Keira-anne.com

No more pencils, no more books, no more teachers’ dirty looks – at least not until next week. Spring Break has arrived and the conditions at Mount Washington Alpine Resort could not possibly be more perfect for this week’s Chek News Spring Snow Jam. With a mid-mountain base of over 700 tasty centimetres, there’s no shortage of epic adventures waiting for you this week at the resort.

Photo: Mount Washington Alpine Resort

Dairyland Milk Run presented by Saputo
Tuesday, March 22 – Noon until 3:00 p.m.

Whatever your skill level, the objective is to ski or ride every run within your ability. When you’re done your day, turn in your check card to be entered for a secret grand prize. Registration starts at 9:00 a.m.

Old Dutch Dodge Ball
Wednesday, March 23 – Starts at 1:00 p.m.

For just a buck, enter your team of six or enter yourself to bring your A-game to schoolyard dodge ball in the snow. The last person standing will be crowned King or Queen of the Dodge and snag a prize courtesy of Old Dutch potato chips. Registration starts at 10:00 a.m.

Klondike Bear Scavenger Hunt
Thursday, March 24 – 9:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m.

Ice cream lovers are required, so if that’s you, start the hunt for Klondike Bears hidden at various points across the mountain. Once you find them all, turn in your score card to win some tasty prizes!

Beavertails Tail Eating Contest
Friday, March 25 – Starts at 1:00 p.m.

This annual event challenges those daring enough to stuff their faces with sweet and tasty Beavertails. If you think you can hack it, register at the Beavertails hut on March 24th and 25th and prepare for some fierce competition.

Full Throttle Friday
Friday, March 25 – 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m.

This completely free event will have you jamming with the best of them. Grab your board, hit the Stomping Ground Terrain Park and register for your chance to snag some swag while shredding under the stars.

For more information on these and other Spring events at Mount Washington Alpine Resort, visit their events calendar. You can also “like” the mountain on Facebook or follow them on Twitter.

Visitors to Mount Washington this weekend are in for an unreal evening on Saturday, March 5th. When the sun goes down, the boarders get amped as the eighth annual VIB Islander Afterdark Invitational promises nothing short of an “aerial assault”.

Some of the very best and most daring skiers and snowboarders from across Canada will converge on the Island’s mountain in order to nab massive air and huge prizes. Both groups will compete on the same jump in a jam session format and have the ultimate say in who takes home the $3,000 cash prize, so this invite-only competition stays fierce the whole night through.

Photo: Mount Washington Alpine Resort

While Carl Fortin has walked away as the champion for the last two years, Victoria native Ian Paone hopes to steal spotlight this year. “I’ve spent most of my life at Mount Washington and it’s where my passion for skiing started,” Paone recalls. “There will be nothing better than dethroning Carl in front of my hometown crowd!”

Whether you’re competing or just catching some thrills from the sidelines, the Afterdark Invitational promises an epic time the whole night through. The VIB beer garden opens its gate at 7:00 p.m. with the competition kicking off half an hour later. Once the winner’s been crowned, the party moves into Fat Teddy’s Bar and Grill with the musical stylings of the Naked DJs and Canadian indie band Kings Without. The night is sponsored by Vancouver Island Brewery, The North Face, Dakine, and 91.3 The Zone. Make sure you plan ahead and find a safe way home.

Mount Washington Alpine Resort is located at 1 Strathcona Parkway, approximately 30 minutes north of Courtenay. For more information, you can call the mountain at 1-888-231-1499, visit them online, find them on Facebook or follow the mountain’s updates on Twitter.

It seemed hard to believe that the lifts at Mount Washington were still running on Father’s Day – in June – at the end of the 2009/2010 ski season. With another 200cm having fallen on the slopes in recent days, it looks like Mount Washington is primed for a repeat of last year’s Snowmageddon.

Photo: Mount Washington Alpine Resort

“January was a no-show in the weather department,” recalls resort spokesperson Brent Curtain. “Everybody was waiting for another blast from La Nina but the weather patterns went on hold. The snow is piling up again, just like it did in December,” Curtain continues. “So we’re happy to be able to extend the winter season just like we did last season.”

