Heavy snowfalls have prompted Mount Washington Alpine Resort to stage an early opening on the first weekend in December, followed by the regular operations starting on Dec. 8.
The Eagle Express chairlift in the alpine area will run 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. on Dec. 1, 2 and 3. As well, one of the magic carpets (similar to conveyor belts) in the Easy Acre area will be open for beginners, said Sheila Rivers, resort spokeswoman.
This is the first time in five years that the resort has been able to open early, she said.
After the first weekend opening, the resort will close until full winter operations begin on Dec. 8. The Nordic area, tube park, snowshoeing and as much alpine terrain as can be safely opened will also be available, she said.
Night skiing begins Dec. 14, running Thursday through to Sunday. On Dec. 21, night skiing will be offered daily until Jan. 7.
So far, the resort near Courtenay has two metres of snow.
Peter Gibson, resort general manager, said: “Although we had a high freezing level for a couple of days this week, it was followed closely by a temperature drop. This combination is perfect for creating a solid snow base which is currently measured at over one metre in the alpine.”
Mount Washington receives about 300,000 visits every year.
It has five chairlifts, and five carpet lifts taking visitors to more than 1,700 acres and 1,657 vertical feet of terrain. The resort includes 55 kilometres of designated cross-country skiing trails and another 25 kilometres of snowshoeing trails and a Nordic lodge.
