COVID testing will soon be available at Kelowna International Airport. (Image credt: Whitecap RSC Medical)

By Pete McIntyre

boost to tourism sector

Ski resorts partner with YLW on new COVID testing program

Jan 25, 2022 | 11:48 AM

A new program will make COVID-19 testing easier for international tourists visiting two of the Okanagan’s most popular ski resorts.

Kelowna International Airport (YLW) has announced the Ski Hill COVID-19 testing program which will allow guests to complete their testing without having to make an extra trip to the airport in the middle of their vacation. The process previously would take a day or more out of their visit to the Okanagan and was a barrier to travel.

International guests will be able to drop-off their tests at sites at the resorts (see locations below).

YLW is partnering with Whitecap RSC Medical, Big White Ski Resort, SilverStar Mountain Resort and Revelstoke Mountain Resort on the program.

Airport director Sam Samaddar said they are putting programs in place that will help passengers feel confident they can fly into YLW and enjoy their time in the Okanagan.

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“It is an added incentive for visitors to choose Kelowna when making their travel plans. Our economy has been impacted by COVID-19 and this is one way we can support our region toward a full recovery,” Samaddar stated.

Michael J. Ballingall, senior vice president of Big White Ski Resort, said they are happy to offer the service to their guests.

“Our goal is simple: keep our staff safe, keep our guests safe, and show people the best of Okanagan hospitality. This program will support our local tourism industry by assisting guests when they travel to the region and giving them the peace of mind that they can complete testing quickly and safely while staying on mountain,” Ballingall remarked.

Officials at SilverStar say the program will support the local tourism industry and the overall economic recovery of the region

“Silver Star’s top priority is the health and safety of our guests, staff and community. The virtual COVID-19 testing program is an added measure toward COVID-19 safety precautions we already have in place, giving guests reliable and easy access to testing,” said Cassandra Zerebeski, executive director, Silver Star Resort Association.

The following is more information about Whitecap COVID-19 testing at the three ski resorts:

• Currently only PCR testing is available as part of this program. Antigen testing will be available at a later date.
• PCR testing kit drop off locations:
  • Big White Ski Resort – Central Registration, 5315 Big White Rd.;
  • SilverStar Mountain Resort – Snowbird lodge: 170 Silver Lode Lane;
  • Revelstoke Mountain Resort – 122 Mackenzie Avenue or The Sutton Place Hotel (hotel guests only);
• PCR virtual testing cost: $195
• How does virtual testing work?
  • An instruction insert is provided in the self swab testing kit that includes a QR code and web address. This code connects to the Whitecap + Tella portal. From here it is easy to book a virtual Telehealth appointment or connect with a Whitecap Practitioner for a scheduled appointment. These are virtual appointments with self swab coaching and can be done from the comfort of anywhere with Internet that will support a video call such as a home, a hotel, a lodge, or anywhere else that is convenient.

For more information and to book virtual COVID-19 testing, visit https://whitecapcovidtesting.com/ and follow the links for virtual testing.