Blue Mountain is opening its ski and snowboard season this weekend.
The resort announced it is opening at least three lifts and one beginner area on Dec. 19.
"For opening weekend, mountain access is limited to Blue Mountain Resort lodging guests and passholders when their passes are valid," states a news release from the resort.
Blue previously announced there will be no walk-up lift ticket sales this season, all lift tickets must be purchased in advance and are limited in quantity.
On November 26, in response to a question from CollingwoodToday about Blue's policy for visitors from Red or lockdown zones, spokesperson Tara Lovell said they had not put formal travel restrictions in place.
"We do strongly encourage all visitors to review and abide by their own public health guidelines and any guests planning to visit Blue Mountain must review and be prepared to adhere to our personal responsibility code," said Lovell in November.
In an email to CollingwoodToday this afternoon, Lovell said the resort has removed all of its advertising from red and grey zones.
"We are encouraging guests to review their local public health updates prior to arrival including any travel guidelines," said Lovell in the email. "We have adapted all of our cancellation policies to accommodate any guests who need to cancel their visit based on travel restrictions."
The resort has posted COVID protocols on its website and released an explainer video going over the new processes each guest must follow.
Masks are required, and physical distancing is required in lines. There is reduced indoor space and capacity available, and the resort has set up outdoor warming areas and temporary washroom facilities to reduce the number of people indoors.
When it comes to chairlifts, "guests will be sorted by bubbles," according to the explainer video posted by Blue Mountain.
The website states only a family or household can load together on a chair, otherwise chairs on lifts will be loaded with one rider.
"We're all eager to get back on the slopes, but plan ahead," said Dan Skelton, president and COO of Blue Mountain Resort in the video.
Base lodges will require reservations for anyone wishing to enter, and those who are skiing or boarding for the day must gear up at their cars as there will be no indoor space for changing or storing items.
"If there's one thing we've learned, it's that no two winters have ever been the same," stated a Linked In post from Blue Mountain Resort. "As we head into our 80th season ... The only thing different is everything."
Blue Mountain Resort is in the Grey Bruce Health Unit region and is therefore under the province's yellow zone restrictions under the COVID-19 response framework.
According to the provincial framework, those in red or grey/lockdown zones are not supposed to leave their region or travel to a green, yellow, or orange zone except for essential purposes such as work, education, or appointments.
With files from Jennifer Golletz
