Top

Muskoka's Only Ski Hill

December 13, 2020

Hi All,

Welcome to an extremely fickle December in every way possible. At least it looks like Mother Nature will give us some good snowmaking temps for a few days this week and we plan to be open December 18 with limited terrain.

This is an update about operations this winter as of December 11, 2020. I would like to start by saying thank you to everyone for their patience and understanding in our preparations to open and to provide accurate information. Rules and regulations have been changing weekly and sometimes daily. We have purposely been selective in sharing information with all our Members and Guests so that there are no false promises or misleading plans.

On Friday, December 11, 2020, the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit was notified that it was being moved into the Red – Control category of COVID restrictions. It appears that we will be in the category for at least 28 days from Monday, December 14, 2020, when these restrictions commence. This means we know what we can offer to Members and Guests when we open and/or until the restrictions are changed. The good news is that moving into the Red category does not change the fun of skiing or snowboarding too much. However, the chalet will be significantly affected.

 

Here is a summary of how we will operate starting December 18, 2020:

 

Outside

  • Face coverings will be mandatory in the lift lines and while riding the lifts.
  • Face coverings will be mandatory any time that 2-meter social distancing cannot be maintained which includes on chalet decks, in the parking lot and on the slopes.
  • 2-meter social distancing must be maintained in lift lines unless you are in a social bubble riding the lift together.
  • Social cohorts and family bubbles can ride the chairlift together.
  • No group gatherings are allowed on the slopes, in the terrain park, in the parking lot or other outdoor spaces.
  • Young children must be supervised by a parent or chaperone. If they cannot ride the lifts on their own, a parent or chaperone should be with them to assist.
  •  The warming tent will have a maximum capacity of 10 people.
  •   Daytime operations are from 9:00am – 4:00pm and night operations are from 4:30pm – 9:00pm. There will be a half-hour break between day and night operations for cleaning purposes.
  •  Anyone who requires the attention of Patrol must wear a mask while being attended to by the Patroller.
  • All Members and Guests must follow instructions on signs regarding traffic flow and distancing.

 

Inside

  • Face coverings are mandatory in all indoor spaces, any line-ups (inside or outside) and in any area where 2-meter social distancing cannot be maintained.
  • Indoor facilities will be for Guest and Rental services, use of washrooms, emergency warming-up and access to Member’s lockers. There is a maximum occupancy of 10 people per zone within the chalet for these purposes only.
  • All Members and Guests must follow instructions on signs regarding traffic flow and distancing.
  • No outside food is permitted in the chalet.
  • Bags and equipment cannot be left in the chalet.
  • All food and beverage sales will be for take-out only. There is no food or beverage consumption indoors.
  • Young children must be supervised by a parent or chaperone. There will be no running loose in the chalet.
  • The Member’s locker area is for equipment storage only. It is not a dressing area.
  • All indoor stairways are for emergency use only. There is no accessing other areas of the chalet via indoor stairways.

 

Before and Upon Arrival

  • All products (except Food & Beverage) will be sold online.
  • Pre-purchase of lift tickets, lessons, rentals, and passes is required.
  • Members and Guests should arrive ready to ski and snowboard or get prepared for skiing and snowboarding in the parking lot. Their vehicle should become their personal day lodge.
  • Members and Season Passholders are required to register via an easy and quick online program each time they visit the resort for contact tracing purposes.
  • If the Face covering policy is not respected, guests will be asked to leave the property. 

The Complete Safety Plan is getting a few final edits so that it will meet the restrictions within the Red – Control category. It will be available and circulated early this week. Once again, this is a living document that will be updated if there are any changes to the current restrictions. We ask for everyone’s respect and cooperation with the challenges we face this winter. Skiing and snowboarding are two of the safest winter activities in regard to the transmission of COVID and this is dependent on everyone working and playing together.

Do not be the reason we lose our season.

See you on the slopes soon. Let’s have a bunch of fun!

 

Andrew Rusynyk

General Manager

Hidden Valley Highlands Ski Area

Muskoka Ski Club