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With a current base of 489 cm, it should come as no surprise that Mount Washington has been rockin’ all season. With school out for Spring Break, this is definitely the mountain’s most exciting and action-packed week. The week-long Chek News SnoJam event kicked off with the After Dark Invitational as riders from the Island, Lower Mainland and Whistler amped up the slopes under spotlights hoping to ride away with $3K.

Photo: Antonio LaFauci/LMount Washington Alpine Resort

You don’t want to miss the rest of the coming week – it’s jammed full with the Barq’s Root Beer Snowtube Festival, the Beavertails Eating Contest, Dairyland Crazy Cards and the Old Dutch Mini Olympics. A full detailed listing can be found here, but this is only a sliver of the fun that Mount Washington has planned for those interested in checking out what a 5-metre snowbase looks like. As always, the nordic and alpine trails are open – including the legendary Boomerang Outback and both snowboard terrain parks.

For more information on the mountain, snow reports and stay-and-play packages, visit Mount Washington’s website or call the mountain toll free at 1-888-231-1499.

Two years ago, when I brought Rebecca to Mount Washington Alpine Resort with me for a girls’ snowboarding weekend, she had told a friend or two about our pending trip. A few of the comments she got in response included: “I thought Mount Washington was in Washington State,” or “There’s a mountain on Vancouver Island?”

Photo: tempest_kat on Flickr

The answer to the second of those questions is an unequivocal “yes”.

Map: Comox Valley World Cup Organizing Committee

Half-way down the spine of mountains that runs north to south along Vancouver Island, towering majestically over the Comox Valley, outdoor enthusiasts will find the home of British Columbia’s deepest snowpack. In fact, the current base reaches a depth of 391cm (that’s more than 13 feet)!

Mount Washington Alpine Resort – A History of Logos. From left-right: 1979; 1981; 1996; 1998; and 2002

Named for Rear Admiral John Washington of the British Royal Navy, construction on the resort was launched in 1977 before the lifts at Mount Washington first whisked skiers to the peak in December of 1979. The powder-laden resort was an instant success, giving nearby Forbidden Plateau some serious competition.

Photo: ai.dan on Flickr

Photo: bmann on Flickr

In its 31-year history, Mount Washington has expanded to more than 1,600 acres of skiing and snowboarding thrills, nine high-capacity lifts, extensive nordic terrain, a condominium and chalet village, tasty eateries, slippery snow tubing and a legendary backcountry area.

Trail Map: Destination Snow

One might argue that Mount Washington’s greatest value is found in the stunning vistas, stretching out across the entire Comox Valley, the Georgia Straight and rugged peaks to the south.

Needless to say, it’s not been difficult to convince Rebecca to return with me. The cold beers at Fat Teddy’s Grill in the lodge may have had something to do with that.

Photo: Calypso Orchid on Flickr

Don’t let the copious snowfall at Mount Washington fool you. The resort is also a paradise for those who seek sunshine in the summertime. With winding hiking paths, frisbee golf, BBQ events, an epic network of mountain biking trails, an annual wine festival and even some shopping, there’s no shortage ways to fill your days.

Photo: mattdil on Flickr (used with permission)

Aside from the obvious attractions, Mount Washington is also home to the endangered Vancouver Island marmot . This species is native only to the sub-alpine meadows of Mount Washington and, thanks to tireless recovery efforts, the wild marmot population has been increased from 25 to 100 since 2001. Keep your eyes open – they aren’t easy to spot! However, you may also find yourself face-to-face with bears, cougars or elk amongst the woodland.

With glistening snow and crisp air, these pictures do more than speak for themselves. Next time you find yourself visiting Vancouver Island – or exploring your own backyard – you owe it to yourself to discover the crown of the Comox Valley.

Mount Washington Alpine Resort is accessible by car at the top of an entirely paved parkway; chains are encouraged (and sometimes mandatory) throughout the winter months. From the inland Island Highway (Highway 19), take exit 130 onto Strathcona Parkway – the resort is located at 1 Strathcona Parkway. For more information, call the resort at 1-888-231-1499 or visit their website. You can also follow the resort’s updates on Twitter.

…British Columbia has more than lived up to its reputation of being the “Wet Coast” in recent weeks. While this means puddles and downpours on the streets, it’s equated to incredible amounts of snowfall on the mountains.

