Unlike the big commercial mountains, Mount Washington has a local, down-to-earth energy. It’s a place where families grow up learning to ski, where friends meet for a powder day that turns into a sunset snowshoe, and where mountain life still feels like community.

The Mountain

Mount Washington is the largest ski resort on Vancouver Island, offering terrain for every kind of rider — from easy green runs to steep alpine bowls.

• 81 runs across a mix of groomers, glades, and powder stashes.

• 1,700 vertical feet of downhill terrain.

• 5 lifts + magic carpets for all levels.

• Backcountry access to untouched snowfields beyond the resort boundary.
  

In winter, the mountain transforms into a snow-lover’s dream — reliable powder, sweeping coastal views, and that unmistakable island blend of mountains and sea.

More Than Skiing

Even if skiing or snowboarding isn’t your thing, Mount Washington has plenty to offer:

• Snowshoe & Nordic Trails: Over 55 km of cross-country tracks through silent forests.

• Tubing Park: Family-friendly fun for all ages.

• Wildlife: Keep your eyes peeled for eagles, ravens, and black-tailed deer roaming the slopes.

• Après Ski: Enjoy a cozy drink at Ted’s Bar & Grill, a classic post-adventure stop with big views and live music on weekends.
  

Summer at Mount Washington

When the snow melts, the mountain bursts into color. Wildflowers take over the meadows, alpine lakes shimmer in the sun, and the trails open for hikers, bikers, and wanderers alike.

• Chairlift sightseeing: Ride to the top for 360° views of Strathcona Park and the Pacific Ocean.

• Hiking & Biking: Trails range from easy alpine strolls to steep technical descents.

• Family Fun: Try disc golf, guided nature walks, or visit the alpine village shops.
  

From here, you can explore Strathcona Provincial Park, just next door — one of BC’s oldest and most breathtaking wilderness areas.

Where to Stay

The resort village offers condos, chalets, and lodges — from slope-side stays to cozy cabins tucked in the trees.

• For a rustic vibe: Alpine Village Chalets

• For convenience: Slopeside condos near the lifts

• For nearby comfort: Cumberland, Courtenay, or Comox, all within 30–40 minutes
  

Getting There

Mount Washington is about 30 minutes from Courtenay, 1.5 hours from Nanaimo, and 3 hours from Victoria.

• From Highway 19, take the Strathcona Parkway exit, then follow the signs 18 km up the mountain.

• Winter tires are mandatory — conditions can change fast.

• Closest airport: Comox Valley Airport (YQQ), just 40 minutes away.
  

Local Tips

• Arrive early — powder days fill fast.

• Bring layers. Island weather can swing from sunshine to a blizzard in a few hours.

• Watch for fog in the alpine zone — it rolls in quickly and adds to the mountain’s moody beauty.

• Support local. The mountain community thrives on local restaurants, shops, and guides — stop by Raven Lodge Café or a Comox Valley market on your way up.
  

The Magic of Mount Washington

Mount Washington isn’t just a ski hill — it’s a meeting point of worlds: ocean and mountain, wild and human, adventure and rest.

You’ll find families teaching their kids to ski, locals who’ve volunteered here for decades, and travelers standing in awe as the clouds part to reveal the Strait below.

This is Vancouver Island’s alpine heart — where the pace slows, the air sharpens, and every turn feels like coming home.