Covid Closes Whistler, Revelstoke and Big White for Season
B.C.'s three-week lockdown plus a rise in covid cases has forced many big ski resorts to close early
Big ski resorts in B.C., including Revelstoke and Big White are closing ahead of schedule as B.C. enters into three-week lockdown amid surging covid cases. Both closures are to be a result of coronavirus concerns. Whistler Blackcomb, which was shuttered as part of the three-week lockdown, has also decided to remain closed for the season.
Revelstoke was meant to close on April 5, but made the call to end winter operations a few days ahead of schedule. In a statement on the resort’s website, VP of operations Peter Nielsen noted staff shortages attributed to covid as the reason for the season’s abrupt end.
In his statement, Nielsen highlighted the health and safety of guests and employees as a top priority, and asked for patience from guests seeking full refunds or credits for unused lift tickets.
Kelowna’s Big White is set to close for the season on April 5. The closure is because of two covid-related factors: a big party that was in direct defiance of covid safety measures and attended by resort staff, as well as a predicted spike in visitor volume.
“With most B.C. resorts closing as of Monday, April 5, and with the disregard for COVID-19 protocols exhibited at Charley Victoria’s All-Day Après on Monday evening, Big White Ski Resort Ltd recognized closing early as a necessary action to keep its guests, residents, and team members safe from COVID-19.”
“We made the decision to stay open until April 11 back in June of last year,” said Big White president and CEO Peter Plimmer in the online statement.
“Since then, a lot has changed. In the past week, even more has changed. We are grateful to have been able to keep the resort open and safe as long as we have, but with other resorts shutting down, we have become a magnet for non-local skiers and snowboarders.”
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