Nowhere is this more prevalent than on the slopes of Mount Washington Alpine Resort. While at this time last year the mountain saw nothing more than a fresh dusting, this year’s snowfall has been smashing records like never before!

Photo: Mount Washington Alpine Resort

Crews have been scrambling to groom the more than 440 centimetres that have fallen in the last three weeks, paving the way for beyond stellar riding conditions. “Our old record for November snowfall was 300 centimetres in 2006,” explains resort spokesperson Brent Curtain. “Needless to say, this month we’ve seen unprecedented amounts of snow up here. We received 300 centimetres in the last week alone!”

Photo: Mount Washington Alpine Resort

Load up your iPod, wax your board (or planks) and dig out your toque – it should come as no surprise that Mount Washington is gearing up to hit the green button on all lifts two weeks earlier than planned for the 2009/2010 season. Operations begin this Saturday, November 28, 2009. Happy birthday to me, indeed! Rebecca and I are more than ready to “Go For Gold” as soon as we can.

For more information, directions, lift pass pricing, accommodations and more, head over to Mount Washington Alpine Resort’s website. Be sure to check out their blustery snowcams for a preview of what’s to come. This is a great time to grab a Six-Pack of lift tickets for yourself or for friends as Christmas gifts! Don’t forget to follow Mount Washington on Twitter.

With 2010 around the corner, news outlets are reporting that bookings have increased at ski resorts in BC’s interior. With the crowds and chaos expected during the month of February on the North Shore and in Whistler, it really comes as no surprise. While our interior’s small towns may boast some tasty snow, may I instead suggest something with a view as well?

I know me and my favourite gal are looking forward to it…

While the deadline for early bird season passes has come and gone, that doesn’t mean you can’t still hit Mount Washington for a fantastic day rate (considerably less expensive than comparable mountains in the interior) once the snow starts falling. Here’s hoping that the dusting that fell last week is just a preview of what’s to come.

Crews have been scrambling over the last month to clear brush, bushes and trees to make for expertly sculpted runs on some of the best snow BC has to offer. Also new for the 2009/2010 season is extended night skiing.

Photo: Mount Washington Alpine Resort

It’s bright lights, big mountain with twilight riding operating from 3:30 p.m. until 10:00 p.m. – that’s a lot of skiing or snowboarding in a 24-hour period. Hungry bellies and beer cravings can still be satisfied at a number of Mount Washington’s dining establishments that are also gearing up. And remember that you don’t need to go far to get a good night’s sleep (only to get up and do it all over again the next day) – tons of gorgeous condos and chalets dot the side of the mountain.

For more information and to plot a winter escape to Vancouver Island, visit Mount Washington’s website. I’m pretty sure that the winter packages will blow your mind.

While Mount Washington Alpine Resort is known for being the Island’s winter playground, it once shared this crown with another resort in the Comox Valley. Forbidden Plateau has been closed for well over a decade, but was once a mountain packed with ski enthusiasts, peaking in the 1970s. My oldest memories of the place involve many, many yellow, brown and navy one-piece ski suits.

Photo: Nemo’s great uncle on Flickr

Dutifully keeping watch over the Comox Valley, it’s easy to spot the now empty slopes about 20 minutes west of downtown Courtenay (the pink-coloured area in the middle of the map is Forbidden Plateau’s approximate location). Often well below the snow line, Forbidden Plateau no longer generates enough snow to operate as a resort, but that doesn’t stop enthusiasts from holding snowboard jump jam events throughout the winter when the pack is good.

Map: Wild Coast Magazine

Long before Mount Washington rolled out their stellar white carpet, the Valley’s earliest settlers established at Forbidden Plateau and built homesteads based on agricultural opportunities. The first lodge at the mountain, seen below in the 1930s, was likely destroyed by the largest earthquake in Canadian history. On June 23, 1946, the shaker ripped through the area, measuring in at 7.2 on the Richter Scale.

Photo: Courtenay & District Museum and Archives

What is perhaps most fascinating about the area is its rich history and, in particular, how the mountain gained its name. Though the legend varies based on who you ask, it’s said that the K’omoks First Nation band brought their women and children to the mountain for safe-keeping, anticipating a battle with a band from the Alberni Valley.

