UPDATED: Both Red Mountain, Whitewater Ski Resorts Closing for the Season
By Nelson Daily Staff
Monday, Red Mountain Resort in Rossland said it will “suspend all operations effective March 17th for the remainder of the season.”
The statement read:
“After thorough consideration of the dynamic nature of Coronavirus Covid-19 and recommendations by Federal and Provincial Health Authorities, RED Mountain Resort has decided it will suspend all operations effective March 17th for the remainder of the season.
“Our absolute top priority is the health and well being of our guests and employees – and to no lesser extent the health and well being of the community of Rossland. We know each decision we make has a significant impact on the people and businesses in our community.
“This difficult decision has not been made lightly, but we know it is prudent under the current Covid-19 status. We sincerely apologize to you, our guests, for this inconvenience and request your patience with guest services and lodging as we process inquiries, and prepare informational updates to our website and social media platforms.
“This is an unprecedented time for everyone. We appreciate the support which we have received from all of you and we thank you for that. We will get through this together.”
Whitewater Is Closing for the Season
Whitewater Ski Resort issued a statement on its website Sunday evening saying the local operation has decided to close for the remainder of the season.
Whitewater joins other ski operations in the province deciding to suspend or close for the season due to the novel coronavirus COVID-19, including Whistler/Blackcomb, SilverStar and Cypress Mountain.
“The health and safety of our guests and staff is our top priority and with the growing concerns surrounding COVID-19 we have decided to cease operations at Whitewater Ski Resort for the remainder of the season,” the statement on the Whitewater Ski Resort website said.
“This has not been an easy decision to make as we strongly believe that disconnecting from technology, exercising outdoors, and enjoying the incredible Kootenay mountain air helps people live healthy lives.”
Vail Resorts, owner/operator of Whistler/Blackcomb and SilverStar Mountain Resort near Vernon will cease operations from Sunday, March 15 to Sunday, March 22 while Cypress Mountain in West Vancouver shut down at 4 p.m. Sunday until further notice.
Earlier Sunday Whitewater told The Nelson Daily staff would continue to be in talks with the Canada West Ski Areas Association (CWSAA) as well as of course closely monitoring the situation here in Canada but no official plans to change anything else, other than changes made in a release Friday.
“Over the past week, we have tirelessly monitored the situation and implemented various measures to help ensure guest safety; however, this community means a lot to us, and at this time we believe we have a social responsibility to close the resort,” the website statement said.
“We are continuing to encourage everyone to stay active and live a healthy lifestyle while doing their part to reduce the impacts of COVID 19.”
Whitewater staff anticipate a heavy volume of calls during the next few days and asked the public to be patient with the guest services team.
“If you feel the need to call us tomorrow please try us after 1 p.m. as our staff will appreciate the morning to deal with important issues arising out of this decision,” the statement said.
“Thank you for your understanding.”
The novel coronavirus has also forced universities and colleges in BC to offer courses online instead of classroom instruction; Starbucks is turning into a “To-Go” model and Great Canadian Casino is closing its operations.
Selkirk President and CEO Angus Graeme sent out a statement on the College website.
