Sports operators gear up for season amid pandemic
`Enormous increase in demand' expected along with new planning challenges
The temperature may be falling, but nothing has cast a bigger chill on winter sports this year than COVID-19.
With both Ottawa and Gatineau still designated as COVID-19 hot spots, the pandemic has made planning for the snow season a challenge.
Sales of season passes at Camp Fortune have been brisk, says marketing director Erin Boucher, even though the resort only learned for certain two weeks ago that they would even be allowed to open.
“Yes, there's going to be a ski season in Quebec, regardless of the zone level,” she said. “It's not going to be without its challenges, but we will be skiing.”
With skiing such a large industry in the province, the Association of Quebec Ski Resorts has worked with the provincial government to come up with a plan for resorts to operate safely. Camp Fortune is now in the process of fine-tuning its own plan, she said. Interest has been high.
“I think people are looking to winter activities and having an active lifestyle. They know they're not going to be able travel to the bigger resorts that they'd typically have visited,” she said.
If the region is still in the red zone when Camp Fortune opens, which is usually at the end of November, there can't be restaurant or canteen services. You will be allowed into chalets to warm up and to use the bathroom, but access will be controlled and your time inside will be limited.
“Plan to spend your day outside,” Boucher said.
Physical distancing will be enforced in lift lines and masks will be required in line, on the lift, at the dismount area and other crowded outdoor spots.
“The good news is that your neck warmer works. Pull it up over your nose and you're good.”
Family members can ride the chairlifts together but strangers will need to ride separately.
Camp Fortune is also offering a generous refund policy if after buying a pass you decide it's not safe to ski. Full details are available on the resort's website.
The National Capital Commission has begun selling winter ski, snowshoe and fat bike passes for Gatineau Park and will begin booking winter camping and accommodation in mid-November. But the NCC could not say Wednesday whether its ski huts will be open on its winter trail network, only that it “will be working with the municipal governments and public health authorities to ensure that the most effective health and safety measures are in effect as winter approaches.”
The commission also said it is “planning to work within public health guidelines” for the opening of the Rideau Canal Skateway's 51st season.
In Ottawa, “Groomer Dave” Adams is anticipating a record year on the SJAM Winter Trail along the Ottawa River. With increased funding, Adams has hired a fifth groomer to his team and is hoping to double track the SJAM's 16 kilometres of trails to help with physical distancing. The NCC bistro at Remic Rapids will continue to operate and SJAM sponsor Fresh Air Experience is increasing its rental capacity at the trail.
But the pandemic has forced Adams to cancel all its special events, including the SJAM Winter Festival in January.
“I'm expecting an enormous in
Yes, there's going to be a ski season in Quebec, regardless of the zone level. It's not going to be without its challenges.
crease in demand,” Adams said. “We're going into uncharted water.”
Ski shops say introductory cross-country packages are selling out and some high schools are looking to Nordic skiing as a substitute for team sports like hockey.
“There's going to be a lot of people entering the sport for the first time,” he said.
Winter sports was on the agenda at Ottawa City Council Wednesday with a motion from Coun. Riley Brockington for the city to work with Ottawa Public Health to promote and publicize the need to be active this winter.
“I was concerned about a population that was basically hibernating all winter and not being as active as they should be because of COVID,” Brockington said.
“The goal is clear. When you're outside and engaged in activities, it's not just for your physical health, it's for your mental health. I think it's important to reinforce the need to get out. Because it will make you feel good.”