MEDIA CONTACT: Don Sharpe
250.792.0005
dsharpe@mountwashington.ca
Sheila Rivers
250.218.9701
srivers@mountwashington.ca
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Mount Washington to Open Back Bowl on Saturday
The Outback opens for the first time in two years
Free Pepsi Torchlight Parade and Fireworks also scheduled for Boxing Day
COMOX VALLEY, VANCOUVER ISLAND – Mount Washington Alpine Resort has received
over 300 cms of snowfall since the beginning of December, and the snow continues to fall and
accumulate, making this the snowiest Christmas season in the past several years. The resort is
taking advantage of the snowfall by scheduling the opening of “The Outback” for this coming
Saturday, December 26th.
The Outback is 400 acres of terrain designated as black diamond and double black
diamond meaning it is only suitable for advanced and expert skiers and snowboarders. Because
of the steepness of the terrain and the number of obstacles such as rocks, trees and cliff bands, it
requires more snow than the rest of the mountain to open.
George Trousdell, Director of Mountain Operations, noted “The snow pack is at a point
now that we can start running the Boomerang chairlift and grooming the run-outs to make the
area ready for our guests. It’s nice to have this amount of snow because Mount Washington has
a lot of good skiers and riders among our clientele, and we haven’t been able to open that area
for the past couple years.”
Trousdell explained that the terrain in The Outback is in a north-facing bowl stretching
from the ridge at Little Mount Washington to McKay Lake. Because of the north facing aspect
and the high walls of the ridge, the bowl does not get direct sunlight, so the snow stays colder
and more powder-like. Trousdell added, “The more advanced skiers like the steep and deep, but
the only downside to the deep snow is the extra threat of avalanches. We will take the next few
days to perform avalanche control work in The Outback before opening it all up on the 26th.”
With more snow in the forecast through the holidays, the rest of Mount Washington
Alpine Resort is also ready for a festivity-filled Christmas period. “It’s a winter wonderland up
here,” Sheila Rivers, a spokesperson for the resort declared. “There is no better place to bring the
family to get into the holiday spirit. We have a number of family-friendly events and activities
planned like the annual Pepsi Torchlight Parade and Fireworks on December 26th starting at 7
pm. We also have a tubing party and great entertainment for all-ages on New Year’s Eve.”
Younger children will enjoy laughter and fun with clowns Poco and Betty on the
December 31st. The clown-duet performance consists of music and magic through a lively
interactive show. Older kids can check out the 9pm countdown at the Tube Park where New
Year’s Eve novelties will be provided. For the adult audience, Baby Jane will bring Top 40
dance music to Ted’s Bar + Grill leading up to the traditional New Year’s Eve countdown at
midnight.
“This snow is great news for the Island’s skiers and snowboarders,” explained Peter
Gibson, the General Manager of Mount Washington Alpine Resort. “This holiday season, we
will have all of our Alpine terrain open as well as all 55 kilometers of our Nordic trails plus the
tubing park. We haven’t had that in a couple years, so we are creating a week-long celebration
in keeping with the holiday spirit for skiers and riders to enjoy with family and friends.”
For all events, ticket prices, and resort information for the holiday season at Mount
Washington, visit www.mountwashington.ca or call 250.338.1386 or toll free 888.231.1499.
ABOUT MOUNT WASHINGTON
Mount Washington Alpine Resort, located just 20 minutes from the Comox Valley on Vancouver
Island, British Columbia, is the Island’s only full service ski and summer resort hosting
approximately 300,000 visits per year. The guests enjoy five chairlifts and five carpet lifts
accessing over 1,700 acres and 1,657 vertical feet of alpine terrain. The resort also has 55
kilometers of designated cross-country skiing and snowshoeing trails along with a dedicated
Nordic lodge. www.mountwashington.ca.
Image: Boomerang to open
Image: Annual Pepsi torchlight parade and fireworks display.
Credit: Mount Washington Alpine Resort
###