Vancouver Island ski resort opens runs after snow storm sweeps through

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MOUNT WASHINGTON, B.C. – A Vancouver Island ski resort is finally opening its doors after a lack of snow kept the mountain’s runs closed this season.

Mount Washington Alpine Resort spokesman Brent Curtain says two of the five main lifts will open Sunday and beginner hills and snow tube runs will continue to operate.

The ski season has been delayed by about a month compared to its typical opening, and on Saturday the mountain had 110 centimetres of snow after a storm swept through the area a day earlier.

At the beginning of the month the resort had 20 centimetres of snow at its mid-mountain baseline compared to the 350 centimetres it had at the same time last year.

Curtain says there were 400 centimetres of snow a year ago, but the current amount will enable about half the usual staff to return to work.

Earlier this month, the resort negotiated a deal allowing season pass holders to ski for free at Whistler Blackcomb, and Curtain says it will continue until the end of January or until more mountain runs are opened.

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