Leah Evans and her Newest Favorite Ski Resort

Do you ever find it strange how certain things stay with you? For example, every time someone purposes the question: “what is your favorite ski resort” an article by formed SBC Skier magazine editor Mike Berard pops into my mind. Berard’s article beautifully articulated the elements that make up righteous ski trip, stating that is not necessarily the destination or snow conditions but the people that mold your experience. This being said, I this past week I found myself in the company of some amazing people at Mt.Washington ski resort on Vancouver Island.  

In the words of Run DMC- it goes a little something like this:

It all started on the dance floor, it was my birthday and I was in boogie wonderland. I think snow lovers must have certain energy or scent because somehow I meet a few committed skiers and snowboarders on the dance floor, which is rare in Victoria. Needless to say, I meet a snowboard instructor who encouraged me to drop my books and hit the slopes at Mountain Washington with him.

Upon arrival it was as if someone was continuously shaking a snow globe and the snow fell in interments of 10’s and 20’s. My anticipation was only increased because locals kept sputtering out outrageous snowy tales about the enormous snowfalls received at Mt. Washington. My favorite story being about a man who reported his car lost, only to find it in the spring when the snow had melted and realizing that it hadn’t been stolen and the grater had unknowingly pushed it over the edge because it was so deeply buried during the winter.  

Miss Leah Evans loving every little bit of it.

The next two days exceeded my expectations and blurred into the best opening days I’ve ever had, hands down. The highlight being the opening of the intermediate and advanced terrain ‘Outback’ bowl on the backside of the resort. People anxiously waited in the lift line for up to two hours for the lift to start spinning. However, eager to be on skis again I kept skiing and uncannily enough timed it perfect as I skied up to a ski patroller to inquire when it was due to open and he gestured tugging the ropes away “It’s all yours”. In a matter of seconds I was hooting and hollering like a little school girl and a Chiclet smile was pasted across my face. For the rest of the day we lapped the Outback bowl sliding down Australian named run such as Boomerang and Billabong. However, as it approached 3pm I found myself crippled with fatigue and my stomach knotted with hunger and my rational brain reminding me about the studying I hadn’t started. So sadly I packed my ski bag and headed back to Victoria.

I just want to extend a large thanks-you to the Mt. Washington locals and staff for there hospitality and the simple fact that they reminded me what is important in life, skiing. And hey, Bs still get degrees!

Mt. Washington Stats: 1,600+ acres of terrain to choose from

• 20% easier
• 35% intermediate
• 45% expert

Serviced by 9 lifts including a high speed six pack and a high speed quad. Plus, the Ozone Snow-Tubing Park offers a fun alternative to skiing or snowboarding and is also a great apres activity.