Image Credit: Sun Peaks Resort

Hitting the slopes this year in the Thompson-Okanagan region will look different at each ski hill due to COVID-19 protocols.

This season, Sun Peaks Resort near Kamloops is offering COVID-19 testing to help protect residents and tourists who enjoy the mountain without having to travel to Kamloops for testing, according to a Sun Peaks Resort media release.

There are two testing procedures, one for symptomatic residents, guests and employees who have come into contact with the virus, and another test for travellers who need a negative test for travel requirements.

Testing at Sun Peaks will be available starting on Dec. 17 and will resume after the holidays on Jan. 5. Appointments can be made with the Community Health Centre by calling 778-644-0635.

A physician will perform a swab-test through the window of a vehicle for symptomatic individuals outside of the community health centre. Anyone without a vehicle should advise the receptionist when scheduling their appointment.

COVID-19 testing to fulfill travel requirements will be done by RN Collaborate, an independent and certified testing company. 

Travellers will have access to a Rapid Antigen, Molecular, including PCR, or NAAT test, and are asked to schedule their appointment 14 days prior to their departure. Walk-ins are not permitted.

Anyone who needs a test before Dec. 21, is asked to schedule a time and location with RN Collaborate. After Dec. 21, tests will be conducted in a clinic beside the tourism Sun Peaks office.

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To visit SilverStar Mountain Resort near Vernon, guests do not need to show proof of vaccination to ski, snowboard, snowshoe, Nordic ski, tube or skate, however, are required to show double vaccination proof to enter the Red Antler, Den and Paradise Camp, the SilverStar website said.

All SilverStar staff are fully vaccinated, and facial coverings are required in all indoor areas, in lift lines, and while on the lift.

There are no capacity limits on the number of season passes or daily tickets purchased, and lifts and gondolas will be loaded at normal full capacity.

Similar to SilverStar, Big White Ski Resort near Kelowna requires guests to wear a mask in lift lines, loading, riding the lift and gondola, in addition to entering indoor public buildings.

Everyone arriving at the lift in groups can ride the lift with their cohort, the Big White website said. Single passengers could be partnered with another waiting single and must wear a mask.

“We recommend you ride at opposite ends of the chair. If you wish to speed the line-up, please ask others if you can ride with them,” the Big White website said.

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The Apex Mountain Resort near Penticton is implementing physical distancing practices, self-screening and increased sanitization. Staffers and guests are required to wear a mask at all times in lift lines, loading, and unloading, and when in public buildings. Lifts will be used to their full capacity, while the Magic Carpet has two meters of space with each person facing forward.

“We are planning our winter season with COVID precautions for our guests and our staff’s safety in mind. While we would like to operate close to normal you should expect COVID precautions to affect our daily operations," Apex general manager James Shalman said on the website.

"COVID precautions will cause larger lineups due to social distancing, especially in areas where congestion occurs," Shalman said. "With that in mind, we have come out with a plan to protect our guests and staff in relation to COVID. While there may be some inconveniences, we hope our customers will understand that this is for their own safety and for the safety of our staff.

"We are operating all of our lifts at full capacity, if you are not comfortable riding the lift with someone not in your bubble you can ride the lift alone or with the people in your bubble.” 

Proof of vaccination is required for anyone 12 and up wanting to ski or ride at the Revelstoke Mountain Resort.

Masks are required in all public indoor areas, but not required outdoors, in lift lines, or while riding chair lifts unless to comply with a health order, the Revelstoke Mountain Resort website said. Staff temperatures are checked daily, and any staff with a fever are sent home immediately.

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