B.C. resort low on snow sends skiers to Whistler instead
Many B.C. mountains face late ski season starts, closed runs due to too little snow
A Vancouver Island ski resort that has yet to open due to a lack of snow has found a place for its season pass holders to finally get a taste of snow — in Whistler.
Mount Washington Alpine Resort, about 35 km northwest of Courtenay, has negotiated a deal that will allow its customers to ski and board for free at Whistler Blackcomb starting on Monday until the end of the month.
It's been a tough season for Mount Washington, which hasn't fully opened yet due to little snowfall.
This time last year, the resort had about 350 centimetres of snow at its mid-mountain baseline, but this year it only has about 20 centimetres.
The resort is not alone — other mountains in B.C. have left many runs closed because of little snowfall.
Mount Seymour, on the Lower Mainland's North Shore, reported earlier this month that it has had to leave its three main runs closed, causing it to fall short of its expected revenue for the holiday season.