Kristin H.
Yelp
Take the blue chair to the very top of Mount Washington, and you won't regret it. This mountain probably has some of the best ski resort views in the world. On one side, you can see the Salish Sea, and on the other, pristine snow-capped mountains. Absolutely stunning.
The mountain itself provides great runs for skiers and snowboarders of all levels. I hover in the intermediate level of experience, and I have never been bored. My spouse is an expert snowboarder and loves the Outback side of the mountain when it's open. The Outback is often closed due to weather conditions or avalanche risk, but apparently worth the wait.
I received a 2 hour private ski lesson as a Christmas gift, and it was well worth the price. Priority in the lift line alone is almost worth it. My instructor was very friendly, didn't push me beyond what I was capable of doing, but gave me some excellent pointers. I will take another lesson in the future, but will probably get a group lesson, as they are significantly cheaper.
The only downside to Mount Washington is the facilities. When the mountain is at capacity, there isn't enough room for people in the lodge, and the restaurant and cafe can't seem to cope with that volume. The options available are also fairly slim pickings. You can sit in the bar and order lunch, sit in the cafe and order lunch, or sit in the cafeteria-style lounge and get fast food. I guess I have been spoiled by the chalet tradition of Quebec ski hills, where there are nice places to sit for free, often by a fire, where you can just catch your breath without feeling obligated to purchase food.
Unlike some other resorts, there aren't other secondary public lodges located on other parts of the mountain, at the top for instance. It would be nice not to have to return to the main lodge to purchase a snack or rest for a bit.
One note: Do not drive up this mountain unless you have good winter tires and a pair of chains. The weather conditions up there can change on a heartbeat, and from past experience, you may very well get stuck halfway up if you don't have proper equipment. Some days you are required to put chains on your tires to make it up the mountain, and there are often RCMP officers there to force you to do so, or turn around. If you don't have a mountain-worthy vehicle, there are shuttle buses available leaving from Courtenay, Victoria and Nanaimo.