When the battle was all said and done, Red Lichen growing in the early Spring from under the snow was supposedly mistaken for blood, leading the K’omoks band to assume that the women and children had been attacked and killed. It’s believed they instead died of starvation and freezing temperatures when no one had come to retrieve them.

Photo: Austin Henry on Flickr

Photo: Zoe52 on Flickr

Today the area, as part of Strathcona Provincial Park, welcomes back-country skiers, hikers, camping fanatics and nature lovers. While the remnants of a recreation era gone by are at every turn – including the former ski rental hut below – there’s still much to see and do.

Photo: Zoe52 on Flickr

Photo: Lloyd Budd on Flickr

Those who prefer something more scenic than grueling, like myself, may be interested in hiking past a number of lakes and through flowered sub-alpine meadows to the peak of Mount Beecher. The hike can be done at a leisurely pace over the course of a morning, allowing you to dine on lunch with spectacular views of the Comox Glacier and the entire Valley.

Photo: paulhami on Flickr

Photo: bmann on Flickr

As with any of our Province’s parks, please use caution and care while venturing out. Wolves, cougars and black bears are not uncommon in the Forbidden Plateau area, but staying respectful and keeping a safe distance should ensure everyone’s safety. Please take your garbage with you, employing the “no trace” rule.

Photo: Rick McCharles on Flickr

Photo: Austin Henry on Flickr

Those wishing to visit Forbidden Plateau can do so by using Forbidden Plateau Road from Courtenay to the old lodge (which was torched in an arson incident in recent years) – this is the easiest way to access the Mount Beecher trailhead. Visitors can also follow Highway 19 and turn onto the Strathcona Parkway, driving for 20 kilometres. Turn left onto the Nordic Lodge road for 1.5 km to the Paradise Meadows parking lot. For more information on the area, please visit the BC Parks Website.

What girl in her right mind would say “no” to attending an event solely dedicated to wine? Not this one, that is for certain. Oddly enough, neither is my sister-in-law Laura, so the two of us headed out for a ladies’ night with lots of wining and not so much dining.

This past weekend, Mount Washington Alpine Resort hosted its 11th Annual Alpine Wine Festival at the gorgeously inviting Raven Lodge. Nearly two dozen wineries were represented with more bottles of fine wines than I had the time – or capacity – to sample.

The Comox Valley’s own Natural Pastures Cheese Company was on hand, offering tastes of their many varieties of soft and hard cheeses. When I inquired about whether any of the products in their range contained rennet, the head cheese-maker told me that none contain rennet simply because, as he put it, “to do so in cheese-making is a barbaric practice.” One more reason to love them…

I am both a self-professed pinot noir “snob” and nine times out of ten will always buy a BC-produced wine. Not only did the wine festival provide me with the opportunity to try wines from various regions around the globe, it also expanded my palate into a number of varietals. Though that said, the brand new pinot noir from Two Oceans, out of South Africa, gets my vote for best wine at the festival.

I have never, ever found a shiraz that I enjoyed, but did find the 2007 Three Winds Syrah to be incredibly delicious. You may find it interesting to know that shiraz and syrah are essentially the same wine and developed from the same grape but that syrah originated in France, whereas Australians and South Africans prefer to refer to their wines as a shiraz.

After hearing much raving about Vancouver Island’s Sea Cider from both John and Rebecca, I believe the hype! Nothing beats the crisp and refreshing taste of local apples combined with belly-warming sensations.

No wine festival would be complete without a selection of ports and dessert wines. While there were a few offerings vying for our favour, both Laura and I agreed that the 2008 Framboise from Elephant Island Orchard Wines was the hands-down favourite for us. Sweet raspberries dancing with 16% alcohol makes for quite the party in one’s mouth.

While I’d be hard-pressed to choose a wine I didn’t enjoy, some noteworthy highlights for me include:

What may impress you the most about all of the wines featured at the festival is that every bottle sampled is a completely affordable wine. None were over $30 and most were priced well under $20. Whoever said you had to spend a lot to enjoy a fine night in clearly hasn’t tried the right wines.

It goes without saying that I’ll be lining up for next year’s festival. In the meantime, it’s hard to believe that it’s only a matter of a few short months before the snow starts falling once again.

For now, check out Mount Washington online for a full list of summer events still to come – including how you can purchase an early bird winter season pass and win some great prizes. The mountain is also on Twitter, so be sure to follow them.

