Mount Washington Alpine Resort is spending more than $2 million to upgrade its facilities and bring in new equipment this year.
Along with improvements aimed at enhancing its winter season, the resort also said is bringing back mountain biking to its site near Courtenay.
“These investments will improve the on-snow product and the quality of our guest experience from new groomers to a new restaurant to new rental skis,” Peter Gibson, Mount Washington’s general manager, said in a statement on Monday.
Three new snow-grooming machines will be added to the existing five already on the mountain.
Also, 10 more snow guns will be installed at the tubing area and the basic beginner terrain.
Various systems are being studied, said George Trousdell, operations director.
“We will learn a lot from this new technology, and we will be able to expand on the overall system next summer.”
Other improvements include a new restaurant at the base area, with 80 new seats to accommodate busy times, the resort said.
Mount Washington is partnering with Rossignol, a company specializing in equipment and clothing for winter sports. A new ski shop, a French-themed market and a centre allowing visitors to try out skis, boards and boots are all coming. Rossignol is also stocking new rental equipment, including 500 new pairs of skis and 100 snowboards.
Season passes are on sale now.
