Here's what you need to know about vaccine mandates at ski hills near Calgary
Before hitting the slopes, there's a new piece of equipment you'll need
Before heading to the ski hills this year, there's a new piece of equipment you'll need to add to your bag — your proof of vaccination.
While last winter yielded constant back-and-forth on public health restrictions, the restrictions exemption program (REP) changes things for Alberta ski hills this year.
All ski resorts that CBC Calgary spoke to are following Alberta's vaccine requirements to different degrees.
The hills are also asking skiers to follow the usual COVID-19 protocols such as physical distancing and wearing masks indoors.
John Walton, avid skier and president of the Calgary Ski Club, said he'll be hitting the slopes more often this year and will follow the ski hills' vaccine mandates.
He said the club follows a standard mantra to keep its members safe from COVID-19.
"Avoid or limit your exposure to the three Cs and that's confined spaces, crowds and close contact. And everybody should follow the three Ws: wash your hands, wear a mask when required and widen your physical distance."
The ski resorts are awaiting their first big snowfall before opening, but most are tentatively looking at accepting visitors in the beginning of November.
Staff at all resorts are required to be fully vaccinated.
Lake Louise Ski Resort
Proof of full vaccination will be required at Lake Louise — but only at indoor facilities, such as the main area of the lodge and indoor food facilities.
Unvaccinated skiers can use the resort's outdoor facilities — including outdoor dining opportunities, takeout and outdoor washrooms.
"For those folks who want to continue to ski without showing proof or being double vaccinated, we still have the option at Lake Louise to be able to go and access the mountain to go skiing and snowboarding," said Dan Markham, communications director at Lake Louise Ski Resort.
How does that work for unvaccinated skiers?
"You can drive up to the resort park in the parking lot, head directly to the chairlifts and head up the mountain," said Markham.
COVID-19 protocols for the resort's chairlift and gondola are in the process of being finalized with Alberta Health Services. Visit the resort's website for updates.
Nakiska Ski Area
All skiers visiting Nakiska this season must be fully vaccinated to access all chair lifts and indoor facilities.
The Kananaskis resort will consider medical or religious exemptions, but requests must be submitted four weeks before visiting.
Matt Mosteller, spokesperson for the Resorts of the Canadian Rockies which runs Nakiska, said the safety of patrons and staff is the top priority.
"They'll move them through the line very quickly for their approval, and they can go about being here for what they're here for — and that's for the enjoyment, the freedom and joy that skiing and riding provides," said Mosteller.
The same rules apply to other ski hills run by Resorts of the Canadian Rockies, including Fernie Alpine Resort, Kimberley Alpine Resort and Kicking Horse Mountain Resort.
WinSport
Following Alberta's restrictions exemption program, visitors to WinSport in Calgary will have to show proof of full vaccination or proof of a privately paid negative PCR or rapid test taken within 72 hours of entering the facility.
"We have to be part of the solution and that's kind of the way we look at it," said Dale Oviatt, WinSport's senior manager of communications.
Oviatt says the ski hill at Canada Olympic Park is also honouring medical exemptions with proof of a negative COVID-19 test.
"From a business standpoint, I think implementing the REP allows us to operate a little more efficiently. It's going to mean fewer restrictions for our guests, and then that's going to be a better experience for when they visit this winter."
Sunshine Village Ski & Snowboard Resort
Sunshine Village is following Alberta's restrictions exemption program resort-wide.
This means all patrons must be fully vaccinated or show proof of a negative COVID-19 test — including on the gondola.
"They're operating with really strict social distancing requirements, which creates long lines," said Dave Riley, chief operating officer at Sunshine Village.
"By using the REP program, we'll be able to operate at full capacity, which is what people are really wanting."
Mount Norquay Ski Resort
Similar to WinSport and Sunshine Village, Norquay will be operating under the restrictions exemption program resort-wide.
Visitors to Norquay — located northwest of the Banff townsite — must be fully vaccinated, show proof of a privately-paid negative PCR or rapid test within 72 hours before arriving at the resort or have a medical exemption.
This includes all outdoor facilities, such as the chairlift.
"There will be a check before you get to our main lodge and ticketing area after you've parked, and from there everyone on the premises will be fully vaccinated, have a 72-hour PCR test or a valid medical exemption," said Andre Quenneville, general manager of Mount Norquay Ski Resort.