The mountain is ready to welcome skiers and snowboarders over the next two months and have created a number of events, activities fun promotions from now until the end of the season. The incredible conditions will ensure that this weekend’s Sprite Big Air Comp at the Stomping Ground Terrain Park will go off without a hitch. With more snowfall and colder than average temperatures looming in the forecast, it looks like you’ve just found the perfect reason to play hooky.

For more information on Mount Washington Alpine Resort – including directions and accommodations – visit the resort online. You can also find Mount Washington on Facebook or follow their updates on Twitter.

Another month, another calendar packed with events. The list of happenings on Mount Washington in February is as abundant as the tasty powder. Here are a few noteworthy highlights.

Slopeside Singles February 5

Take speed dating sky-high with chairlift dating between 1:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. A singles line at the Eagle chair will pair you with a different single every time. It’s an adults-only event, costs $5 to register (plus the price of your lift ticket) and gives you the opportunity to win an ultra romantic getaway to Middle Beach Lodge in Tofino. Appetizers, wine and beer will be available in FRESH after the event. [more information]

Kokanee Day For Dudes February 11

Hone in on your skills, test ride new equipment and chug back free beer. For $77.90 you get a full-day lift ticket, aprés at Fat Teddy’s and cold, crisp Kokanee beer. What more do dudes need? [more information]

Photo: Kyle Mouritsen on Flickr [used with permission]

Herb Bradley Coca Cola Classic February 13

The Vancouver Island Society for Adaptive Snowsports aims to provide those with physical or mental challenges the opportunity to learn and enjoy snow sports. The Herb Bradley Coca Cola Classic teams four participants, one of which being a disabled skier or rider, to fundraise for this crucial athletic group. The races wrap up with prizes and even a “Wipe Out Of The Day” award. [more information]

Big Air Competition February 26

The Stomping Ground Terrain Park is the only place to be for adrenaline junkies and those with an appetite for huge air. Skiers and boarders will by competing by lofting themselves off one massive jump. There are prizes, categories for men and women, those under 13, teens and adults. There’s a refundable $10 entrant fee and helmets are mandatory. Register on Marmots Floor on jump day. [more information]

Subaru Women’s Week February 28 – March 4

Kick off the spring season with a week-long event dedicated to bringing chicas together on the slopes. There are a number of packages available that include themed lunches, lift tickets, lessons, and even wine and beer tastings. Childcare will be available at a discounted rate. [more information]

For all these events and more, check out Mt. Washington’s events calendar online.

With a current alpine snowbase of over 500cm (yes, you read that correctly), Mt. Washington’s definitely earned their bragging rights this season. However, all that tasty powder isn’t the only thing happening on the hill these days. Mt. Washington’s events calendar is jam-packed this January – here are a few ideas to entice you.

Kokanee Day For Dudes January 14

Hone in on your skills, test ride new equipment and chug back free beer. For $77.90 you get a full-day lift ticket, aprés at Fat Teddy’s and cold, crisp Kokanee beer. [more information]

The North Face Avalanche Awareness Weekend January 14-16

Sponsored by North Face and featuring the Canadian Avalanche Association, this weekend aims to promote safety in the back country and build awareness of this very real risk. Demonstrations and events will be held at the BCA Beacon Basin at the top of the Whiskey Jack Chair. [more information]

Ladies Day Escape January 18

If the dudes get their day, the ladies have theirs too. This drop-in program with the ski school groups women of similar abilities together to meet new friends while improving skiing or riding techniques. For $85.94, your lesson and full-day lift ticket are included as well as a scrumptious lunch. [more information]

Laser Tag at the Ozone January 22, January 29

From 4-7pm, a snow course will be set up at the tubing park for laser tag enthusiasts. $5 (cash only) will get you in with all your gear; weather permitting. [more information]

Ski For MS Fundraiser January 30

Each year Mt. Washington hosts this important fundraiser to help those affected by Multiple Sclerosis. This day-long event features fun for everyone and those who raise a certain minimum will receive a free lift pass, a BBQ lunch and some fantastic prizes. For more information or to obtain a pledge form, contact Cherie Kamenz at (250) 339-0819 or zip off an e-mail. [more information]

For all these events and more, check out Mt. Washington’s events calendar online.

