Mount Washington was top of the world snowfall table for most of last winter with over 6 metres (20 feet) lying and the resort, which was the main pre-Olympics training base for international teams immediately before the Winter games in February, had over 15m (approximately 50 feet) of snow through the season.
It is now trying to clear snow that's still lying deep on the higher mountain bike tracks ready for the summer season, but has decided to offer summer skiing for the first time in its 32 year history too.
"The running joke at the end of the winter season at Mount Washington was that the snow would last until June and you would be able to ski and snowboard the opening day of summer operations. Joking aside, Mount Washington is announcing it will indeed open for skiing on the first weekend of summer." Said resort spokesperson Brent Curtain.
"We will be loading skiers and boarders onto the Eagle Express from 11am to 4pm on opening weekend," says Don Sharpe, Director of Business Operations at the resort. "Anybody wanting to head up for summer turns can do it for a special $25 lift ticket. As an added bonus, dads can ski or board for $10 on Father's Day when they head up the lift with their child."
Linton's Loop will be the chosen run for the summer skiing weekend. "Imagine telling your friends and family across the country that you skied on Vancouver Island on the first day of summer," adds Curtain. "It really is unbelievable."
Mount Washington Alpine Resort is located 30 minutes above The Comox Valley on Vancouver Island. WestJet, Central Mountain Air and Pacific Coastal Airlines service the Comox Valley Airport (YQQ).
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