The MEMO

What a season this has been.  It started with no one really knowing what to expect in a pandemic impacted environment.  We made the required accommodations for social distancing and mask-wearing, and we allowed season pass deferrals just in case, and then we waited…
 
What we got was cold temperatures in December that allowed us to open on-time with snowmaking, and then phenomenal snowfall for the rest of the winter!  As we had hoped, this winter provided the outdoor reprieve so many of us longed for after months of being stuck at home, and it gave us the opportunity to enjoy the crisp alpine air and this great mountain.  We are glad so many of you were able to make it up to the mountain so often.
 
Another thing that struck me this winter was seeing the pure dedication of our team members as they worked hard to provide you with the opportunity to get together on the slopes with family and friends.  Special acknowledgements to our team for all their hard work. Every staff member plays an integral role in providing this outlet for us all to fill our cups with happiness and well-being.
 
We could not have reached this point of such success this winter without the commitment from our staff and from you, our guests, who all helped to keep our season safe.  Our Vancouver Island community has such a special bond. The outcomes of this season further prove that together, we can (quite literally) move mountains.
 
Having the opportunity to get out on my skis this winter to experience our spectacular natural environment has been so needed, and I think it is safe to say our community has also very much appreciated rejuvenating safely here in the mountains.  On behalf of our Mount Washington family, I would like to thank you from the bottom my heart for your resilience and adaptability in following new protocols around the resort.  I know it has not always been easy. Thank you for being kind to each other out there, and for keeping the good times rolling – after all, that is what we’re here for.
 
I have some great news to share with you all. As a special thank you, for the first time next year’s season passes will be available this spring at a deeply discounted rate.  Starting this Friday afternoon, March 19th, all types of Season Passes for winter 2021-2022 will be on sale at up to 30% off the in-season rates.  You will be able to simply reload your pass from this year, or you can join the club for unlimited access and the best perks by purchasing a new Adult Gold Pass for only $799, because you’ll definitely want to ride this wave of savings right into next winter!
 
This special deal ends when this season ends on April 5th.  So, get in on it because we want to make sure you receive the best price on the best thing about winter – a season of adventures at Mt. Washington.
 
And, thank you, Vancouver Island. For your support, good spirits, and passion for our mountains. I will see you around the slopes.

Sincerely,

Dean Prentice
General Manager 

This weekend's coastal storm arrived in full force, burying cars, chalet entrances, and even a few skis that will be patiently waiting for spring's melt. Check out the epic footage with lots of smiling eyes and snow-covered faces.

As we approach March Break - we know you are well aware of protocols in place this season around the resort. But, as a refresher please remember to plan before you arrive, buy online in advance, and prepare for a busy resort over the holiday. Starting March 15th, the Whiskey Jack chair will be spinning everyday right till the end of the season! Speaking of - if you don't already know, the last day of winter operations will be Monday, April 5th, 2021. Where on earth has this season gone? (It's probably hidden under the +100CM's we got over the weekend).

The sun will be granting us an extra hour of playtime starting this weekend with Daylight Savings approaching - spend more of your day outside by ordering food-on-the-go whenever hunger strikes, with convenient take-out options available on the Mount Washington mobile app.

Thank you for continuing to keep our season safe by practicing social distancing, mask-wearing, and sanitizing often. Also - if you are choosing to ski, please choose not to gather outside of your household. We are on the home-stretch and we are so grateful for a full season, thanks to your work helping our community stay safe.

You asked for it, and we're bringing 'em back! Get sorting through your tickle-trunks to prepare for dress-up theme days coming in hot the last five Fridays of the season. This week March 5th is jersey day so have some fun representing your favourite sports team out on the hill. See more details on the events calendar for what's coming up next!

Today Mother Nature sent some surprise snow our way, and the forecast looks to be promising plenty more. However, with warmer weather approaching we want to remind you to please keep all public health orders top of mind and resist the urge to gather for your typical spring-après session with anyone not apart of your household. Maintain physical distance, keep wearing your masks, and sanitize often. Thanks for doing your part to keep our season safe! Speaking of safety, the work of our Pro Patrollers is at the heart of our mountain operations and although this season presented some new challenges, it's nothing our team of professionals can't handle.

Don't forget to include hashtag #TopPeakMountWashington in your Instagram and Twitter shares! You can vote for us online and have some fun participating in the weekly challenges. Each video share earns us another 5 points toward the goal of donating $50,000 to our friends at the Vancouver Island Society for Adaptive Snowsports. Let's go Vancouver Island! We got this. Enjoy your adventures this coming week, wherever they lead you.

