Vancouver Island's
Your ISLAND MTN
Mt. Washington Alpine Resort is a Year-Round Recreation Destination
Together with Norie, who owned a helicopter, they surveyed the mountain. Construction commenced in 1977, making Mt. Washington one of the first master-planned resorts in British Columbia, officially opening to the public in 1979.
55 km
About Mount Washington Alpine Resort.
Vancouver Island, British Columbia, is home to over 800,000 people, with BC's provincial capital, Victoria, located a few hours drive south of Mount Washington Alpine Resort (MWAR). MWAR has grown to be one of Canada most beloved local ski areas, for the record snowfall, the amazing people, and the unmatched alpine to ocean scenery. With a summit elevation reaching a mile above the nearby Pacific Ocean, 1,700 acres of ski terrain with 1,657 feet of vertical rise, and a historical snowfall average of approximately 9 metres (354 inches) of snow each year, one of the highest averages of any ski area in North America.
With 5 chairlifts and a dedicated beginner learning carpet zone, Easy Acres, MWAR's terrain offers adventure for all ability levels as well as many lessons and programs for skill progression. Get amongst solo snowy laps of varied terrain on-piste, or a good ol' boot pack into the powder-filled back bowls with your best pals. The Outback terrain via Boomerang Chairlift offers an incredible snowpack and an out-and-back experience unlike any other.
While the alpine skiing is notably more famous, the Nordic Centre at Raven Lodge facilities are equally impressive with its own base lodge offering over 55 kilometres of cross-country skiing, along with snowshoeing and fat biking trails, half of which are in the adjacent Strathcona Park, BC's oldest Provincial Park. In anticipation of the Winter Games that were held in Vancouver in 2010, MWAR upgraded their Nordic facilities to Olympic standards, and many of the teams competing made MWAR their training center leading up to those Olympic Games for cross-country skiing and biathlon. Those same world-class facilities are now enjoyed by Mount Washington’s guests and Season Pass Holders each winter season.
Mount Washington Alpine Resort has been a must-visit destination for Vancouver Island snow sports enthusiasts for over 40 years.
So Much More Than A Ski Hill...
Mount Washington is not all brawn, however. Its natural beauty has been recognized universally as one of the most serene landscapes of any ski resort in Canada, with stunning views of the Pacific Ocean’s Salish Sea across to the Coastal Mountain Range, and the spectacularly scenic Strathcona Provincial Park. MWAR has also been named as one of the 10 places that should be on every Canadian’s “bucket list.” Whether you're an avid skier, snowboarder, cross-country enthusiast, or casual snowshoe explorer - Mount Washington has something for everyone to experience!
The surrounding mountain community houses a passionate group of local residents. Many accommodation rentals, both short and long-term, are found within the quaint villages, offering chalets and apartment-style condos all nestled among the quiet coastal scenery. We're no strangers to shovelling snow around here! Staying in the Mount Washington Village is at the heart of a quintessential winter wonderland experience on Vancouver Island. Seasonal events, holiday celebrations and recurring monthly favourites like Live Star Karaoke, Music Bingo, and regular après entertainment all keep the locals always coming back for more.
In the summer, MWAR offers a lift-accessed Bike Park, the Eagle's Flight Zipline Tour, sightseeing and hiking experiences, courtyard games like giant chess and checkers, a full-service licensed patio and more to explore. Mount Washington has a strong history with mountain biking, with the mecca of Cumberland right here at our doorstep. Not to mention all of the legendary events drawing crowds from all over to experience our coastal playground in the sunny season.
Our Environment
Sustainability
1700 ac
within resort boundaries
9 m
9 Metres
45 yrs
Mountain Since 1979
Vancouver Island's Largest Ski Destination.
Among North America's snowiest.
A Canadian Hidden Gem, Tucked Away in the Pacific West Coast:
Strathcona Park Neighbours.
Year-Round Activities.
/ LAND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT.
A peace dance in the mountains was shared in the summer of 2020 by the Kumugwe Cultural Society. Through sharing the songs and dances of the K’omoks and Kwakwaka’wakw peoples, the Kumugwe Dancers are able to help facilitate respect and understanding within the local community and communities abroad. Watch the video now.