Summer 2001 Events & Activities

“This summer the addition of some new and exciting events and activities are important to us,” says Don Sharpe, Director of Resort Services. “We want to give those visiting us lots more to do when they come up.” The completion of the new Nordic Lodge (now named Raven Lodge) in late summer, renovations to the stage at Fat Teddy’s Bar and Grill, the addition of a new meeting room for up to 50 people (where the arcade used to be), the building of a nine-hole Disc (Frisbee) Golf Course, additional bike and hiking trails and numerous events will make Mt. Washington an exciting place to visit this summer. The summer season kicked off on June 23 with daily operation of the Scenic Chair Ride, aboard the Eagle Express, and the traditional village clean-up and homeowners’ barbecue. Events throughout the summer include Sunday craft fairs and brunch, art exhibits, family picnics, horseback riding, beer and wine festivals, a mountain Luau, full-moon sunset chair rides, a four-day music festival in August and more. “We’re going to put a barbecue at the top of the mountain from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on busy days and weekends, so you can grab something to eat at the top,” he said. Picnic tables will be available for the summit snacks. The Disc Golf course is something that’s been talked about for several years. “I didn’t want to talk anymore, so we’re making it happen,” Sharpe said. The nine-hole course starts under the Whiskey Jack chairlift and ends at the Eagle Express. “It’s a natural course so it follows the terrain of the mountain. It’s through the trees so you’re up and down.” The course is free to use, but discs cost $3.50 to rent (they’re also for sale at Altitude Sport & Gift Shop). Players throw the Frisbees from a tee box and aim at a chain link basket. And if Disc Golf isn’t your thing, try the beach volleyball court or horseshoe pitches that have been put in beside the Sno-Tek hut. Or be brave and try mountain boarding this summer ? it’s like a snowboard with wheels. Ron Knapp is back with his horses, offering trail rides around the mountain. Another new feature this summer that Sharpe predicted would be popular was Kidz Camps ? five-day adventure camps for kids seven to 12 years, which were scheduled for two separate weeks in July (July 2-6 and 9-13). These camps featur mountain exploration, hiking, disc golf, basketball, nature-based crafts and outdoor survival. “If we’re successful, we’ll continue them throughout the summer,” Sharpe said. Koya Hansen, who runs the Kidz Zone in the winter, is also in charge of the summer camps. The great thing about the Kidz Camps is that pick-up and drop-off is in Courtenay before work and after work, so parents don’t have to worry about arranging a 2 or 3 p.m. pick-up. Fireweeds Restaurant and Altitude Sport & Gift are open daily. For more information on Mt.Washington summer activities, visit their website: www.mtwashington.ca or phone (250) 338-1386.