DOWNHILL SAFER
In an effort to promote responsible skiing this season, resorts are adopting new protocols
Few things let you forget about the world's problems more than fresh air and snow capped mountain vistas — especially if you're swooshing down those slopes at high speed. And in these trying times, you've gotta love a sport that incorporates COVID-19 responsible practices.
Skiing is a naturally spaced apart activity. It's practised in the great outdoors. And face coverings are welcomed for their warmth. The challenge lies in responsibly getting to the summit and warming up chilled toes. Here's how to navigate your next Canadian ski trip during COVID times.
LIFT TICKETS
This season, it's all about making like a Girl Guide and being prepared. At some resorts, having a pre-purchased pass is the only way to ensure a day on the slopes. Many resorts are eliminating window walk up sales, requiring skiers to pre-purchase their tickets online.
For a guaranteed ski day at Blue Mountain Resort, you'll need either an ICON pass or a local 5x7®️ Pass. Using historical data, they'll then determine how many lift tickets can be freed up for daily sales.
Early season at Whistler Blackcomb (part of Vail Resorts) is reserved for pass holders. Limited lift tickets won't be on sale until Dec. 8.
“We're working with a system of variables to manage capacity. We'll look at how fast they move through the maze gate, and the impact of weather. For the vast majority of days, we anticipate we'll be able to accommodate everyone who wants to ski or ride,” says Jennifer Smith, communications manager at Vail Resorts.
Vail Resorts' September earnings release showed ski pass sales were up 18 per cent compared to the same period last year — signalling increased interest is there.
LIMITING CAPACITY
In the Alberta Rockies, where more than 80 per cent of visitors are from the region, access isn't limited to season pass holders.
“We've got an enormous amount of terrain and are able to handle thousands of skiers a day. It's a matter of getting them dispersed during the 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. rush on weekends,” admits Dan Markham, director of communications at Lake Louise Ski Resort.
Markham recommends skiers visit mid-week — especially if they're keen to barrel down the West Bowl, 195 hectares of newly skiable terrain under the new Summit Chair.
While it's unlikely ski resorts will face capacity issues on the mountains, they are certain to at day lodges and restaurants. Expect to see more take-away options for skiers to nosh on outdoors or in their vehicles.
To combat the lunchtime rush, both Banff Sunshine Village and Lake Louise Ski Resort have put up massive, heated temporary tents. Blue Mountain Resort is requiring reservations in all its restaurants and base lodges, or guests can pre-order meal kits delivered to their hotel rooms.
DEMAND FOR ON- MOUNTAIN ACCOMMODATION
With restaurants and lounges at 50 per cent capacity, finding a spot to warm up could be challenging. Staying on-mountain guarantees a warm bolthole, with the added bonus of room service. While local interest in slopeside lodging is sure to increase, the absence of international visitors opens up availability, particularly mid-week.
Sunshine Mountain Lodge, the only ski-in, ski-out accommodation in Banff National Park, has installed high-speed fibre optic cable, enticing guests to go from vertical to virtual within minutes. Big White Ski Resort has also upgraded their internet, and is offering a 35 per cent discount on stays of 30 nights or more to lure remote workers to B.C.'S Okanagan Valley.
Whistler, which boasts 20,000 pillows within 500 metres of the lifts, sees 60 per cent of its visitors from out of country during a typical winter. With that absence, hotels will desperately need local heads to fill those beds.
“With the lack of destination (international) markets who typically are long-stay visitors, there's sure to be good accommodation value, especially midweek for Canadians,” says Mary Zinc of Tourism Whistler.
LIFTS, LINES AND RENTALS
Lift loading limits depend on each region's public health recommendations, but anticipate longer wait times with most gondolas running at half capacity and cohorts prioritized over the singles line on chairlifts.
As expected, there'll be increased cleaning in common areas and rental equipment will be disinfected. Some resorts require scheduled appointments to reduce rental lineups and many encourage booking equipment online in advance.
Face coverings are de rigueur in all public spaces, including outdoor lines, lifts and gondolas at the majority of resorts. Anticipate neck warmers and scarfs worn over the nose and mouth to be the fashion this winter, both indoors and out.
We've got an enormous amount of terrain and are able to handle thousands of skiers a day. It's a matter of getting them dispersed ...
LEARNING TO SKI
Don't downhill? If ever there was a time to learn a new outdoor activity, 2020 is it.
At Nakiska Ski Area in Kananaskis, Alta., the TELUS Learn to Ski package is designed for first-timers, with three days of introductory lessons that include rental equipment and lift tickets.
In addition to regular ski lessons, Quebec's Mont-tremblant Resort offers an “Elle” category, reserved for women. Also available through Tremblant Snow School is “A Mountain for All,” designed for skiers with impaired mobility or special needs, ensuring no one is denied the thrill of a mountain adventure.
Many resorts are operating snow schools, but at reduced capacity. Again, booking in advance is essential. Mapping out your day is now even more important than checking the snow report.
“It's the same way you've enjoyed the sport before, it just requires that extra step in planning,” insists Tara Lovell, manager of public relations at Blue Mountain Resort.
Restrictions surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic are changing rapidly. Please check each ski resort and tourism region's website before visiting.