Mount Washington will open for a “sneak peek” of its alpine and Nordic terrain this weekend, two weeks before its official opening day.
It’s the earliest opening in eight years for the alpine resort, thanks to heavy November snowfalls and last week’s bomb cyclone event that brought thick carpets of the white stuff to higher elevations.
The early-season snowfall left a base of 258 centimetres at the mid-mountain elevation of 1,488 metres on Thursday, said resort spokeswoman Kayla Stockton.
Skiers and snowboarders can hit the slopes on Saturday and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., with the Whiskey Jack and Hawk chairlifts operating, giving access to all terrain from beginner to advanced, although the magic carpets will not be running.
The resort’s official opening is still planned for Dec. 13.
The resort said the weekend sneak peek is not recommended for first-timers or those under age six.
At the Alpine Lodge ticket windows, guests can purchase discounted single-day lift access passes.
The season pass office, Outdoor Elements retail shop, Rossignol Demo Centre and Eagle View Bistro will also be open, with limited service from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
The Nordic Centre at Raven Lodge will open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. this weekend, offering more than 12 kilometres of cross-country skiing terrain and three snowshoe trails.
Raven Cafe will open for limited service, as will Raven Retail and Rentals.
The Tube Park, Alpine Rentals Centre and snow school lessons will not be available this weekend.
Visit the resort’s website mountwashington.ca for full hours of operation and details on what is open this weekend.
