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All systems go for Dec. 9 opening at Mount Washington Alpine Resort

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New Prinoth snow cats are preparing the resort for a Dec. 9 opening.

Mount Washington Alpine Resort has confirmed it will open Friday, Dec. 9, as scheduled, for the 2016-17 winter season.

The mountain has been hammered with over 120cm of snow that started in November and has remained steady. "We are very pleased to be opening next Friday with an excellent base and what should be very good conditions," noted Director of Business Operations Don Sharpe.

"We have had back-to-back-to-back storms that have brought copious amounts of snow and our crews have been working hard to get the mountain ready and to finish up the improvements in the lodge."

Along with the fresh deep snow comes interesting challenges to getting prepared. "The past week has been awesome for setting up a good base and more snow is forecast with cooler temperatures for the rest of the week," explained Jessie Percival, Director of Ski Patrol and Snow Safety.

"We now have incredible early season coverage and have a well-bonded base." However, Percival added a request: “The snow cats will be out on the slopes every day now until we open so we would ask that guests refrain from going into the alpine while we prepare.”

After opening the front side, Percival confirmed that the Boomerang Chair and the Outback terrain will take a bit more work to make it safe and will open a week later on Friday, Dec. 16.

This winter season brings some changes inside the Alpine Lodge with the opening of a new restaurant called Eagle View Bistro. The Bistro will be serving fresh baked goods in the morning as well as lunch midday, apres ski fare in the afternoon and dinner in the evenings.

In addition, there is a new retail store, Outdoor Elements, featuring Rossignol apparel and equipment along with other great brands. Within Outdoor Elements, the resort has added The Little Market for convenience items and a liquor store. The resort will also be opening the newly renovated Rossignol Demo Centre. The centre will give guests the opportunity to try the gear before they buy. The Demo Centre will also provide ski and snowboard tuning and repair services.

To celebrate the opening weekend, Deer Lodge and Bear Lodge, the resort’s ski-in/ski-out accommodations at the base of the slopes, will offer a “buy two nights, get one free” promotion.

Krista Brown, Slopeside Manager, said, “If you book for Dec. 9 and 10, you can stay on Dec.8 or 11 at no charge.

“With so much snow, we thought it would be a great way for skiers and snowboarders to start the season.” Booking can be done on www.mountwashington.ca under the Accommodations tab.

In addition to the alpine downhill terrain opening on Dec. 9, the resort will also be opening the ever-popular Tube Park and its world-class Nordic area for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing.

Sharpe stated, “Guests can now be confident in making plans for their holidays and beyond.” Check back at mountwashington.ca, Facebook, or sign up online for the snow report for the latest information. For more information call the resort at 250-338-1386.