Mount Cain Ready To Open

Winter has officially arrived, and Mount Cain is finally blanketed in fresh snow. Nearly 30 centimetres of cold, dry powder has fallen, transforming the hill into a winter wonderland.

While the snowfall is promising, it’s not yet enough for a safe opening. Earlier this week, bare ground stretched almost to the summit, and as a result, the planned opening on Saturday, December 20 has been postponed.

There’s still reason for optimism: forecasts call for continued snowfall over the next 24 hours. If conditions improve, Mount Cain could open on Sunday, December 21 for a short three‑day run leading into the Christmas break. Updates will be shared tomorrow via social media and email, so stay tuned.

Looking ahead to opening day, here are a few reminders:

  • Kids ski free all season: Children 12 and under can pick up a free pass at the ticket booth. Passes must be visible while skiing.
  • Seasonal child passes: Available for just $5 to cover printing costs, giving kids unlimited access all season.
  • Cash‑free convenience: Season passes can be loaded with funds and used at the ski shop and Cain Café. No need to carry cash or phones—just top up at the ticket booth whenever your balance runs low.

With fresh snow on the slopes and more in the forecast, Mount Cain is gearing up for a festive start to the season.

Vancouver Island Marmot Population Rebounds to 427 After Near-Extinction

Conservation officials report that the Vancouver Island marmot has reached a major recovery milestone, with the wild population now estimated at 427 animals. This marks a remarkable rebound from a low of just 22 individuals in 2003.

Endemic to the alpine meadows of Vancouver Island, the species was once on the brink of extinction due to habitat loss, predation, and low reproductive rates. In response, a comprehensive recovery program was launched, combining captive breeding, reintroduction, habitat restoration, and ongoing monitoring.

Biologists say the latest numbers reflect steady growth across more than 30 mountain sites, offering one of the clearest signs yet that coordinated conservation efforts are paying off.

Still, experts caution that the marmot remains endangered and vulnerable to shifting environmental conditions. Continued management and close monitoring will be critical to ensuring the population remains stable and continues to expand.

Conservation leaders describe the rebound as a rare success story in species recovery, underscoring decades of collaboration among governments, researchers, volunteers, and conservation groups that helped prevent the marmot’s disappearance from the wild.

Mount Cain Opening Delayed Another Week At Least

The opening of Mount Cain has been delayed by another week due to limited snowfall and challenging weather conditions.

Although the mountain has seen some recent snow, officials confirm it is not sufficient to ensure safe operations. Forecasts showing freezing levels rising above the summit have further reduced the chances of an immediate opening. The next tentative opening date is set for December 20, with an official update to be released next Wednesday.

In the meantime, Mount Cain representatives will be in Nanaimo this weekend for the launch of the new Mountain Equipment Company (MEC) store, where they will host a booth and engage with the community.

For those eager to get on the slopes, Mount Washington is preparing to open its beginner terrain this weekend. The resort will also feature a variety of off-snow activities as part of its opening celebrations.

Despite the delay, Mount Cain officials remain optimistic that winter conditions will improve as the holiday season approaches.