Mount Cain Calls Volunteers for Annual Fall Work Party September 19th and 20th

by | Sep 3, 2026 00:07 | Events

September 19–20 weekend will bring volunteers together to prepare the mountain for the upcoming ski season

MOUNT CAIN, B.C. — With fall settling over Vancouver Island and the cooler, wetter days of the West Coast arriving, Mount Cain is turning its attention to the work that needs to be done before another winter season gets underway.

The mountain’s annual Work Party Weekend is set for September 19–20, and organizers are calling on volunteers to come to the hill, lend a hand and help get the ski area ready for opening.

While there is already a list of jobs planned, organizers say the work list is dynamic — meaning there should be something for just about anyone willing to pitch in.

Plenty of work to be done

The weekend’s projects range from general maintenance and cleanup to specialized jobs requiring specific skills and equipment.

Among the tasks currently on the list are:

  • Brush clearing — experienced and competent volunteers with appropriate brush saws or small chainsaws are needed. Participants are asked to bring their own equipment and PPE.
  • Firewood
  • Compost toilet work — someone with knowledge of composting toilet systems is needed.
  • Interior and exterior painting
  • Sheet metal work
  • Hand-digging gravel
  • Post and deck foundations — four sonotubes with footings need to be dug and installed.
  • Concrete footing installation for the Bunny Hill safety gate.
  • Walkway work around the L3 bullwheel.
  • Groomer maintenance

The variety of projects reflects the reality of maintaining a remote ski area, where keeping the mountain operating requires everything from heavy construction and mechanical work to painting, trail maintenance and plenty of manual labour.

More than just a work weekend

The weekend will also provide an opportunity for members of the Mount Cain community to have a say in the future of the mountain.

The society’s Annual General Meeting will take place on the evening of Saturday, September 19.

Organizers are encouraging people to come out, get involved and take part in shaping what comes next for Mount Cain.

For a ski area built around community involvement and a decidedly different approach to the resort experience, the annual work party is an important part of getting ready for winter.

And whether someone arrives with specialized mechanical skills, a chainsaw, a paintbrush, a shovel — or simply a willingness to help — organizers say they’re happy to see volunteers on the hill.

Mount Cain’s Work Party Weekend takes place September 19–20. The Annual General Meeting will be held Saturday evening, September 19.

As another West Coast winter approaches, the work of getting the mountain ready is already underway.

For Mount Cain, the road to ski season starts with the community coming together.

Avalanche Survivor Continues Long Road to Recovery After Near-Fatal Accident on Mount Cain

by | May 30, 2026 01:53 | Local

A Victoria-area teacher who survived a devastating avalanche is sharing his story of resilience as he works to rebuild his life following injuries that dramatically changed his future.

Tim Sorensen still vividly recalls the moment a backcountry adventure turned into a fight for survival. Caught in an avalanche that left him critically injured, Sorensen endured a lengthy medical ordeal that ultimately resulted in the loss of a leg. Despite the life-altering consequences, he credits determination, support from loved ones, and a refusal to give up for helping him through the darkest moments of his recovery.

Now focused on regaining his independence, Sorensen is working toward obtaining a properly fitted prosthetic leg that would allow him to return to many of the activities he once enjoyed. The longtime educator says improved mobility would not only enhance his quality of life but also help him regain a greater sense of freedom and self-sufficiency.

The recovery journey has involved extensive rehabilitation, physical therapy, and adapting to a completely different way of life. Along the way, Sorensen has faced both physical and emotional challenges, learning to navigate everyday tasks while adjusting to the realities of living with an amputation.

Friends, family members, and supporters have rallied around him through fundraising efforts aimed at helping cover the costs associated with specialized prosthetic equipment and ongoing rehabilitation. The community response has provided encouragement as he continues progressing toward his recovery goals.

Sorensen’s experience has also highlighted the inherent risks associated with backcountry recreation, particularly in avalanche-prone terrain. While advances in safety equipment and avalanche awareness have improved outcomes for many outdoor enthusiasts, experts continue to emphasize the importance of preparation, training, and caution in mountainous environments.

Today, Sorensen remains focused on moving forward one step at a time. His message to others facing significant adversity is rooted in perseverance and hope, reflecting the mindset that helped him survive the avalanche and continue rebuilding his life in its aftermath.

Mount Cain Ready To Open

by | Dec 18, 2025 16:46 | Local

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

by | Dec 13, 2025 00:12 | Local

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

by | Dec 12, 2025 23:38 | Local

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.