ONTARIO SKI RESORTS TO REOPEN

Ontario’s ski industry is happy with the Ontario Government’s announcement yesterday. While the operational adaptations for each stage vary slightly based on region, ski lifts in eastern Ontario can open as early as February 11th, and most of the remaining areas can re-open on February 16th. Resorts in Peel, Toronto and York will reopen on February 22nd. This return to the slopes comes as stay-at-home orders are lifted and most other outdoor snow recreational activities can resume.

Ontarians can now plan to visit their favourite hills, in the extremely near future, in accordance with Public Health guidelines, including (but not limited to):

• Face masks/coverings must be worn to use a ski lift
• General capacity limits will be adhered to
• All rentals can resume, with the resorts adding sanitization measures
• Ski lessons can be offered with conditions, including physical distancing

“Call ahead or visit the ski area website to learn about what you need to know, before you go,” advises Kevin Nichol, President of the Ontario Ski Resorts Association (OSRA). “Resorts have well established COVID-19 operational plans that help ensure a safe and healthy day on the slopes. From online ticketing to limiting chalet access, this is a different ski season, but a very welcome one! Just plan ahead to know what to expect and how to ski within the new rules,” Nichol advises.

Industry experts can speak to the changes patrons will see at ski hills across Ontario, and Canada, and how they have prepared to open safely.

For more information, visit skiwellbewell.ca.

About Canadian Ski Council
Founded in 1977, the Canadian Ski Council is a national, not-for-profit ski and snowboard organization whose mandate is to increase participation in recreational skiing, snowboarding, and cross-country skiing in Canada.

About Ontario Snow Resorts Association
The Ontario Snow Resorts Association (OSRA) is the provincial association representing Alpine Nordic ski resorts and Snow Tubing facilities. To learn more, visit www.skiontario.ca.