Mount Washington’s outback

Local guide Tobin Leopkey climbs up a ridge line on Mount Washington’s backside to get to some killer terrain.  BRANDON BOUCHER/SnowSeekers

DOC POW

COMOX-COURTENAY, BC — Mount Washington Alpine Resort has a vibe all its own. There is only one place in Canada if not the world, where, with the right binoculars, you could do some whale watching while hanging on the snowboard or the sticks ready to launch into a big mound of pow. 

Located on the east coast of Vancouver Island, just outside of Comox, British Columbia, Mount Washington offers up a laid back atmosphere that’s matched up with some killer terrain and epic snow dumps.

Recently I hooked up with my buddy, Tobin Leopkey who was lucky enough to be born and raised in Comox, about 25 minutes from Mount Washington. He took me around to a few spots most people may not find easily on the map. 

Follow Doc Pow’s lead

My favourite runs on this mountain are found in an area known as the Outback – home to the resort’s steeps and deeps. The exceptionally unique Boomerang chair, added to the mix in 2004, is a quad that gets you into this area. The chair literally rolls over the top of the ridge line with lift access on both sides.  Patrons to the ‘Boom can hop on at the front side and ski the front if they choose, or head to the Outback and stay there all day, returning to the front side at the end of the day.  

Mount Washington offers some excellent glade skiing.  TONY RADOMI/Mount Washington Alpine Resort

If you head to the Outback, take a little hike along the top of the ridge line where you will find some of Mount Washington’s prime terrain. Billabong and Copper, both double black runs are two super runs that are sure to get your heart racing. It’s not that they are ove rly steep but they deliver a pretty good pitch matched up with some stellar snow.  

Moving off Billabong, which by far was the best run of our day, we rocked into the Copper Glades –perfectly spaced trees that hang on a fair to steep slope. 

As a local sees it

Leopkey, loves his home turf and welcomes the world to ski it with him through his adventure travel company,Section 8 Snowsport Institute, a business that offers ski and snowboard instructor courses, as well as avalanche and wilderness safety.

“We’ve got some world-class tree skiing and the groomers are great,” said Leopkey. “The area of the Outback turns this place into some great skiing.”

For the inside on things, on a big powder day, Leopkey recommends people to head up the front side of the ‘Boom and into the Boomerang trees, skiers right of the chair. “There is rarely anyone in here and you can get some outstanding turns in. 

Thanks to the Comox Valley Airport (shuttle service available), getting to Mount Washington’s Outback is even easier from Alberta through Edmonton and Calgary or any of British Columbia’s major centres.

For more information on all of what Mt. Washington has to offer, check out some dining and off-hill options.