Much of the Comox Valley’s economy is feeling the pinch due to the delayed opening of Mount Washington because of the lack of snow. Don Sharpe, the resort’s Director of Business Operations and Marketing, says the trickle-down effect on the retail and hospitality sector means many people are affected. He says there are some limited services on the go, which are drawing some visitors up the mountain, but for the most part things are at a standstill. He says that’s putting their staff in a tough financial position.
Sharpe says once snowy weather does arrive, it will only take a couple days to build up the base of snow needed to open for the season. In the meantime, Mount Washington is offering season passholders the ability to ski for free at Whistler Blackcomb until the end of the month. The deal is available to all Gold, Alpine, Midweek and Student passholders. If the snow drought ends and Mount Washington gets enough snow to open in January, the Whistler Blackcomb deal will end with a three-day grace period.
Dakota Ridge on the Sunshine Coast also remains closed, but the impact on workers is not as serious because the Recreation Area is staffed by volunteers and Regional District employees.
