Let it snow! Mount Washington has received its first snowfall of the season.
The well-known Vancouver Island ski resort posted videos to social media on Oct. 11, saying that it snowed all morning on the mountain.
Bad news for the Bike Park but a good sign for our winter season ahead ❄️ 🏔 It has been snowing from mid-mountain all morning and we are now closing operations at the resort for the day. Stay warm #mymw pic.twitter.com/BSuZ4XjMys
— Mount Washington (@MountWashington) October 11, 2020
“Bad news for the bike park, but a good sign for our winter season ahead,” said a tweet sent out from the resort’s official account.
The snow resulted in Mount Washington closing summer amenities for the day on Sunday, however, the snow continued overnight which ultimately led the resort to pull the plug on this season’s summer operations for good.
☃️ With 5cm of snow at Hawk Chair and more up top, that’s a wrap on our summer season. We're so thankful for the support and cooperation from our adventurous community, and the hard work from our team navigating these different times. We’ll see you for winter soon ❄️ #mymw pic.twitter.com/CrlAXvr8Na
— Mount Washington (@MountWashington) October 12, 2020
Mount Washington staff said on Monday that there was 5 centimetres of new snow at the base of Hawk Chair – one of the chairlifts on the mountain – with more at higher altitudes, ultimately leading them to their decision to close summer operations.
It is a good sign for avid skiers as, last season, Mount Washington had to delay its opening date due to lack of snow.
With the ski season now on the horizon, resort staff have highlighted that things will be different this season due to new COVID-19 protocols.
In an open letter from General Manager Dean Prentice on the company’s website, he writes that Mt. Washington will require the use of face coverings for customers in lift lines and on chairlifts.
Prentice adds that the mountain will implement necessary changes to allow for physical distancing and that employee health will be closely monitored in accordance with BC Provincial Health and Work Safe policies.
Another change coming is in regards to equipment rentals, as gear will be available exclusively online with advanced reservations.
“Pick up and drop off of equipment may be modified to accommodate social distancing and limit the number of people in confined spaces,” writes Prentice in the letter.
Prentice says that the resort will be limiting capacity in order to allow for social distancing and priority will be given to season pass holders.
Season pass holders will also be given the option to defer the use of the pass until the 2021/2022 season.
“As you can see, we are planning lots of changes with the objective of making us all safer and more comfortable this winter season,” writes Prentice.
“While some of the changes will be a little inconvenient, we think it is a small price to accept for safety and the opportunity to have a great season on the slopes. I look forward to adventuring with you soon.”
Graham Cox
