Table Mountain has set a target opening date of Jan. 8, 2021. (Facebook/Table Mountain)

By Martin Martinson

hitting the slopes

Saskatchewan ski hills see outdoor capacity restrictions lifted

Dec 21, 2020 | 2:27 PM

Looks like Saskatchewan residents will able to hit the slopes after all this winter.

Local ski resorts across the region received some good news over the weekend, as the province announced a lift of capacity restrictions on outdoor ski hills.

As reported last week, a number of ski locations such as Table Mountain, located just west of Battleford; and Wapiti Valley Ski Resort, just north of Melfort, had previously been unable to open for the season due to capacity limitations of just 150 people on the grounds at a given time.

However, with the latest amendment to the rules, both regional ski locales look poised to open their doors to the public after all this season.

Table Mountain has set a target opening date of Jan. 8, 2021, while Wapiti Valley’s ski hill is expected to make an announcement of their own sometime this week.

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General manager of Table Mountain, Lawrence Blouin said it was a bit surprising to hear the news of the capacity limit being lifted altogether, though it was great news to receive ahead of the Christmas season.

“I was very happy to hear it, because I was sure they were going to come back with still some restrictions outside,” Blouin said. “It’s a complete turnaround from before, and it’s certainly good news for us that gets us back on track.”

Blouin said the Jan. 8 target date gives the staff time to begin the snowmaking process, and prepare the slopes. Although, he added they could use some colder temperatures over the next couple of weeks, to help aid in the preparations.

“Right now we have our crews lined up, but we need some colder temperatures,” he said. “We need -10 or colder consistently to make it worthwhile, so we have a window [of opportunity] here starting tomorrow for a couple of days, and then again between Christmas and New Years.”

Blouin said while some of the finer points, such as how exactly they will manage patron’s chalet warm-up times will still need to be ironed out in the coming weeks, a vast majority of the alterations this year can be found on the Government of Saskatchewan website.

In accordance with provincial guidelines, a physical distance of two metres must still be maintained at all times between non-household groups, including for lineups and washrooms. When indoors and on lifts, when social distancing requirements cannot be maintained, masking will be required.

Guest contact information will also be obtained for all on the property each day for contact tracing purposes. Pre-registration is required for all lessons, and all instructors and participants will be screened for COVID-19 symptoms prior to beginning the lesson.

To learn more about the restrictions in place this year, check the ‘Winter Activities – Ski Resorts’ guidelines here.

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Martin.Martinson@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: MartyMartyPxP1