In case you haven’t looked outside your windows yet, snow has fallen in the Prince George area.
So much so that it’s prompted Purden Ski Village to announce tomorrow (Nov. 28) as its official opening date for the 2020-21 season.
According to the resort, which is located less than 70 km east of the northern capital, nearly 25 cm of snow accumulated on the mountain overnight with the white stuff still coming down as of this publication (Nov. 27).
Purden is estimating upwards of 80 cm of snow this winter, which it says is ‘pretty good’ for the start of a new year.
COVID-19 restrictions are in place for outdoor recreationists that choose to visit the resort this weekend.
“Purden Ski Village is committed to the health and safety of our guests,” it states, adding the importance of knowing the right information before heading out on the slopes.
“We hope to be able to continue to provide a safe, healthy and much needed outdoor venue during this challenging time. As always, taking in the fresh mountain air is strongly encouraged when safe to do so.”
Powder Kings Mountain Resort opened this past weekend; it’s unclear when Prince George’s Hart Ski Hill will open, but reports have indicated early December.
More information can be found on Purden Ski Village’s website.
Its full list of COVID-19 protocols are as follows:
BEFORE ARRIVAL
- Prepare for your vehicle to be your locker, changeroom, lunchroom and warming hut. Gear-up at your vehicle. There will be no bag/gear storage in the lodge. Space in the lodge is limited and we may have to limit access to the lodge during peak times. If you do need to use the lodge for your lunch, please, NO LARGE LUNCH COOLERS PERMITTED IN THE LODGE. If you are bringing a lunch, and think you may need to eat in the lodge, please pack it appropriately so as to limit it to a personal lunch bag.
- Do a wellness check before heading here. Please refrain from visiting the mountain if you are feeling unwell or experiencing any symptoms of COVID-19 (including fever, cough, shortness of breath, difficulty breathing, sore throat or runny nose).
- Pre-booked lessons, and rentals are encouraged, which can be done online (coming soon!)
FACE COVERINGS AND PHYSICAL DISTANCING
- We will be following Provincial regulations regarding masks/face coverings. Currently, face coverings MUST be worn in all indoor spaces unless seated in a designated seating area; at all times when participating in a ski or snowboard lesson; and when in situations when physical distancing can not be achieved.
- Physical distancing will be required in the event of lift lines (although Purden rarely experiences line-ups).
- Lack of crowds makes physical-distancing easy and feasible.
CAFETERIA AND INDOOR SPACE
- Northern Health Services guidelines are always followed by the food and beverage team. During this time of Covid-19, there are additional measures being taken. We have removed some tables from the lodge and re-spaced existing tables for aid in social-distancing and to help reduce lodge capacity to avoid gatherings and congestion. This means seating capacity in the lodge will be reduced so PLEASE limit your time in the lodge or don't use the lodge at all if you have an alternative (such as your vehicle, or your own ski cabin).
- Due to extra sanitation measures and limited space in the lodge, we have to enforce ABSOLUTELY NO BAG / GEAR STORAGE IN THE LODGE. Please use your vehicle.
- Foodservice is available, however we encourage you to bring your own lunch. As mentioned above, space in the lodge is limited and we may have to limit access to the lodge during peak times. Preference may be given to those who need to purchase food. If you do need to use the lodge for your lunch, please, NO LARGE LUNCH COOLERS PERMITTED IN THE LODGE. If you are bringing a lunch, and think you may need to eat in the lodge, please pack it appropriately so as to limit it to a personal lunch bag.
- Food take-out orders can be placed outside, through the ticket office window. Orders will then be retrieved "curbside", outside the main entry doors.
- We will have tables placed outside for your safety and enjoyment! AND we encourage "tailgate dining."
- We have enhanced sanitation measures in the lodge by increased cleaning of public spaces and frequently touched surfaces and objects.
- Our Debit/Credit card processors accept tap, and are also sanitized often.
RENTAL SHOP AND SKI SCHOOL
- We encourage all renters to pre-book/pre-pay for your rentals online - at lease 24 hours in advance of your planned snow day (to be coming soon). Otherwise, longer than normal waits may be encountered on busier days. We may also have to limit access to the Rental Shop on busier days.
- Rental boots and helmets are sanitized after each use. We sell sanitary helmet liners.
- Lessons will be available. Please pre-book you lesson online by filling out the online form (to be coming soon).
OUTDOOR SPACES
- Because we are not an international destination area, outside spaces are uncrowded; small (or no) lift lines, wide open space on the slopes, generally lots of room in the parking lot.
- Riding single up the lifts is encouraged. There is no need to make you pair with a stranger.
- One of Purden's many great advantages is that our parking area is easily accessible so that you are able ski to and from your vehicle easily all day long so you can access extra gear and clothing and even eat your picnic lunch in the comfort and security of your own vehicle. Should you decide to bring your own food and big gear bags, we suggest that you gear-up at your vehicle, eat at your vehicle and locker your extra gear in your vehicle.
- We will have tables placed outside for your safety and enjoyment! AND we encourage "tailgate dining."
SUMMARY
- 1 to 2 metres social-distancing
- Wear gloves
- Wear a mask (double-up that buff!)
- Wear goggles
- Wear multi-layered body coverings
- Stay outside as much as possible
- Use your best judgment
