Mountain Organizations

Strathcona Wilderness Institute

Strathcona Wilderness Institute (SWI) is a non-profit society incorporated in 1995 to inspire awareness, appreciation and stewardship of the natural world through research, education and participation of the wilderness areas in Strathcona Provincial Park.

Maps

Marmot Recovery Foundation

The Vancouver Island Marmot is a remarkable animal. It is endemic to Canada – one of only a small handful of mammals to occur in this country and nowhere else. Unfortunately, it is also Critically Endangered. In 2004, fewer than 30 remained in the wild. Recovery efforts by the Foundation and our partners have been restoring the population. The mission of the Marmot Recovery Foundation is to recover the wild population of the Vancouver Island Marmot. Significant progress has been made, but much work remains before this species will be secure in the wild.

Strathcona Nordic Ski Club

Strathcona Nordic Ski Club (SNSC) is a not-for-profit club that offers programs for cross-country skiers of all ages and abilities, from those new to Nordic skiing to those who aspire to train all year. Programs include weekly coaching for skiers of all levels in the winter and year-round opportunities for those who want to challenge themselves with race-focused training. Regardless of age, SNSC emphasizes Nordic skiing as a sport for life and lifelong skill development. SNSC hosts annual camps, fun events, and races, including the Lantern Ski and the Vancouver Island Loppet, an Island fixture since 1983.

Mount Washington Ski Club

Since 1982, the Mt Washington Ski Club (MWSC) has created a nurturing, family-centric atmosphere where members forge enduring friendships and develop a profound enthusiasm for alpine skiing and alpine ski racing. Committed to excellence, our special community thrives within a culture that values integrity and fair play, dedicated to developing young athletes one turn at a time. Our programs are designed around and grounded in Alpine Canada’s Long-Term Athlete Development methodology.

Mount Washington Freestyle Ski Club

Pristine powder runs, instructor qualifications, slopestyle prowess or perfecting technique – wherever you want to take your kids riding, MWFC will help them make the perfect run. Every one of our freestyle ski courses and training camps and our mogul program are run against the backdrop of Mt. Washington, Canada – consistently rated one of British Columbia’s top destination resorts. Whether you’re looking for your kids to spend a fun but challenging winter break or full season program with us, we can perfect their park skills and powder turns in just a couple of weeks. Learn more about park and all mountain riding or become part of our renowned competition team, no matter what your kids are into, we have a course for you!

Vancouver Island Biathlon Club

While hosting many races, competitions and events using their modern biathlon range, the Vancouver Island Biathlon Club (VIBC) mandate is to foster personal growth and an inclusive biathlon community through a shared passion for our sport. Our vision is to be a model biathlon community with sustainable growth while offering outstanding programs, facilities and mentorship for members of all ages.

Vancouver Island Society for Adaptive Snowsports

The Vancouver Island Society for Adaptive Snowsports is a non-profit charitable society focused on providing nationally certified snowsports instruction to the physically or developmentally challenged.

We believe that people with adaptive needs should have an equal opportunity to participate and enjoy alpine (skiing or snowboarding) or Nordic (cross country) snowsports. We are here to help you accent your abilities in a fun and encouraging environment.

Mid-Island Sno-Blazers Association

Snowmobiling has been a popular activity on Mt. Washington since the early 70s. Many people do not know that much of the land around the Mt. Washington ski resort is private forest land. Originally started by the Comox Valley snowmobile club, the Mid-Island Sno-Blazers Association (club) for many years now enters into an annual access agreement that allows snowmobiling to occur in the area. This agreement has certain conditions snowmobile riders are supposed to follow. Please see the website for more information on Mt. Washington and other riding areas in the mid-island.

Mount Washington Resort Association

Mount Washington Resort Association (MWRA) was incorporated as a Society under the Society Act of BC in October 2007. With the 2010 Winter Olympic Games confirmed for Canada (Vancouver / Whistler) the need for a tourism-based community association that could support efforts to create meaningful benefits for the alpine community and resort resulting from the games. The purposes of the Association is to encourage the development, sustainability and community connectivity on the mountain and within the village.

The Municipal Regional District Tax (MRDT) program, which funds the activities of the Mount Washington Resort Assn, was originally established by the Province in 1987 to support the financing and operations of incremental tourist related facilities as well as ongoing funding of tourism marketing and associated programs. The MRDT is a tax of up to 3% on the purchase of accommodation imposed in specific geographic areas of the province (designated accommodation areas) on behalf of municipalities, regional districts or eligible not-for-profit business associations. The MRDT program raises revenue for local tourism marketing, like the Association, to undertake programs and projects to support increasing awareness of the destination.