Mount Washington receives 12 cm of snow overnight, on track for Dec. 4 opening day with new protocols

Recent cold temperatures and snow flurries at higher elevations have seemingly been positive signs for the upcoming ski season at Mount Washington.

The well-known Vancouver Island ski resort received a snow dump of 12 centimetres overnight and 14 total cm in the last 24 hours, according to the alpine snow report.

“This new snow has us shaking in our newly-punched-out-boots for this season!” the resort said on social media.

Mount Washington continues to push the message that things are on track for their scheduled opening date of Dec. 4.

The ski resort’s webcams show a solid blanket of snow on the ground and the trees, accumulating over the past few days.

Like many businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic, the 2020-21 ski season at Mount Washington will have new regulations for guests to follow.

With capacity limitations being enforced by B.C. health officials, Mount Washington says season pass holders will have the highest priority for accessing the resort, however, it is currently unknown to what extent the resort will be required to limit attendance.

When it comes to managing any on-mountain capacity restrictions, Mount Washington says, “it is our intention to allow pass holders access any day the resort is open without reservations or other exceptional requirements.” The resort adds that all restrictions will be implemented by limiting the sale of daily tickets.

“It is possible we may need to control the number of skiers, including pass holders, in the event there is limited terrain open,” the ski resort said in a statement. “In such a case, Mt. Washington will implement an online advanced reservation system and requirements will be communicated on the website, via email, social media and on the resort app in advance.”

Mount Washington says that face coverings will be mandatory, whether it be a non-medical mask or a traditional skiing balaclava.

Mountain officials say that masks will be mandatory once you leave your car in the parking lot, inside lodges, in lift lines, loading and riding chairlifts and during ski lessons.

“The only time to remove your face covering is when out on the trails, far away from those outside of your social bubble, or when seated to dine,” the organization wrote in a statement.

New physical distancing policies will also be implemented in chairlift lines, cafeterias, lodges and bathrooms.

Equipment rentals will still be available online with advanced reservations, however, Mount Washington emphasizes that they will not be renting clothing equipment, such as ski pants or jackets.

Pass holders who are uncertain about this winter can also defer their pass until the 2021/2022 season.

READ MORE: School district warns of additional COVID-19 exposure at Nanaimo high school

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