The ski season has been salvaged at Mount Washington Alpine Resort. Most of the front side of the mountain is open in the alpine, as is the nordic centre and tube park.
The mountain, which reopened Thursday, received more than 100 centimetres of snow over the weekend. The total in the past week was 210 centimetres, resort spokesperson Brent Curtain said Monday.
Until last week, minimal amounts of snow had prevented the mountain from opening in December and January.
“That snowfall really does set us up for the rest of the winter season,” Curtain said.
He notes a breakdown of a high-pressure ridge that was blocking weather for the better part of the past six months.
“We said we’d reopen and that’s what we’ve done. Most of the runs are open. Basically, we’re in mid-winter conditions.
“The only thing we’re waiting on is the outback, which is the backside of the mountain. That’s steeper terrain that requires a little more snow. We’re pretty close to getting that open as well.”
A Sunday blizzard caused multiple collisions on the road to Mount Washington, also known as Strathcona Parkway. Some motorists heading down the mountain were stranded in their vehicles. By Monday, the road was clear with compact snow.
The temperature on the mountain Monday was -6 C. In town, snow blanketed the Comox Valley on Sunday. Highs of 3 and lows of 4C were expected Monday and Tuesday. Tuesday’s forecast calls for clouds with a 60-per-cent chance of showers or flurries in the evening.
A mix of sun and cloud is expected by Friday with highs of six, reaching eight by the weekend.
For more skiing information, including regular weather updates, visit www.mountwashington.ca.
reporter@comoxvalleyrecord.com
