SilverStar Mountain Resort announced late Saturday night that it would be suspending operations for just over a week due to the coronavirus pandemic.
That means none of the resorts ski lifts, restaurants or shops will be operating, effective Sunday and running through March 22.
The North Okanagan ski resort said it will “reassess our approach for the rest of the season during this time frame.”
The resort said accommodations will remain open to serve existing guests and the ski hill has “modified” their cancellation policies.
“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,” the ski resort said in a media release.
“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.”
The decision is a major change from the resorts’ plans on Friday. At that point, SilverStar had canceled events and was taking steps to encourage social distancing, but expected to stay in operation for the remainder of the ski season.
SilverStar’s decision to suspend operations came after news broke Saturday that Whistler Blackcomb ski resort would be shutting down for a week starting Sunday along with all of Vail Resorts’ other North American properties.
Apex and Big White remain open
Meanwhile, in the South and Central Okanagan, Apex Mountain Resort and Big White confirmed on Sunday they will remain open.
Apex Mountain Resort’s general manager James Shalman said it is recommending social distancing but otherwise it is business as usual at the resort.
“We don’t think there is a reason to close at this point,” said Shalman, on Sunday morning.
Shalman said the resort has eliminated its singles lines for chairlifts and is allowing people to ride the chairlift on partly empty chairs to encourage social distancing.
Big White Ski Resort confirmed Sunday afternoon that it will continue operating. It said it will do so until Interior Health or another government body advises the resort to close.
However, the ski hill said it will be taking steps to encourage social distancing.
“Our in-resort teams are working tirelessly to ensure best practices are being adhered to, sanitizing gathering areas and minimizing the amount of people congregating indoors,” the resort said in a statement.
“To that end, we will be limiting food services and other guest service amenities to ensure social distancing is in place and enforced both by our teams, and other resort restaurant partners.”
–With files from Sean Boynton
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