Finally, something worth writing about.
(Well, besides my Los Angeles Dodgers FINALLY winning another World Series 32 years after their last one in 1988.)
After seven months of Covid-19 disrupting almost everything in our lives – including my writing this blog -- the good news began filtering in last week … the mountain ski resorts are getting set to open. And this week at least two of them did just that.
Banff’s Mt. Norquay, as usual, was the first to open, on Oct. 24, the earliest opening date in its 95-year history.
“The snow came early, and so we got ready early!” says Andre Quenneville, Mt. Norquay general manager. “And it’s already looking great; really nice conditions for such an early point in the season – we’re excited to see skiers return and get out there!”
Then Lake Louise announced it will open tomorrow, Thursday, Oct. 29, also its earliest opening on record. Sunshine is scheduled to open on Nov. 6.
Jasper’s Marmot Basin is on track to open on Nov. 12, which would be an early opening for that playground as well.
Most of the British Columbia resorts are looking at early to mid December openings.
Naturally, because these are early openings, conditions will dictate what runs are open and what lifts are operating. Don’t go expecting to ski the entire resort because that’s simply not going to happen this early in the season.
All those storms in the mountains that we saw on the weather forecasts over the last few weeks were great for dumping plenty of early snow, but it all has to be packed and groomed and then packed and groomed again so it takes a lot of snow to create the ideal conditions.
But, hey, we will be skiing or snowboarding or however you slide down the slopes. And after last spring’s abrupt end to the season – Thank you Covid-19 – just getting back on the ski slopes will be a joy.
I remember how annoyed I was last March. I was in Prince George, B.C., working for Curling Canada at the world women’s championship that was cancelled the day before it was scheduled to begin. So I scrambled to get a flight home, thinking this is okay… I’ll be losing out on money for covering curling, but I’ll get home, repack, grab my skis, and get in some great spring skiing.This is only mid-March, there's a month of fun still be had in the mountains.
Before I could do that, the resorts were all shut down because of Covid-19. Tons of great snow, nearly perfect ski conditions and I, like thousands of other skiers and boarders, couldn’t enjoy the slopes. So even with restrictions, it will be a joy to get back on skis.
With travel restrictions still in effect, international visitors will be severely limited – if allowed at all – so the lift lines may be shorter and the runs less crowded. That means, if ever there’s a time and season for Albertans and Canadians to hit the slopes, this is it. Right now.
And it'll be a good time to get the whole family out, introduce the kids -- or the parents in some cases -- to the joys and benefits of hitting the slopes.
There are, however, some new policies in place that have to followed, because of Covid-19. Each resort has its only set of rules so it’s best to check their individual websites for how to purchase lift tickets, what their rules are on the wearing of masks and what restrictions there are for lift lines, riding the chairs and occupancy in their indoor facilities.
Generally, however, lift tickets are limited and have to be pre-purchased online. Be sure to bring your credit or debit card because non-contact purchasing could be required.
Expect to wear face coverings basically everywhere expect when you’re sliding the slopes. That means in all indoor facilities, in lift lines, while riding the chair if you’re not alone, while participating in lessons and while riding shuttle buses.
While you’re on the resort websites, take a look at the sales being offered, on lift tickets and hotels, although to find all the hotel deals it’s best to check the websites of the community tourism, sites like Alberta Motor Association, Expedia or other discount companies. There are great deals to be found at this time of the year.
So let’s get out there and take advantage of the opportunity – fresh air, exercise, incredible scenery and the chance to forget for just a brief time, Covid-19. But remember, Alberta is in the midst of second wave so let’s follow the rules and keep everybody out of harm’s way. Be smart, be safe.
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