With soaring temperatures, the idea of snow seems entirely foreign on the cusp of August. However, amongst busy days of mountain biking, beer festivals and sun-kissed views from the top, the crew at Mount Washington Alpine Resort have already put on their thinking toques to gear up for the 2009/2010 ski and snowboard season.

Photo: Mount Washington Alpine Resort

Season passes went on sale last week and if you purchase yours before Friday, July 31, 2009 – one week from today – you’ll be entered into a contest with some not-so-chintzy prizes. The winner of the initial draw at the end of July will have the entire cost of their pass purchase reimbursed (who doesn’t like to ride for free?) with subsequent draws at the end of August and on September 15.

The winner of the August draw will be treated to a weekend getaway at Middle Beach Lodge in Tofino (where my mom and I will be staying). A golf package from Crown Isle Resort, the Pacific Mist Hydropath at the Kingfisher Spa, and Mount Washington gift cards make up the third and final prize draw in September.

The resort has re-vamped season passes for the 2009/2010 season and is now offered a tiered system of Gold, Silver and Bronze. The Bronze pass is a traditional mid-week pass that includes mid-week nordic skiing, mid-week night skiing and weekend skiing in April. Silver passholders will be entitled to the traditional any day, anytime pass. Gold girls and boys (and men and women) will enjoy the added benefits of food and beverage discounts, retail discounts, and free hot waxes in addition to mile-high lift access during the summer in 2010.

For more information on season passes and how you can get your hot little mitts on one, visit the resort’s website or call the mountain toll-free at 1-888-231-1499.

While there is close to 600 species of wildlife in Canada that are currently endangered, the single most endangered of them all can be found only on Vancouver Island. Appropriately named, the Vancouver Island marmot’s (Marmota vancouverensis) population has dwindled from over 300 in the mid-80s to only about 25 remaining in the wilds of the Island’s mountain range as of 2001. While logging has certainly created an impact, cougars, wolves and eagles are the primary culprits to the demise of the Vancouver Island marmot’s numbers

Photo: mattdil on Flickr (used with permission)

While there are more than a dozen varieties of the marmot all over the world, the Vancouver Island marmot is truly unique. They are easily distinguishable by their chocolate brown-coloured fur with white patches and are the only species of marmot found on the Island. Because the Vancouver Island marmot whistles when it’s in danger, the species are also known as “whistle pigs”.

Photo: mattdil on Flickr
(used with permission)

The mountain ranges that run along Vancouver Island’s spine provide an environment full of sub-alpine meadows. Since the Vancouver Island marmot lives in neither forests nor on mountaintops, meadows provide enough space to burrow for protection, as well as forage for the more than 50 different kinds of plants and wild flowers that this vegan species is known to eat.

Adult marmots tip the scales somewhere around 12 pounds, so while larger than squirrels, they’re smaller than your average house cat. However, much like squirrels, the Vancouver Island marmot’s covered with thick hair and a fluffy tail, making them appear much larger than they really are. Like many animals of Canada’s wild, the Vancouver Island marmot hibernates for almost two-thirds of the year, emerging in late April or early May to reproduce. Most litters are born during the month of July, producing three or four new pups.

Photo: mattdil on Flickr (used with permission)

Despite its critically endangered status, a number of initiatives have been taken to preserve the current population while encouraging it to swell back up to the numbers seen over 30 years ago. While some Vancouver Island marmots have been bred in conservation centres across Canada to be released back into the wild, more is being done directly on Vancouver Island to further this plan.

The BC government appointed The Recovery Team, a group of scientists and wildlife managers from government, industry and non-governmental organizations, to develop and implement an intensive program. In 1998, the Tony Barrett Mount Washington Marmot Recovery Centre was established to reach the goal of 400-600 marmots in the wild. Today the population is on its way, having been brought back up to over 100.

Photo: newmajen on Flickr

For more information on the Vancouver Island Marmot – and to find out how you can help support The Recovery Team – visit Marmots online. And remember, when encountering a Vancouver Island marmot in the wild (which isn’t unheard of during the summer months), you’re in their home and not the other way around. Keep quiet, keep your distance and respect their habitat. Don’t forget to take your garbage with you.

It’s no secret that summer has arrived in British Columbia a little early this year, and that could not be more true for residents of Vancouver Island. The sun has been soaring for weeks on end, making for picture-perfect days on both the beach and in the mountains.