Thanks to the weather phenomenon known as La Niña, the Island’s skiers and snowboarders are waiting on pins and needles to hit the slopes of Mount Washington as the mountain gears up to open a week earlier than expected. The combination of cooler temperatures and above average precipitation has proven to be the key to perfect conditions – the mountain is already boasting a 100 cm base with more snow falling by the hour.

Come Friday, December 3rd, the Sunrise, Eagle, Hawk, and Green chairs will be towing skiers up the slopes. The mountain’s popular Ozone Tubing Park will be in full swing and an additional 100 acres of fluffy white snow will be yours for the taking when Mount Washington opens Gold Rush Glades below Little Washington peak this weekend.

Whether Mount Washington Alpine Resort is your go-to mountain every winter or you’ve never before explored its slopes, I want to give you the opportunity to experience it for yourself. The awesome people at the mountain have agreed to give away a pair of alpine lift passes to two lucky readers (two winners will each nab two passes) who are ready to get amped. There are three ways to enter:

1. Leave a comment below telling me what you’re most looking forward to this season. (1 entry)

2. Post the following on Twitter (1 entry)

RT to win a pair of @mountwashington alpine lift passes from @keiraanne http://tinyurl.com/38a5mle

3. Go to Mount Washington’s Facebook page and “like” the mountain – then send me an e-mail telling me you did so. (1 entry)

I’ll draw one winner at noon on Friday, December 3rd and another winner at noon next Friday, December 10th. Good luck!

Mount Washington Alpine Resort is located on the Strathcona Parkway in the Comox Valley. For more information, visit the resort online or call direct at 250-338-1386 or toll free 1-888-231-1499. You can find Mount Washington Alpine Resort on Facebook or follow their active updates on Twitter.

With the countdown clock officially ticking down to opening day, Mount Washington Alpine Resort is gearing up for what promises to be another amazing season on the slopes. If loads of snow, crisp air and a free season pass appeal to you, the mountain might be your prime spot for a job during the 2010/2011 season. In fact, this is only a handful of perks up for grabs!

With over 800 jobs during the winter season, Mount Washington has a lot of positions to fill and is holding one massive job fair this weekend. Being that Mount Washington is an active-focused resort with a wide range of activities and facilities, there are positions and needs to suit almost anyone. Some of these include food and beverage, snow school, retail, the O-Zone tubing park and mountain operations such as lift attendants. More information on these and other positions can be found online.

Bring your resume and enthusiasm to the Whiskey Jack conference room in the Alpine Lodge this Saturday, November 6th. The hiring fair runs from 10:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m. and it’s a one-time shot, so don’t miss out!

If you’ve been reading my blog over the years, you know how much of a sucker I am for the winter months, Christmastime and fresh powder at Mount Washington. We’re only two days into November and I’m already contemplating which weekend to set up my mini Christmas tree while planning out Holiday Bake-a-thon 2010 with Rebecca. This weekend I’ll be digging my snowboard out of storage, dusting it off and having it tuned and waxed in anticipation of the massive snowpack that La Niña is promising.

Though only two days ago we were focused on ghosts, goblins and stale candy bars, all of that is history as I am looking forward to the excitement of the rest of 2010. With Starbucks ringing in their peppermint mochas as of this morning and yours truly’s favourite mountain set to open just days after her birthday in December, I can’t help but ask:

What are you most looking forward to during the remainder of 2010?

The Furever After Fall Fiesta Fundraiser is taking place in Qualicum Beach this Saturday, November 6th. A small number of tickets are still available for the event, so stop in at Qualicum Wine Making on West First Avenue or zip off an e-mail to the Furever After gang to snap up tickets before they’re gone. Tickets are $35 each and 100% of proceeds support a very worthy cause.