Have you heard? We're rallying our community to come together, digitally, as Mount Washington competes for a chance to win Top Peak and a whopping cash prize donation of $50,000 to support the Vancouver Island Society for Adaptive Snowsports (VISAS)! There are plenty of ways you can get involved to help us earn points, and a good place to start is by sharing to Instagram and Twitter using the hashtag #TopPeakMountWashington. Tune in to our social media channels to learn more as the challenges continue over the next few weeks. We know our Vancouver Island community has what it takes to help us make it happen and earn the title of Canada's Top Peak community. Get to dancing!

The VISAS team does incredible work making access to the mountains inclusive for all abilities to experience. In this episode of The MEMO, you'll hear more from team member Sebastien Braconnier all about what the Adaptive Program offers to its many participants here in our island paradise. You can also find more information on the Adaptive Program here.

Don't forget to include hashtag #TopPeakMountWashington in anything you share to Instagram or Twitter and spread the word to your network, vote for us online, and have some fun getting silly participating in the weekly challenges. Each share earns us 5 points! We can't wait to see your Slalom Shuffle. Enjoy your mountain adventures this coming week, wherever they lead you.

Have you tried fat-biking out in our Nordic terrain? That climb sure is one way to earn your views! There are 8 fat bike-friendly trails including the new bike-specific track, Marmots Mess. Rent a Rocky Mountain fat bike or bring up your own winter-ready ride and cruise through our snowy wonderland on two wheels.

Calling all ladies! Our Women's Week is back March 1st through 5th offering a deeply discounted midweek lift ticket and lesson package, as well as a special Pass Holder lesson rate. You can sign up for just one day or participate in the entire week! Head out on the slopes with a small group of rad women of similar ski or snowboard abilities to you, learning new skills and building confidence alongside our Snow Pro Instructors - all while getting the very best deal. Don't miss out, go now to sign up for your spot.

The ViewTour Slopestyle is now live online! Watch our local athletes virtually compete for the top spot in each category. Judges are deliberating and People's Choice voting is also open every day until the overall winners are announced this coming Monday. Enjoy your adventures, wherever they lead you.

We're so lucky to have this mountain oasis available to explore, and our Lift Operations team does so much behind the scenes to make the magic happen. The reality is, we're hiring! A lot of Lifties are needed to run the resort and keep the chairlifts spinning. There's plenty of season left to join our mountain family and take advantage of employee perks and fun times. Head to hr.mountwashington.ca to apply for a gig! We'd love to have you.

Also in this week's episode, check out what's new in the Terrain Park - have you hit the new Mini-Park off Frog Legs trail yet? Hear from our Park Crew with more on what's new and some safety tips to improve your ride. They've been keeping features in top shape lately for the View Tour Virtual Slopestyle competition on now. Registration and submission deadline is coming up this Sunday! Interested? Find out more and sign up here.

Snow is in the forecast and with this being a long weekend for BC Family Day, things are sure to be busy up here at Mt. Washington. Alpine Day Tickets, Rentals, Tube Park time slots, and more activities have limited space and will sell out quickly! Ensure you're booking experiences now ahead of time, arrive at the mountain early, and be prepared to follow all resort protocols during your visit. Maintain distance, mask up, and have fun - a little patience goes a long way. Enjoy the adventure, wherever you're headed.

Spring will be here before we know it! The days are already starting to feel longer with our 2020-2021 season now reaching the halfway point. This week, we're reminding you to arrive prepared and always have safety top of mind during your adventures. If you haven't recently, go to our safety page here to refresh yourself on potential risks and how to avoid them.

More daylight means more time to play, and we want to make things convenient for you to stay outdoors and get right back to your adventures. Did you know we offer take-out food orders on our mobile app from the Alpine Cafeteria and Raven Lodge? Here's how:

 

 

2021 has delivered the goods with 101cm of snowfall so far in January, getting nearly all resort terrain open for your adventures. From the chutes in The Outback, to cruisy groomers, to the breathtaking trails in Strathcona Park - we see you all out there getting after it! Thanks for doing your part to keep our season safe. In this video, catch up on the action as well as a message from Dr. Adam Thompson, Mount Washington Season Pass Holder and Comox Valley COVID-19 Spokesperson for the Division of Family Practice.