By Pete McIntyre

UPDATE: SilverStar suspends operations for one week

Mar 15, 2020 | 8:12 AM

SilverStar Mountain Resort is taking unprecedented action to limit the spread and risks associated with COVID-19.

The Vernon area resort will suspend all resort operations starting Sunday, March 15 through March 22, 2020.

“We will continue to monitor the dynamic COVID-19 situation and reassess our approach for the rest of the season during this time frame,” said a news release from the resort.

The suspension will include all lift operations, food and beverage, retail and rental services. SilverStar Mountain Resort lodging and property management facilities will remain open to serve the guests who are on site or those who have existing reservations, but they are not taking new reservations for the remainder of March, 2020.

“Suspending our operations is a necessary step for us to take in support of efforts to limit the spread and risks associated with COVID-19,” said SilverStar’s managing director Ken Derpak. “This is an unusual and dynamic situation, however, we continue to believe outdoor mountain recreation provides a meaningful escape to nature, which is what made this a difficult decision, but the correct decision for now.”

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Given the extenuating circumstances related to COVID-19, the resort has modified its cancellation policies and their customer services team will be in contact with guests to cancel or modify reservations.

“We anticipate heavy call volume over the next several days and appreciate guests’ patience as we work hard to respond to all inquiries,” said Derpak.

Click here to view the changes at the resort due to COVID-19.

SilverStar is one of B.C.’s largest ski areas offering 3,282 acres of skiable terrain, a 760 metre vertical drop and annual snowfall of more than 700 centimetres.

Whistler Blackcomb has also shut down operations. Learn more from this Global News report.

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SilverStar cancels events to end of month, but ski operation continues (March 13)

SilverStar Mountain Resort has cancelled all its events through the end of this month due to coronavirus concerns.

That includes the Seismic Spring Festival, Winterland and larger after parties.

“We are taking all the necessary precautions recommended by the B.C. Ministry of Health and Interior Health, to protect the health and wellbeing of our guests, employees and community,” Chantelle Deacon, communications and sponsorship manager for the resort, said.

“We are monitoring the dynamic situation, in regards to COVID-19, and will continue to follow the advice and guidance of federal and provincial officials and health agencies,” Deacon said.

The majority of their operations and services will remain available until the end of the winter season.

The resort is taking a number of actions to limit potential risks, and some of those measures are:

Increasing the frequency of disinfection in bathrooms, kitchen surfaces, door handles, and other frequently touched surfaces.
Resort shuttles limited to 12 passengers only
Removing some seats and tables from food and beverage outlets including the Brownbag area to increase social spacing.

You can click here to view all the changes.

by Pete McIntyre

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