is sure to be one of the most enjoyable parts of your holiday!
www.discovermountwashington.com
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live the d re a m
Vancouver Island’s Hidden Gem...
Investing
We began by inviting you to imagine a winter sports resort on an island in the Pacific Ocean. A resort where people can ski through frosted glades in the morning and kayak through ocean waves in the afternoon. A summer resort where mountain biking attracts champions and mountain hiking is unsurpassed. But this is no fantasy. It is real. It is Mount Washington—Vancouver Island’s hidden gem. And we’re ready to welcome you for a vacation you’ll never forget. Winter or summer, you’ll love our island lifestyle!
www.discovermountwashington.com
For those who love our island lifestyle, there are attractive investment opportunities in residential and recreational properties, development sites and independent business ventures—especially on Mount Washington itself. For more information, contact Tourism Mount Washington or visit www.discovermountwashington.com and link through to the real estate companies that have our mountain properties listed. If you are interested in developing land or setting up a new business elsewhere in the Comox Valley visit: www.investcomoxvalley.com
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www.discovermountwashington.com
For the past 20 years Rick Gibson has sold close to 90% of all Real Estate on Mount Washington. ALPINE VILLAGE Walk in village ambience FROM $189,900 BEAR LODGE Slopeside Location BRAND NEW SUITES FROM $189,900 BEAUFORT HEIGHTS BUILDING LOTS FROM $99,900 Photos courtesy Mount Washington Alpine Resort
BLUEBERRY HILL Spectacular Views FROM $259,900 CREEKSIDE HOUSE Slopeside Location FROM $299,900 DEER LODGE Slopeside Location SUITES FROM $219,900
That’s because he lives here and knows the market better than anyone else, and that’s why you need him if you are buying or selling property on Mount Washington. • Rick Gibson's three web sites receive over 8000 unique visits per month. • The Royal LePage website receives over 800,000 visits a per month. • The Mount Washington Real Estate Channel shows your property 24/7. • The Marmot newspaper boasts an annual circulation of 80,000 copies.
Tel. 250-338-1723 www.rickgibson.ca
FOSTERS PLACE CHALETS FROM $474,900 PARADISE RIDGE Swimming Pool And Hot Tub FROM $199,900 PARKVIEW PLACE TOWNHOMES FROM $399,900 PTARMIGAN RIDGE One Bedroom Suites FROM $139,900
For current listings go to