Members,

I hope everyone has enjoyed the season so far.  January has certainly delivered the snow and temperatures to create excellent on hill conditions and a fantastic ski experience for everyone.  We are also grateful that our Alpine Programs have been in full operation since the start of the season, including our competitive race events. 

February and March are shaping up to offer even more in terms of member experience.  As most of you know, the Ontario government announced earlier this week that certain COVID-19 restrictions will be gradually eased beginning on January 31^st.   The most significant change is the ability to re-introduce indoor dining at 50% of capacity.

The Board and management have reviewed the implications of this revised regulation and are pleased to confirm that our lodge facilities will be offering indoor food and beverage service with tables and chairs set up to meet the allowed 50% capacity level, starting on Wednesday February 2^nd (the first operating day after January 31st).  This is certainly welcome news, as it will provide a more comfortable experience, especially on colder days. 
 
In order to continue to provide members, guests and staff with a safe environment, we remind everyone of the importance of following the COVID-19 protocols that remain in place regarding indoor operation, including:

• All members, guests and staff, age 12 and over must be fully vaccinated (currently defined as two vaccinations) and we encourage children under 12 to get vaccinated as soon as possible.  We further encourage all members to receive their third, or “booster” vaccination as soon as possible.
• Masks must be worn indoors, regardless of vaccination status.  Masks can only be removed while you are seated and consuming food and beverages. As soon as you stand up and leave your chair, you must have your mask on.  This includes wearing a mask in the cafeteria line or at the bar, when moving about between tables, in locker rooms and washrooms. The Club will enforce strict adherence to mask-wearing where mandated.
• “Buffs” are not acceptable protection.  You must wear a mask.
• Please continue to take full advantage of our excellent outdoor areas for lunch, breaks and après ski, especially the tables, chairs, picnic tables, fire pits and heaters on the Base Lodge deck and surrounding areas
• You may also want to consider planning your indoor time away from peak periods, particularly during lunch.
• Please keep lunch times or breaks at 30 to 45 minutes, and note that saving tables and seats or using tablecloths is not permitted. 

Alpine Programs will continue to operate according to the schedule in place, with the South Lodge designated primarily as a location for participants in programs U10 and under to take warm up breaks.

Indoor dining will also be available at the North Lodge, which will also serve as the “hub” for program participants in U12 and U14.

At this time, we are working with local public health authorities to determine whether the playroom can be re-opened.  We will be in direct communication with all members who have registered to use the playroom this year, as soon as we have received direction on its operating status. 

Let’s Kick Up the “Fun Meter” a Bit More! 
 
With the easing of restrictions, we are now in position to offer some “off hill” activities!  We are excited to announce the following social events taking place in the next few weeks:
 
Friday February 4^th and Saturday February 5^th – Celebrate the Olympics!
Enjoy night skiing on Friday and Saturday evenings, a delicious Friday night Family Buffett dinner, (Around the World Theme), an “Olympic Après” on Saturday featuring great food & beverage options, tobogganing, balloon twisting, axe throwing and an Olympic passport offering activities for the whole family. 
 
Friday February 11^th and Saturday February 12^th
Great night skiing again on Friday and Saturday evenings, Friday Family Dinner and live trivia for your entertainment, and an “Oysters and Bubbly Après” on Saturday.   

Full details on all of these activities will be provided in the email bulletin this Thursday January 27^th – be sure to check out all the info so you can share in the fun!

 

And More Fun Coming . . .

 

Kids’ Club is returning Saturday afternoons from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. beginning on Saturday February 5^th!

Plans are well underway for Family Day Weekend – you can look forward to night skiing, tobogganing, après activities, fireworks and more!  We will have more information to share with you soon!  The Club will be open Family Day Monday, as usual. 

Ladies’ Day and Men’s Day – Are They On?   We hope so!  The planning for both of these events has been taking place in the hopes that they can offer an enjoyable experience for participants in keeping with whatever COVID protocols are in place on those days.  Participant numbers will be limited, so both will be “members only” events.  Once we have confirmation that these events are going forward, we will provide plenty of notice regarding the date that ticket sales will open and details for each day.  In the meantime, keep Friday February 25^th (Men’s Day) or Friday March 4^th (Ladies’ Day) penciled in on your calendar.

A huge thanks to all members for their support and positive attitude through another challenging season.  And thanks to all our staff who continue to work diligently and effectively through all the twists and turns of COVID. 

We have been able to remain operating since opening on December 18^th, so that’s a step up from last year. 

 

February and March look even more promising!

Enjoy, stay safe and stay positive!
 

Natalie Bennett
Assistant General Manager