Mt. Washington opens this weekend!

All you Islanders better get ready to rip it up this weekend as Mount Washington fires up the lifts for another exciting season of mountain biking on June 25th. The trail crew has been working hard to get all of the trails in prime riding condition. 2004 saw some major construction on the mountain, with the inspiration of pro freerider Darren Berrecloth the crew designed and build two wall rides, the beginnings of a skills area and 3 brand new trails.There are a few new trails that were approaching completion at the end of last season that are now ready to shred. Magical Mystery Tour is a fast flowy trail off the Hawk lift that will be an awesome warm up trail and place for intermediate riders to hone their skills. Scratch & Sniff, an expert trail and hidden gem, off the Eagle lift was built mostly by one of the mountain’s lift mechanics who has a passion for mountain biking that shows up in his trail work – thanks Tony! And last but not least, The Wizard, a fast trail with something sweet around every corner. The Wizard is an expert trail with a wall ride and numerous jumps & drops to keep you coming back.


With 2 high speed lifts and over 15 trails to choose from there are no worries of line ups or traffic jams to curb your flow. Mount Washington has in the past been popular with mostly expert riders but has made some changes to encourage more beginner and intermediate riders to enjoy lift access riding. The Mountain is offering a ton of clinics for all levels to be taught by pro riders Shaums March, Darcy Turenne and Leon May. Don’t have a bike that can take the heat? Try a rental bike from their huge fleet of Norcos at Mountain Tek - don’t worry they have body armour & helmets too!



Mount Washington will be hosting it’s popular Hump Day Series again this summer. The hump day races are held every Wednesday in August and are open to anyone who wants to come out and try racing. The races are fun, a great way to meet new riding buddies and you may even win some schwag! The mountain will also be host to both the Island Cup and BC Cup Finals this summer. Pro rider Leon May is working hard to design a new downhill course for racers to enjoy. Come out and race or watch the action August 13 & 14 (Island Cup Finals) and August 27 & 28 (SISU BC Cup Finals).


Check out the website for more info on VPS Fest, accommodations, calendar of events and more at www.mountwashington.ca

All photos supplied by Tony Radomi.

Please see the attached photos from Tony Radomi for Fiona Taylor's story on riding at Mount Washington.