Imagine my surprise to wake up on the morning of October 4th, only to learn that Mount Washington had their first dusting of snow. I’d almost be willing to bet that last year’s snow-pack hasn’t yet entirely melted! Nonetheless, Mother Nature is gearing up to wallop the West Coast with another epic snowy season.

Photo: Mount Washington Alpine Resort

Mount Washington has always had the fortune of great snow, and with La Nina getting set to flurry all over the place, things are looking really fantastic for an epic 2010/2011 season on the mountain. “For the Pacific Northwest, La Nina tends to bring cooler and wetter than normal conditions for autumn and winter,” explains Patrol Director Jesse Percival. “Our history with La Nina has been excellent with both La Nina seasons of 1998-99 and 2007-08 producing record or near-record snowfall.”

So will Mount Washington annihilate the 15-metre record set last year? Only time will tell, but I have no doubt that those slopes will be buzzing with anticipation over the coming months! Mount Washington Alpine Resort opens for winter operations on Friday, December 10, 2010.

The resort is located 30 minutes above the Comox Valley on Vancouver Island. WestJet, Central Mountain Air, Pacific Coastal Airlines, and Island Express service the Comox Valley Airport (YQQ). To find out about accommodation and package information, call Mount Washington Alpine Resort at 1-888-231-1499 toll-free or locally at 250-338-1386. Surf to their website for additional information including the live snow cam and information on season passes.

For more than a decade, wine makers and wine lovers have been converging at Mount Washington Alpine Resort for the annual Alpine Wine Festival. The event has become increasingly popular, packing full the elegantly rustic Raven Lodge, and it’s quickly become one of my must-dos over the summer months.

Last weekend I grabbed one of my way-back girlfriends and headed up the mountain in the courtesy shuttle. We were soon greeted by cheery faces, an outdoor BBQ and beautifully etched wine glasses ready for filling.

The tempting cheese and fruit platters didn’t hurt either. Pairing cheese with wine is a fundamental of “Wine Drinking 101″, and it didn’t take either of us very long to dig into the brie and smoked gouda.

99 times out of 100, I’ll pick red wine over white, so I tend to split my preferred wines into two categories: (1) wine I buy when I’m cooking and want to make an impression; and (2) easy-drinking wine that I can uncork to facilitate a relaxing evening on the couch. I found no shortage of either here.

Events like the Alpine Wine Festival provide for an array of tastings and, hopefully, will open up one’s palate to new varietals. While I’ll almost always pick a pinot noir over any other offering, prior to last year’s event, I drew the line at shiraz. I’ve since learned that shiraz and syrah are, in fact, the same kind of wine (dependent on which region around the globe each hails from) and have even found one or two that I really enjoy.

With countless bottles to sip and sample from, I was bound to find some hits and misses. Some wines of note that I particularly fancied included: The Show – an Argentinian malbec; the 2006 pinot noir from Nichol Vineyard – straight from BC’s Naramata Bench; a gamay noir from Hillside Estate – also from Naramata; Ex-Nihilo‘s merlot from the Okanagan Valley; and Strut – a refreshing and summery rosé (with legs!) from the Niagara Peninsula.

The showstopper of the evening for yours truly was undoubtedly Averill Creek‘s Prevost, named for one of the Cowichan Valley’s mountains and ripe with carefully crafted flavour that just about knocked my strappy sandals off.

Perhaps one of the best aspects of the Alpine Wine Festival – apart from the obvious – is the opportunity to interact with the proprietors and learn about where what you’re sipping comes from. Wine making is a thorough and often fascinating practice that dates back thousands of years, and no two vintners’ secrets are alike.

The Alpine Wine Festival is held each summer at Mount Washington Alpine Resort and will be entering its 13th year in 2011. While there’s a 51-week wait until next year’s fest, the mountain’s got a lot of great activities and events to tide you over until then. You can check them out online or follow along on Twitter to stay up-to-date and be the first to know when the snow starts falling.

Disclosure: Though I was not paid or asked to write about the Alpine Wine Festival, I received admission for myself and my friend at no charge.