Photo: Mount Washington Alpine Resort

Just in time for both Father’s Day and Summer Solstice, the mile-high chair lift will start churning again on the now snow-free slopes of Mount Washington Alpine Resort. Mark this one on your calendar because dads ride the lift for FREE on Father’s Day! The summer season officially kicks off on Saturday, June 20 in advance of the mountain’s stellar Bike Park for mountain bike enthusiasts, opening on June 27.

Not only is Mount Washington introducing new trails – including an expert trail known as Back in Black – riders this season will notice huge overall improvements. After being battered by endless months of snow, new dirt has been trucked in to improve rider flow while maintaining speed.

That said, I know mountain biking isn’t for everyone and it’s certainly not something I’ve ever tried. Mount Washington jams all year long and not just when the snow falls.

This year the end of August will be marked with a wellness retreat designed to nurture the mind, body and soul.

…the retreat promises to be the perfect escape to the alpine with two days of beautiful meals and wellness classes that promote health and relaxation. Local experts will be on hand to pamper your senses through guided walks, health and nutrition seminars, and yoga classes.

A summer on Mount Washington wouldn’t be complete without a handful of BBQs, a beerfest, mountain bike and disc golf tournaments, the annual wine festival (which yours truly will most definitely be checking out!) and so much more.

For a complete listing of Mount Washington’s stellar summer happenings, check out their events calendar. Mount Washington Alpine Resort is open daily and located at 1 Strathcona Parkway, just minutes north of Courtenay – you can’t miss the signs on Highway 19. Call the mountain toll free at 1-888-231-1499 or visit their website for more information. You can also follow the mountain on Twitter!

It is the place of my birth, it is where my family resides and it is where my heart is. Vancouver Island is home in more ways than I can count, so it should come as no surprise to anyone that I visit often. Once a month at a minimum; every single weekend if I had things my way.

Each time I tell someone that I am returning for a visit, the comment I most usually get is: “oh awesome! Have fun in Victoria!” Contrary to popular belief, Vancouver Island is so much more than just our Province’s capital (though it is a beautiful capital).

Photo: a_greig on Flickr

Prior to its discovery in approximately 1774, Vancouver Island was – and still is – home to many First Nations peoples, including the K’ómoks, Coast Salish and Kwakwakawa’wakw. Gracing the southern-most shore of British Columbia, Vancouver Island stretches 460 kilometres from tip to tip. Dotted with cities, towns and villages, the Island is now home to close to 750,000 residents.

Photo: addicted Eyes on Flickr

Being that it’s located off the coast of mainland British Columbia, Vancouver Island is accessible by air and by ferry services linking the mainland to Victoria, Nanaimo and Port Hardy. A fantastic rail system has brought the cities of Courtenay and Victoria together, with stops at all points in between, making travel both easy and breathtaking.

Photo: abaransk on Flickr

Today the Island is a proud, bustling, hard-working epicentre for many of the industries Canada is famously known for. Aside from forestry, tourism and fishing, wine-making has seen a huge surge with vineyards cropping up in various communities, proving to be a lucrative contribution to the Island’s economy. In fact, when given the choice, I only purchase Island-produced vino and personally believe that the wine is fantastic!

There truly is no place like Vancouver Island, with everything from rocky shores to pristine beaches, expansive farmlands and the unforgiving mountainous spine. One doesn’t have to wander far off the beaten path and among the towering cedar and fir trees to come face-to-face with grizzly bears, black bears, cougars, moose and the indigenous Vancouver Island marmot (though nearly extinct, you can probably spot one of these guys on Mount Washington during the summer months). Deer in our backyards is a common occurrence. Those traveling by ferry may be lucky enough to spot dolphins or killer whales while making the trip across the Georgia Straight!

Photo: Yogi on Flickr

Should you get the chance to explore Vancouver Island and all it has to offer, take the opportunity. It’s a beautiful, unique slice of British Columbia that I am so proud to call my home. I’m really excited about this new series, and I hope you’ll enjoy a weekly peek inside what I consider to be one of the rarest gems around. For more information on tourism to Vancouver Island, please visit one of the links below.

• Vancouver Island’s Official Tourism Website
• Super, Natural British Columbia – Vancouver Island
• Tourism Vancouver Island