Ski resorts prepare for opening after recent snowfall

CALGARY (660 NEWS) — It has been quite the change of seasons over the past week in southern Alberta and it has some ready to hit the slopes.

Mount Norquay will be opening on Saturday, the earliest start date in 95 years.

General manager at Norquay Andre Quenville says they’ve been open for the summer season but say riders should also be prepared for changes on the hill with all of the COVID-19 guidelines.

“We’re going to be testing all these new procedures and protocols, making sure that they work and refining them as we move along here. And being ready to go for when there’s more people coming out around Christmas time and into the new year,” Quenville said.

The mountain could see more riders deeper into the year as the provincial government announced alternative quarantine rules for international travellers.

Those entering will be offered a test at arrival and will be able to end isolation as soon as they get a negative result, as long as they commit to getting a second test on day six or seven after arriving.

Banff Mayor Karen Sorensen says she was thrilled about the announcement but says we still need to be careful.

“I think as long as people are getting negative tests, there should not be a great fear in an increase in cases. We all need to tread cautiously and carefully moving forward, but I really appreciate that there seems to be a whole lot of people out there working and supporting, and really understanding that the tourism industry has taken quite a hit as many industries have,” Sorensen said.

“It certainly will help the industry and the economy. Through the year more than 50 per cent of our visitation comes from outside of Canada.”

Quenville says it will be good for the hill, but everyone still has to follow protocols.

“We’d love to see international tourists when it’s safe to do so and if this helps them arrive, it’s a great thing,” he said.

“When people arrive at ski areas they’ll notice there will be, most likely a greeter, someone to ask them if they’re feeling ill or if they’ve been in touch with someone who’s had COVID to try and do a screening test right at the beginning,” Quenville added.

Day tickets will be limited at Mount Norquay and you will have to pre-purchase them, there is no set number of how many are sold right now as more runs open.

“It’s a moving target for now, we’ve got one lift open with one run. So, that number is a bit lower to start as we add in terrain. So, there’s no specific number at this time,” Quenville said.

With a potential increase of visitors heading to Banff, Sorensen said right now vehicular traffic is allowed through Banff Avenue — as it was closed during the summer to allow social distancing for pedestrian traffic — and council has not discussed closing it over the winter.

But she did remind visitors, masks are mandatory.

“We are still requiring masks not only inside everywhere in Banff, in every public building, but we do still require masks in the downtown core outside.

“Particularly the 100 and 200 blocks of Banff Avenue and then over on Bear Street. We have been very blessed with very few cases in the Town of Banff and we want to make sure that continues,” Sorensen added.

Other resorts planning to open in the next few weeks include, Naksiska and Lake Louise tentatively plan to open Nov. 6 and Kicking Horse on Dec. 11. and WinSport in Calgary is scheduled to open Nov. 27.