The Canadian Association of Disabled Skiers honoured Mount Washington in April as Ski Area of the Year. The Vancouver Island Society for Adaptive Snowsports (VISAS) nominated the resort for its dedication to helping disabled athletes. Mount Washington provides VISAS students with reduced lift tickets and annually donates space in the Alpine Lodge for the organization to operate during the winter, president John Stevens told the Comox Valley Record.
Congratulations to Allison Forsyth, championship skier, for a couple of pieces of big news. Mount Washington has dedicated a trail to the Comox Valley Olympian: “Invitation”, a popular run for racers off the Sunrise Quad Chair, is now known as Allison Forsyth Giant Slalom Race Course. And in February, at the Mount Washington Ski Club gala, Forsyth received a marriage proposal – to which she said yes!
Kudos to Andrea Lee of the Strathcona Nordics Ski Club, who in March earned a silver medal at the Canadian cross-country ski championships in Ontario. Also to Darcy Sharpe, who finished first in his age category at a provincial snowboard slopestyle event at Big White.
Cavin Donald, a former VI Riders member from Campbell River, was crowned 2009 King of the Hill at Mount Washington this winter. Donald, who was first crowned King of the Hill in 2007 when he was 16, was judged along with other competitors in big air, slopestyle and rails to determine who is most consistent in all elements of freestyle. Donald also attended the B.C. Freestyle Provincial Team tryouts at Whistler in May and has earned a spot on the team for next winter.
Courtenay glass artist Paul Crawford’s work was a focal point during the IPC World Cup in March: Crawford designed all 99 etched glass medals for the event.
Mount Washington President Peter Gibson turns 60 this summer. When you see Peter this summer- wish him a happy birthday Mr. President!