What to expect at the ski hill this pandemic winter

COVID-19 has taken many things from Ontarians, but skiing isn’t one of them. Neither is snowboarding. 

Public Health Ontario promotes physical activity for its role in maintaining the health and fitness of people of all ages, and with fewer options across the province for indoor exercise and recreation this winter, Paul Pinchbeck, president of the Canadian Ski Council (CSC), says this year is as good as any to hit the slopes.

“We believe being active outdoors in the winter is a key to a year-round active lifestyle. There are significant health benefits associated with being outdoors on a regular basis,” he said

“There are not only significant physical benefits to being outdoors, but significant mental health benefits, and that is a really important thing.”

The CSC has published a set of public health-compliant guidelines ski resorts will follow to help keep staff and visitors as safe as possible this winter. 

Here is what Ontarians can expect during visits to their local ski hills: 

Face coverings: Face coverings or masks will be required wherever physical distancing isn’t possible, including in both indoor and outdoor spaces, except when eating or drinking. They will also be mandatory on ski lifts.

Physical distancing: A physical distance of two metres will be enforced in lines and on ski lifts, and current guidelines state only members of the same household or social bubble will be permitted to ride the ski lift together with less than two metres of separation.

There will be limitations to the number of people allowed to sit at a dining table together, but those limitations will vary based on local public health guidelines. Guests will be encouraged to sit only with members of their household or social bubble. These guidelines are subject to change as individual regions experience tightening or loosening public health restrictions. 

Cleaning: Ski resorts will establish cleaning and disinfection strategies for all areas, including high-touch areas such as restrooms, restaurants, dining areas, ticket offices and rental counters. 

Behind the scenes: Facilities will develop operational plans to allow for appropriate spacing between groups, including in ski lift lines, ticket lines, ski and snowboard lessons, employee spaces and food and beverage areas. 

Employees will receive training in COVID-19 safety and disinfection protocols according to public health guidelines. Employees will also be screened daily for COVID-19 symptoms and will be sent home if they exhibit symptoms or have come into contact with a positive case. 

For more information about these guidelines, visit .