It’s finally time to sharpen edges and wax skis, as Fernie Alpine Resort’s (FAR) long-awaited opening day is just one more sleep away, with chairs set to begin spinning at 9 a.m. tomorrow.
“This year will be different, and we all share the responsibility together to do our part so that we can have a full and joyful ski season together,” said senior vice president of RCR, Matt Mosteller,
The resort’s original opening date of Dec. 5 had been pushed back five days due to the COVID-19 second wave.
Despite the early season conditions, the resort currently boasts a base of 65 centimetres, having received a total of 212 centimetres of snow to date.
Thankfully, the Griz is expected to come alive this evening, with a few centimetres of snow forecasted to fall overnight.
According to Mosteller, the Mighty Moose, Elk, Bear, Boom, Haul Back, Timber and White Pass chairs are planned to operate on opening day, offering a variety of potential runs in the Lizard Bowl, Cedar Bowl, Siberia Bowl, Timber Bowl, parts of Curry Bowl, and some lower mountain runs as well.
“It’s early season conditions, and so we want everybody to be aware of that and ski with care,” said Mosteller.
“Wear a helmet, ski within your ability, make sure to check your gear…watch your speed on the slopes for these first few days to make sure that you’re skiing in control, and obey all on-mountain signage,” said Mosteller, encouraging guests to end the day when beginning to feel fatigued.
Mosteller further reminds everyone to respect all COVID-19 provincial guidelines, in particular those limiting non-essential travel.
“We’re really proactively saying stay local, ski local, and follow all guidelines,” said Mosteller.
“Be prepared to use your car too as a place to warm up and to take a break as well.”
Resort goers will see a number of changes to this year’s procedures, including a mandatory mask policy, the elimination of outdoor shelters and gathering spaces, required restaurant reservations, and monitored lift capacity.
“(Our team) has done an amazing job working tirelessly and into the night…setting up and adding all the things you need for extra precautions and safety,” added Mosteller.
While FAR hopes to kick things off at 9 a.m., Mosteller urges everyone heading up to the resort to check run status, lift status and snow reports prior to departure.
For further information and the latest updates, visit FAR’s website.
READ MORE: FAR delays opening day by five days
reporter@thefreepress.ca
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