Early Snow, Fresh Paint, and Getting Ready for the Season

Blue skies, a frozen pond and the mountain dressed in white. Hard to believe it's only fall.

We spent last weekend at the condo doing the usual fall jobs: a bit more painting, some tidying up, getting things ready for winter. Then the mountain gave us a surprise. A fresh dump of snow turned everything white, and we couldn't resist grabbing the camera.

It's early, and we know from experience that an early snowfall at Mount Washington doesn't always stick around until opening day. But there's nothing like seeing the first snow on the trees to get you excited for the season ahead.

Off-season work: a fresh coat of paint, so everything looks its best for our winter guests.

A Word on the Forecast

You may have heard talk of a tougher ski season this year. Here's our take: long-range forecasts are educated guesses, and this mountain has surprised plenty of people before. We're staying optimistic, and we're also making sure our guests have a great stay whatever the weather does.

New This Winter: Snowshoes for Our Guests

We've added several sets of snowshoes to the condo for guests to use. Snowshoeing is one of the easiest ways to get out into the winter scenery. You don't need lessons and tickets are cheap, it works for all ages, and the trails around the resort are beautiful.

Snowshoes for all sizes

So Much More Than Downhill

Mount Washington has plenty for every member of the family:

    •    Snowshoeing: explore the trails around the resort and into the backcountry edge of Strathcona Park.

    •    Cross-country skiing: the Nordic trails from Raven Lodge are some of the best on Vancouver Island.

    •    Tube Park: easy, fast fun for kids and adults. No skills required, just lots of laughing.

    •    Terrain parks: from the beginner park, with small jumps and rails for anyone just starting out, to bigger features for experienced riders.

Raven Lodge under a fresh layer of snow. It's the starting point for the Nordic and snowshoe trails, and a great spot to try out those guest snowshoes.

Down the Mountain: The Comox Valley

One of the best things about staying on Mount Washington is how close you are to the Comox Valley. A short drive down the hill gives you a whole other day out:

    •    Cumberland: a charming heritage village with great cafés, a brewery and a laid-back mountain-town feel.

    •    Courtenay and Comox: local shops, restaurants and waterfront walks along the marina.

    •    Wineries and cideries: the valley has several excellent spots for a tasting afternoon.

    •    Trails and waterfalls: Nymph Falls and Seal Bay Park are beautiful in any season.

    •    Beaches: winter storm-watching and quiet beach walks at Goose Spit or Kye Bay.

Whether you spend a day on the slopes and an evening dining in Courtenay, or mix ski days with valley adventures, there's no shortage of ways to fill your stay.

Booking Update

Thank you to everyone who has already booked! Christmas is almost full, and most of the season is spoken for. March and spring break dates are still open, and spring skiing at Mount Washington means longer days, sunshine and often some of the best snow of the year.

We can't wait to welcome you to the mountain this winter.

— Ron & Luella

The view from the condo the morning after the storm. Just look at those runs.

Frodo leading the way through Paradise Meadows. The boardwalk trails turn magical after the first snowfall.

Looking back across the ice to the village, a short walk from our door.