SilverStar starts new season with COVID-19 measures in place

Dec 4, 2020 | 10:26 AM

Today is the opening day for the alpine season at SilverStar Mountain Resort with just pass holders allowed for the opening weekend.

All others will be allowed as of Monday, Dec. 7.

Among the new COVID-19 health and safety measures, visitors now have to reserve parking spots before going to the resort which has generated both positive and negative reaction on social media.

Chantelle Deacon, communications and sponsorship manager with the resort, told Vernon Matters the new system has worked well and will be assessed as the season goes along.

“I cannot emphasize enough the importance we have put on the health and safety of our guests, staff and community, as well as the longevity of our season,” Deacon said. “The parking system will continue throughout the 20/21 winter season. If we find that everything is going exceptional, everyone is safe and healthy and well spread out on the mountain, our hope is to open up more parking availability. We want our guests to feel comfortable and safe when visiting the mountain.”

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Deacon said they have not had complaints about the new parking system, which some critics have said leads to days being booked solid for parking spots for several weeks.

“If a day you wanted to book is sold out of parking, please continue to check back. Sometimes that day will reopen with availability because of cancellations, and after our system clears out the = reservations made by those who have made parking reservations past the allowable limit,” Deacon added.

It’s one of many new health and safety measures the resort has implemented during the COVID-19 pandemic.

As for the lift lines, the resort says physical distancing in those areas occurs organically due to the length of skis and snowboards, but guests will notice additional spacing measures, including extended maze designs, more lateral spacing between line ups and increased signage, to further ensure a consistent flow of appropriately spaced traffic. Guests will self-group in their bubbles and load chairlifts with their travelling party. Lift attendants will not require guests to ride a chairlift with people they do not know.

The following is a news release issued by Silver Star Mountain Resort at 3 p.m. Dec. 4

SilverStar Mountain Resort opens for 20/21 season with focus on safety, season longgevity

SilverStar’s Top Priority is Well-Being of Guests, Staff, and Community

Dec. 4, 2020 – Vernon’s SilverStar Mountain Resort opened today for the 2020-2021 winter season. The ski area has prepared thorough and adaptable operation plans to meet the challenges of opening and operating during these dynamic times, and its top priority remains the health and safety of its guests, staff, and local community.

Season pass holders, who were eager to get back on the slopes made their way to the mountain Friday morning.

“It was a great kick-off to the 20/21 winter season,” said Chantelle Deacon, media relation’s manager, SilverStar. “After a lot of hard work and preparation going into this season, everything went smoothly and we thank our guests for following our new procedures.”

Lift’s starting turning at 8:30 AM Friday, with many excited skiers and riders hoping to be the first in line.

“Because of our amazing snow conditions, and a 100 cm base, we were able to open all chairs on the front side. The backside opens up for the season, this Sunday.”

The first weekend is for pass holders only, with the mountain opening to the general public starting on Monday.

SilverStar’s pandemic-driven operational changes include everything the mountain staff are doing to protect guests, staff, and the community. An important part of SilverStar’s plan is managing the number of people at SilverStar on any given day in order to enable appropriate physical distancing. One tool SilverStar is using this year is its parking reservation system.

“So many people mentioned to me how excited they were to get back on snow again,” says Ian Jenkins, director of sales, marketing & accommodation’s, SilverStar. “They appreciated knowing that their reservations guaranteed them parking spots, they embraced our rigorous safety measures, and they really did a fabulous job of staying masked up and physically distant everywhere. It truly feels like our guests are more than willing to work collaboratively with us to ensure a full, fun season here at SilverStar.”

“Our goal is that guests can ski and ride when they want,” said Jenkins. “If a day you want is booked, check back often to see if other guests have canceled due to changing plans, or if we’re able to open up more parking.”

Please make sure to follow us on our social channels to learn when more parking may open.

Arriving guests should be advised that only one parking reservation is required per vehicle per day for entry, and guests without reservations will be denied entry if parking is full. At 11 AM daily parking opens to everyone and becomes first come, first serve.

While the parking reservation system is one tool SilverStar is using this year to help manage visitation and foster physical distancing, the mountain’s holistic winter operations plan follows the Canadas West Ski Area Association Ski Well, Be Well best practices and guidance from BC Health and Interior Health, and includes the following on-site measures designed to maintain a safe and fun environment.

The requirement for staff and guests to wear facial coverings in all indoor and outdoor public spaces at SilverStar, except when dining or actively engaged in skiing/riding.
New protocols for lift queueing and riding to ensure appropriate physical distance.
Encouraging guests to be prepared to change at their vehicles
More socially-distanced indoor open areas for guests to eat their grab n’ go lunch or packed lunch.
Socially distanced dining
A continued commitment to uphold the highest standards of sanitization to keep our guests and staff safe.
Sanitization station’s throughout the village.

SilverStar’s goal this season is to have a full, fun and healthy season on the slopes.

“We are asking everyone to support us and our mission to keep our guests, staff and community safe,” Deacon said. “We are proud to be your mountain and part of this community.”

“Let’s work together to have an awesome season on the slopes.”

by Pete McIntyre

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