WATCH: Mount Washington Alpine Resort has been busier than normal this week, most likely because many island schools have been closed due to weather.
Jayda Staples’ parents were watching the skies and the internet Tuesday morning, ready to take full advantage of a snow day if it was announced that schools in the Comox Valley would be closed.
“Snow day! She’s off school so we come up for a ride,” said her mother Ciele Staples.
“Yup, school was cancelled so we came up here and we’re enjoying the snow!” said Jayda’s father Garrett Staples.
And it was a popular decision. Hundreds of other people also hit the mountain, instead of the classroom or the office.
“Well, it’s a snow day in the valley so we’re seeing a little extra traffic up here with families coming up taking the day off school and conditions are fantastic right now,” said Tim Defert, Director of Hospitality Operations at Mount Washington.
Strathcona Parkway heading up the mountain was plowed but still snow covered.
“The road coming up the mountain, once you get to the base, the road is fantastic,” said Defert. “It’s plowed, sanded, and lots of grip. If you have good snow tires you’ll be laughing coming up.”
Students from Wickaninnish Community School in Tofino were on a school ski trip to Mount Washington. Their school back home was closed because of this rare snowstorm that’s been battering the west coast.
“You know, the kids that came up here, they’re going ‘ah man we missed a day off school’ but really they’re having their own snow day so they’re just as lucky,” said parent John Forde.
The snowstorm is making this week busier than normal at Mount Washington. Schools have been closed twice already, Friday is a local professional development day, and Monday is also Family Day.
And with another storm coming in on Thursday, this may be an early spring break.
Dean Stoltz
