There’s something about returning to a mountain after years away that feels like rekindling an old love. It’s a mix of nerves and nostalgia—can we still do this? Will it be as good as we remember? As my daughter Vivi and I wound our way up Strathcona Parkway, past towering evergreens dusted with fresh snow, the answer was already forming. Yes. A thousand times yes.
Mount Washington Alpine Resort is a winter wonderland nestled in the heart of Vancouver Island, less than an hour from Comox and Campbell River. It’s the kind of place you can reach in a snow-dusted daydream – close enough for a spontaneous getaway, but high enough to feel like you’ve truly escaped.
Getting There
Our trip began in Comox, where we were staying with friends. From there, it’s an easy 35-minute drive to the resort. The road up is well-maintained but be sure to have winter tires (or chains) – this is Canada, after all. We left early to catch the mountain waking up, mist rising through the trees and the sun casting golden streaks through low clouds.
Parking was surprisingly easy, and the lodge area was bustling but never overwhelming. A hot coffee from the Eagle View Café set the tone: cozy, caffeinated, and ready for adventure.
Lessons After a Long Hiatus
The last time Vivi and I skied was before COVID – long enough ago that our muscle memory had gone into hibernation. We booked group lessons ahead of time, knowing we’d need a confidence boost to shake off the rust (and prevent yard sales on the bunny hill).
The instructors were phenomenal. My guide was patient and gently encouraging, reminding me of techniques I’d forgotten and introducing me to new ones. Vivi’s instructor was a perfect match – fun, focused, and totally dialed in to a teenager’s vibe.
Mount Washington’s learning area is ideal: wide-open terrain, well-groomed runs, and just enough challenge to keep things exciting. After our lessons, we planned to meet up and keep skiing, but we both agreed that we needed to ease back into this.
The Mountain Itself
Mount Washington might not be the tallest or flashiest ski hill in BC, but that’s exactly its charm. There’s a laid-back vibe here that feels more like a community than a resort. Families picnic outside the lodge, snowboarders nap in deck chairs, and kids zip around like fearless little snowballs.
The views are something else entirely. From the top of the Eagle Chair, you can see all the way to the Salish Sea, with the Comox Valley and Strait of Georgia stretching out below you like a topographic map sprinkled with fairy dust. On a clear day, even the mainland mountains wink at you from across the water.
If you’re used to the hustle of Whistler or Big White, Mount Washington is like a deep exhale. It’s no-frills, but that’s part of its beauty. You’re here to ski, to reconnect, and to revel in nature’s magic without distractions.
Après and Beyond
We finished our ski day with hot chocolates from Raven Lodge and peeled off gear that felt 10 pounds heavier after a full day on the slopes. Our cheeks hurt from smiling and our thighs from skiing – both in the best way.
Though we didn’t stay overnight this time, there are plenty of accommodations on the mountain, both slopeside and in the village, for those wanting a weekend getaway. There’s also night skiing, tubing, and snowshoeing for multi-day visitors. If you’re coming in summer, the resort transforms into a hub for mountain biking and hiking through Strathcona Provincial Park.
Why Mount Washington Belongs on Your Vancouver Island Itinerary
There’s something nostalgic and grounding about a return to snow sports – especially when shared with your kids. Mount Washington delivered more than a great day of skiing. It gave us the space to reconnect, to laugh at ourselves, to learn again.
Vivi and I both left the mountain a little sore, a little tired, and completely in love with winter all over again. And the best part? We’ve already booked another ski adventure for next weekend.