What to expect for downhill skiing this winter
Getting rid of the popular 'singles line' at ski hills is one of the many changes
The ski season has started at Banff's Mount Norquay, and protocols due to COVID-19 have prompted some changes, which were agreed upon by ski resorts across the country.
Andre Quenneville, the general manager at Mount Norquay, says he wasn't anticipating the dump of snow that allowed the hill to open last weekend — the earliest it's opened in its 95-year history — but is excited to start welcoming people in.
- Watch the video below to see the COVID-19 changes at Mount Norquay this year.
"I think lots of people can't wait to get out there and enjoy the slopes and, given the current circumstances, we want as much lead time as possible before the Christmas period. And it just so happened that we had good weather. So let's get skiing," he told the Calgary Eyeopener.
Quenneville says Norquay is having a soft opening with only one lift and one run open.
"We prepared the slopes with additional manmade snow and that's why we will be starting with the one lift to begin and then we'll build onto that from there," he said.
As well, they've inserted a variety of COVID-19 measures — similar to what you would see at restaurants and other businesses in Calgary.
For example, there will be a limit on tickets purchased, and masks need to be worn inside buildings, in any lineups and when riding the chairlift.
"You'll see all the same kind of protocols and precautions being taken when you enter buildings, from sanitization to markings on the floors and spacing, different food options and offerings in our lodges," he said.
"We feel confident that we can provide a good outdoor activity with these protocols in place."
The biggest hit to skiing this year will be the elimination of the "singles" line, a common feature at ski lifts and gondolas that allows single patrons to ride with other groups.
Because of COVID-19 health measures, Quenneville says the ski hill is asking people who arrive together, to ride together.
And for those that are skiing alone, in most cases you will get the chairlift to yourself. However, if you're comfortable with it, Quenneville says they are able to put two singles on either side of a four-person lift.
'Don't be the reason to lose our season'
Ski hills across Canada are on the same page. They discussed COVID-19 preparations leading up to the ski season.
Quenneville says their motto is, "Don't be the reason to lose our season."
Matt Mosteller, senior vice-president for Resorts of the Canadian Rockies, a private company that owns six hills — including Nakiska, Fernie Alpine Resort and Kicking Horse Mountain Resort — told CBC News that it's been an unprecedented effort to have all of the ski resort partners working together.
"I think part of this whole thing is that skiing and snow boarding offer low risk, high value recreation in a time when most people need it," he said.
Here are some recommendations to prepare for this new way of skiing:
- Purchase your lift ticket online. Ski hills will be removing any guests touch points and places where people would line up, so make sure you plan your day ahead of time.
- If you're purchasing a season pass, this also can be completed online. That way, all of the official paperwork can be competed before you hit the hill.
- If you're able to, try to ski on days that aren't as busy, like midweek.
- If you are renting your ski gear, book ahead of time online. There will be capacity restrictions in the ski shop, so try to get there during non-peak hours.
What about lunch?
A lot of facilities are getting creative on how to ensure people have space to eat at the ski hill.
Since a lot of the restaurants will be at limited capacity, Mosteller says plan when and where you are eating ahead of time.
He says try to go to restaurants during non-peak hours or pack a lunch and eat at one of the outdoor patios.
"Also consider kind of the old school way, which was very popular when I grew up skiing and snowboarding, and that was going back to your car and having lunch in your car," he said.
As well, skill hills will have grab-and-go food options to make the process quicker.
At Sunshine Village Ski Resort in Banff, which is opening Nov. 7, there will be extra space for people to sit down, eat and relax during their ski day.
Kendra Scurfield, communications manager at Sunshine Village, says the resort will set up two 4,500-square-foot heated tents.
"They'll be extra space for eating lunch, for warming up in between. We will have grab-to-go options and it'll be for people who want to pack their own lunches," she said.
"And with those, they'll each have their own restroom trailer."
The Lake Louise Ski Resort is one of the latest to open, on Thursday, in what is also its earliest opening on record.
Another ski hill, Nakiska in Kananakis Country, will be opening Friday, while Castle Mountain Resort will open on Dec. 4.