Attempts to slow the spread of the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic have led Resorts of the Canadian Rockies to stop its operations at several ski hills in Western Canada.
On March 17, the government advised all ski hills in the province to close by the end of the day March 17 to help stop the spread of COVID-19.
Effective March 18, all passenger ropeways, gondolas and chairlifts will be closed until further notice under the Safety Codes Act.
In an online statement, RCR said as of midnight Monday, March 16, the following ski hills would be closed for a week:
- Fernie Alpine Resort
- Kimberley Alpine Resort
- Kicking Horse Mountain Resort
- Nakiska Ski Area
On Tuesday, March 17, Marmot Basin in Jasper also closed its operations for the remainder of the season.
Meanwhile, Sunshine Village in Banff, announced on Tuesday that effective March 18 the resort would be closed until further notice.
“Here at RCR our number one priority is the safety, health and well-being of our guests, team members, and the communities which we live, work and play in,” RCR said in the notice.
“As tough a decision as this has been, we feel it is the right thing to do under the current circumstance.”
RCR said it would be evaluating possible re-opening dates for the resorts later in the week.
The number of coronavirus cases in Alberta rose to 56 over the weekend, with the province taking aggressive measures to “flatten the curve,” including cancelling all classes and closing all daycares. By Monday at 4:30, the province said there were 74 confirmed cases.
The province has also put restrictions on things like visiting long-term care facilities and places of worship.
The City of Calgary also declared a state of local emergency on Sunday, which closed all libraries, recreational centres and also suggested restrictions on bars and restaurants.
Three ski hills in the Edmonton area closed for the season over the weekend.