Issue link: http://digital.canadawide.com/i/252637
59 FEBRUARY 4 | bcliving.ca Mount Washington, Vancouver Island e alpine coastal setting of Mount Washington in Van- couver Island's Comox Valley means it's sandwiched between the Paci c Ocean and Strath- cona Park in one sweet snow spot. Known for getting some of Canada's deepest snow (in 2010/2011, the resort had a record-breaking 19-metre snowpack), it cloaks trees in layers of the u y stu and makes for some surreal riding. And while it has its share of challenging terrain, Mount Washington has made a point of drawing the beginner crowd with a massive investment in its Easy Acres area. So, while novices glide up bunny hills on moveable walkways, adrenaline seekers are knee-deep on the Powder Face black- diamond open bowl. MUSTSKI: Empty powder stashes o the backside of the Sunrise chair BY THE NUMBERS: 1,700 skiable acres; 505 metres of vertical drop; 81 runs; 5 lifts; 14 metres of annual snowfall; $75 for adult day ticket STAY: Ski in/out accommo- dations; Courtenay is 45 minutes away mountwashington.ca ■ Mount Baker, Washington Venture across the border to Mount Baker where the 3,286- metre namesake looms far above the ski area. Only two hours from downtown Vancouver, you'll feel both remote and oh-so-small surrounded by the wilderness of the Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest and North Cascades National Park. is is the place for lovers of the sport who crave untracked, powder- lled terrain. is long-standing mountain (60 years) is backcountry friendly, and proudly puts the focus on skiing and snowboarding — you won't nd fancy après-ski or cell-phone service here. Tons of pro-riders compete in the annual Legendary Banked Slalom race, where the gnarliest of boarders gather in pursuit of a bronzed roll of duct tape (the original trophy when the race began in 1985). Dare to enter the race lottery or, even better, track the action from within the Raven Hut while sipping a Washington State microbrew. BY THE NUMBERS: 1,000 skiable acres; 484 metres of vertical drop; 38 runs; 8 lifts; US$55 for adult day ticket EXTRAS: Located in Mt. Baker- Snoqualmie National Forest with no facilities beyond the White Salmon Day Lodge and Raven Hut. The Legendary Banked Slalom race takes place February 7 to 9 this ski season. STAY: No slope-side accommoda- tions; Abbotsford is 70 minutes away, Bellingham is 75 minutes away mtbaker.us Mount Baker's Average Annual Snowfall 16.5m GET HIGH! ... on Mount Washington's Stomping Ground Terrain Park and Easy Acres Terrain Park or try out the 55 km of Nordic skiing/ snowshoeing trails. Terrai fo al leels SUPPLIED (MOUNT BAKER) PHILIP CANTRICK, (MOUNT WASHINGTON) BRADY CLARKE PHOTOGRAPHY, (MOUNT WASHINGTON TERRAIN PARK) MEGAN BROWN p56-59_Feature-SkiDestinations.indd 59 2014-01-20 3:59 PM