SKI resorts across the Georgian Bay area have welcomed members back following the provincial lockdown that halted the ski season on Boxing Day last year.

The Ontario government has stated that ski facilities will remain open in the province’s COVID-19 Response Framework, including in the grey/lockdown category. 

However, clubs have urged out-of-town, lockdown residents to stay at home and asked members to abide by their newly-implemented COVID restrictions.

Back to Blue

Blue Mountain Ski Resort, one of the largest resorts for Southern Ontario skiers, is one of many clubs affected by the pandemic that hopes the Spring season can help recoup the loss of business.

Blue Mountain Public Relations Manager Tara Lovell said that the resort is glad to be back on the slopes but stated visitors should not visit the Mountain if they are in a lockdown zone.

“It feels great to see the lifts turning and to see skiers and riders back on the slopes. We are also welcoming back staff who were at home waiting during the shutdown, and overall, it feels good to be outside at the Mountain again.

“However, it is because we have followed current guidelines that we are at a point where we can reopen. To stay open, we need to keep following current guidelines. If your local public health is recommending that you stay home, please do so.”

Lovell added: “Our peak season is typically during the holidays, so it is hard to close operations during what would normally be a core time for us. 

“From here, we are focused on staying open to see the season go into the spring.”

“Fantastic feeling”

Toronto Ski Club (TSC), another popular resort in the Blue Mountain region, has taken a blow from the provincial lockdown but is now back up and running.

Vice President Paul Pinchbeck had a similar message to Blue Mountain as he said the club is delighted to get back on the slopes following the long lay-off.

“Getting back to skiing is a fantastic feeling. Our business is so much more than sliding on snow.” said Mr Pinchbeck.

“We are part of a shared passion for being active and outdoors in winter. We are skiers and snowboarders as well, so we know what our members and all skiers are feeling right now. It is a valuable opportunity to get out and relieve some of the stress that we are all feeling.”

Simple message

Mr Pinchbeck added that the ski club would only welcome guests from the region to avoid the spread of COVID-19, although many of their members are local to the area.

“Our message is simple. If you are being asked to stay home, please do so.” Mr Pinchbeck said.

“Respect the rules so that we can have a season. We will be here when you can travel. 

“In truth, our members own or rent property in the area, and many have been full-time residents in the area since the pandemic started, so they are pretty local to the area now.”

Toronto Ski Club, which was founded in 1924, has introduced two-metre social distancing rules and has liaised with local health units to help stop the spread of the virus.

“Wearing masks indoors and out, physical distancing and staying away from the hills if you have symptoms are the big three rules. Most of the procedures are very familiar during this situation. The rules will continue to evolve as we work through the pandemic response, and TSC will adapt as needed.”

Tough period 

Mr Pinchbeck said that the club had been fortunate that the government and members have helped them out during a challenging time.

“The Toronto Ski Club is a bit different from a typical business.” Mr Pinchbeck stated. 

“An overwhelming majority of our members recognize that there are fixed costs of running the club, and therefore, there have been only a handful of requests for a refund. These are mainly focused on other services like travelling ski race camps that have not happened, and so the refunds are duly processed.”

“We have been grateful, like so many others, for the support provided by all levels of government. We have tried to keep staff working until there was simply no work to be done. Now that we are open, the staff have been hired back.”

Although the ski clubs have reopened, the message remains clear; abide by local guidelines and stay at home if required during this difficult period.

For more information on Blue Mountain Ski Resort, visit bluemountain.ca and to keep updated on Toronto Ski Club, visit torontoskiclub.on.ca