Ski resorts stay open during lockdown
About a month into the ski season, Townships-based ski resorts have stayed open despite the provincial lockdown instituted in early January. It has been a relative success for all of them so far, with no resorts having to shut down yet and no reported outbreaks.
Four major resorts lie within the Estrie region. Ski Bromont, Mont Sutton, Owl’s head, and Mont Orford. The city of Sherbrooke also operates a small alpine ski hill at Mont Bellevue in the middle of the city.
These resorts are as important as ever to the mental and physical health of Townshippers. With gyms and fitness centres closed, ski resorts remain one of the last options available in terms of open businesses in the physical activity sector.
Ski resorts are actually gaining brand new customers this season. Stephanie Edwards is a Lennoxville resident and says the lockdown is a huge reason why she and her roommates are embarking on their first ever ski season here.
“Prior to this year we’ve always talked about getting into skiing but have never done it as we’ve been more consumed with partying and other activities.”
With lots of their pastimes unavailable, Edwards and her friends have begun to frequent Mont Sutton for some outdoor entertainment.
A fitness aficionado and personal trainer, Edwards is drawn to skiing as an alternative for the gym being closed.
“For me personally, not being able to go to the gym, skiing has been a huge motivation to get out of the house and be active,” she says.
Annie Dubreil works in customer service for Mont Orford. She has noticed a trend of new skiers as well.
“Families from the region are trying or coming back to skiing and they enjoy it. Even more retired people got back on skis since they couldn’t travel and enjoy themselves,” she explained.
Obviously, it’s not business as usual for resorts. They all have their own rules for each stage of the pandemic, but they follow the same basic principles.
In the current lockdown, all of the mountains are requiring face coverings inside all buildings as well as on chairlifts and in lift lines. People not from the same household are separated on the chairlifts and physical distancing is respected throughout the resort.
Going inside whatsoever is a challenge, with limitations imposed. Bathrooms and repair shops are open but other than that, one can only go inside to warm up for a short period of time. Guests must get changed and eat outdoors, usually by their cars.
Dubreuil says that the Association of Quebec Ski Resorts (ASSQ) has been instrumental in helping Orford know exactly what rules and regulations must be in place to ensure the safety of everyone.
“We have increased employees, including ambassadors and greeters, ensuring that everyone knows and respects the rules in place,” she says.
Ski hills are currently making do without big money makers like snow school programs and bars or concessions. However, as Dubreuil said, “We are so lucky to even be able to be open.”