Mount Washington Alpine Resort - Media Release
Mar-11-2008

Spring Cleaning Can Wait - Go Skiing!

It’s mid-March and the temperatures have begun their slow climb back to respectability in the Comox Valley.  The flowers are beginning to bloom and after a quick glance at the shed and the accompanying disheveled yard, you’re reminded of the impending spring cleanup.  Deep down, you know there’s something better you should be, or could be doing.  You should be skiing!

In the upper reaches of the Beaufort Mountain Range, perched at the rooftop of Vancouver Island, winter still reigns supreme.  This is definitely the best time of year to satisfy the remainder of your ski and board cravings before the long, lazy days of summer take over.  A combination of deep spring snow, the occasional powder day, beautiful sunshine, and a stellar event lineup will entertain over the next couple of weeks at Mount Washington Alpine Resort.

The bar gets raised early on March 15th with the most-anticipated winter event on Mount Washington’s calendar: The Okanagan Spring Brewery Afterdark Invitational.  Starting at 7:30pm, a selection of Canada's finest ski and snowboard athletes, many hailing locally from Vancouver Island, will be on-hand to session one of the largest floaters in the country.  To comprehend the size of the Afterdark’s jump, you literally have to see it to believe it!

“An impressive array of athletes will be on hand for the OSB Afterdark this March,” explains mountain spokesperson Brent Curtain.  “This is truly an Island event and all the riders love the way it shakes down.  The crowd is massive, the jump is massive, and the vocal support from those in attendance keeps riders coming back for more each year.”

Huge floodlights, Nanaimo beat-miner DJ Allgood, and the Okanagan Spring Brewery Beer Garden will all lend a helping hand in setting the tone for one of the most awesome nights of the year.  The action takes place in front of the Alpine Lodge just up the hill from the Whisky Jack Chair loading area.

Immediately following the OSB Afterdark, the popular Chek News SnoJam returns during Spring Break from March 17th to the 21st and Dairyland Daze hits the slopes from March 24th to the 26th.  Great family events take place over the entire week and a half.  Here’s the list: Old Dutch Obstacle Race - March 19th, Beavertails Tail Eating Contest - March 21st, Barq's Snowtube Festival and Belching Contest - March 24th, and the Dairyland Fun Poker Run - March 26th.

Mount Washington’s expanded night skiing continues nightly through the spring holidays from March 13th to March 29th.  Lifts spin from 4:30pm to 9pm nightly and offer a mix of terrain suitable for families of all abilities.  The Stomping Ground Terrain Park is night-lit and in impeccable shape for those digging the park scene.

Not to be outdone by it’s alpine counterpart, the Raven Lodge - Mount Washington’s gorgeous Nordic lodge - will also see some extended play during Spring Break.  Mount Washington’s Nordic trails will be open until 8pm from March 14th to the 29th. If you’ve never tried cross-country skiing or snowshoeing under the setting sun with beautiful Strathcona Provincial Park in the backdrop, now is your chance!

Great events and tons of family fun are what it’s all about during Spring Break at Mount Washington.  Grab your sunscreen, your powder sticks, and your party hat because this place is going to rock for the next couple of weeks!  We’ll see you at the Island’s Mountain. 

Mount Washington Alpine Resort brings the nightlife! Intermediates and experts can check out the expanded night skiing this season off the Whiskey Jack Chair.    The resort is located 30 minutes above the beautiful Comox Valley on Vancouver Island. WestJet, Central Mountain Air and Pacific Coastal Airlines service the Comox Valley Airport (YQQ). To find out about accommodation and package information, call Mount Washington Alpine Resort at 1-888-231-1499 toll free or locally at 338-1386. Surf to www.mountwashington.ca for additional information including our live snow cam.