Comox Valley (BC), Canada – Summer was supposed to be normal at Mount Washington this year. Open on July 1st just like normal. Mile High Chairlift Rides and Bike Park opening just like normal. But last winter was not normal, and this is definitely not a normal summer.
For the first time in resort history, Mount Washington will open for skiing and boarding in July.
“It’s going to be a great winter this summer!” exclaims Don Sharpe, Director of Business Operations at the resort. “If we can’t open the Bike Park due to the snow depths on the mountain, then we’ll open up the mountain for skiing.”
And in similar fashion to last weekend’s skiing event at the resort, the mountain will operate the Eagle Express chairlift from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. July 1st to 3rd for snow sliding. Tickets will cost C$25 per person. The mountain will determine total lifts and trail openings closer to the Canada Day weekend.
On top of the summer sliding, the Thrifty Foods Family Fun Day also takes place on Friday, July 1st. The event will feature fun activities and games for the kids, plus a delicious Canada Day cake.
“Last winter was the deepest snow season in resort history and we realized early on that our summer operations will have to work off different parameters,” explains resort spokesperson Brent Curtain. “So we’re adjusting our summer schedule to suit the amount of snow that’s still on the ground.”
Mount Washington’s summer operations will still begin July 1st with the popular Mile High Chairlift Rides. Operating times are 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily. The Bike Park, which is still covered in various depths of snow, is still on track for a recently adjusted July 15th opening date.
“Our crews are continuing to work on digging out the bike trails and we’ll know how many trails will open closer to July 15th,” says Sharpe.
With delays to the Bike Park opening date, Mount Washington has also made changes to some of their mountain bike event dates.
“The Rocky Mountain Learn to Ride Week is now July 25th to the 29th and will feature our new top to bottom Green Line trail for beginner riders,” explains Curtain.
Highlights of the summer at Mount Washington include the new Scotch and Suds Festival on July 8, the return of the Bearclaw Invitational Slopestyle on August 6, and a Wine and Food Festival on August 26-27.