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Wintertime Wonders Of Mount WashingtonBy Jane CassieWhile strapped into webbed soles, we waddle over the blanket of freshly fallen snow. Beams from trusty headlamps ignite the way and reflect onto powder pathways that shimmer like Christmas glitter. The illumination is augmented by the star-studded sky, and aside from my laborious breathing, the night is still, peaceful and serene. The evening snowshoeing tour is just one of the wintertime wonders that we experience during our visit to Vancouver Island’s year-round destination of Mount Washington. A vast expanse of undulating terrain is specifically designated for the brisk walk in the wilderness, and an additional fifty-five kilometers of well-groomed track meanders into Strathcona Provincial Park, attracting skiers ranging from Nordic neophytes to cross country champions.
Table tea lights and a flickering fire cast an inviting glow over the upper floor of the impressive post and beam treasure, magically transforming it from a daytime bistro, to a fine dining establishment. Silver service accompanies sophisticated presentations, and while dipping delectables into Gruyere cheese and Belgium chocolate, we share powder tales with our new snowshoeing compadres. “We visit for a week every winter,” Rob from Sydney reveals, “and though we never downhill ski, there’s lots of other activities and great accommodations that keep us coming back for more.”
The central reservation line enables efficient one stop shopping, whether searching for a cozy chalet, two-story townhouse, or on-slope condo in the pool of 3,500 beds. While the original alpine village shares a taste of old-world charm, townhouses and condominiums grace the newer drive-in accessible routes and any one of the luxury log homes that line Foster Lane will provide a truly upscale escape. As well as booking our return Helijet flight through this access, we opt for a one-bedroom Deer Lodge condo, where we’re close to the hub, have all the comforts of home, and enjoy the added perk of a slope-viewing hot tub.
Although downhill skis used to be as comfortable on my feet as a pair of well-worn slippers, retirement is now just around the corner, and the old muscles aren’t as reliable, or pliable, as they used to be. Needless to say, I have my doubts about downhill plunge. Then I spot the demos in the tech shop. I drool over precision made Atomic, Elan, and Rossignols that would surely carve around snow ghosts, glide over cruisers, and plough through powder-choked bowls. The familiar warmth of adrenaline rushes through my veins as we buckle, snap, zip-up then glide. In spite of the looming cloud that infiltrates the evergreens, my hopes are high. After all, Mount Washington, now celebrating her twenty-fifth season, boasts one of the deepest snow bases in all of North America with an average of 900cm (30 feet) falling over the heavenly terrain. Offering 1,200 skiable acres, 50 runs, and 6 chairlifts, it’s no wonder they draw in a crowd of 400,000 mountain hounds each ski season. And when the new Comox airport terminal opens in May even more of our Seattle and Albertan neighbors will become captivated. We prod through the turnstiles like thoroughbreds at a starting gate, and are whisked away in six packs and quartets to mile high summits. An overnight powder dump envelopes countless ski trails, ranging from broad, scenic cat tracks to steep mogul mine fields. Totally untouched champagne powder beckons below. And magically, the overcast dew dissipates to reveal a cobalt clear dome above. From the windblown pinnacle, the alpine-to-ocean vista, backed by heaven-bound coastal peaks, is absolutely awesome. Soon, the attention will be diverted to the backside of the mountain where just as many peaks frame the sensational setting. But instead of the panorama, all eyes will be riveted on Canada’s very first double off-loading fixed grip quad, as it trails down the outback. Appropriately titled and anxiously anticipated, the ‘Boomerang’ will be the next revolutionary addition to this resort’s forward thinking plan and will be another wintertime wonder for Mount Washington fans. Mount Washington Alpine Resort Helijet International Inc. Service to Campbell River is on their fixed wing Beech 1900D turbo-prop and departs from Abbotsford (closer to about 300,000 people in the lower mainland than YVR) http://www.helijet.com Jane is president of BC Association Of Travel Writers http://www.bctravelwriters.com and can be contacted at janecassie@telus.net Photos compliments of Mount Washington Alpine Resort |
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While
hoofing up hills and brushing up to frosted evergreens, my heart rate
accelerates and beads of perspiration trickle from my brow. “This stroll is
more like a cardio circuit,” Brent affirms, “and it’s working up a ferocious
appetite.” We soon discover that Mount Washington has considered this common
after-effect, for when we return to the exquisite Raven Lodge, a
multi-course fondue feast that would appease the most ravenous Epicurean is
served. 
Offering
versatility seems to be a mission that Mount Washington imbibes. As well as
the best Nordic facilities in North America, they boast a three hundred
meter natural Luge track, a lift-accessed tube run, two terrain parks, a
half pipe and popular mountain-geared weekend events. During our stay, we
witness gravity defying snow-boarders push the envelope while bouncing off
bumps and scoring big air during the Showtime Challenge. Artisans celebrate
the Kokanee Winterfest 2004 by molding snow sculptures, and a live band
revives the seventies in a raving retro party. 
Runs
funnel down to bustling Alpine Lodge where the connecting Bradley Centre
takes credit for being the largest ski rental facility of any BC resort.
“You can show up here in civies and leave in full ski garb,” prides Public
Relations Manager, Dave Hampshire, when giving us the grand tour. “And we
are the only BC mountain to offer the Burton snowboard training facility for
kids.”