There’s something about Mount Washington. Maybe the vibe, maybe the soft, natural terrain, maybe the locals that cheer for you from the lift as you tackle something challenging below, but whatever it is, it’s impossible not to like this place.
Located on Vancouver Island, many people don’t even know that it exists. The Island is usually thought of as a summer destination for hiking and paddling, but actually, it provides some great winter fun as well.
Mount Washington can get some serious snow. It’s high enough to translate the western wintery rain into the good stuff. The mountain feels like a tight knit community. You get the feeling that most people on the mountain either know each other or recognize their fellow ski friends. But they are extremely welcoming to foreigners. All over the mountain you will hear cheers and yips and hollers and laughter. People are having fun and they aren’t afraid to let it all out.
When we checked out the mountain for the first time a few years ago, we were really struck by the kindness of the people out skiing. It made the whole experience so warm and fuzzy. As we passed by some teens thinking about dropping a not-so-little-cliff just to the right of the chair, we laughed at all the other chairlift passengers cheering them on, save for one concerned mom who hollered “don’t do it.”
It’s kind of like skiing on a mountain with all your friends and family. People talk to you on the chair, sit beside you at lunch, ask you how your run is going and give you thumbs up for nice turns. For those who are used to big city living, this kind of community atmosphere and friendliness toward strangers is startling at first and then feels like a breath of fresh air.
The mountain adheres to some strict environmental policies and has been recognized for its hard work. The terrain feels very natural and not over-structured. There are some playful chutes between clumps of glades that are a lot of fun. The mountain is very curvaceous which lends to its playful nature.
A great place for intermediates and even beginners, Mount Washington is all about the whole experience, not just the terrain.
