Ready to hit the slopes near Calgary this winter? Skiers and snowboarders might be wondering if ski resorts will be open during the 2020 snow season and how local resorts plan to keep visitors safe. Check out all the local insider tips on what to expect on your next skiing or snowboarding vacation during COVID-19. From timed ticketing on ski lifts and mask etiquette to enjoying outdoor Après ski life, the five ski resorts within 2.5 hours of Calgary are open for business and ready to make your experience safe.

Buy lift tickets in advance

Purchasing lift tickets in advance is a great way to ensure you have a safe experience. WinSport in Calgary is limiting the number of lift-passes sold per day and may require advanced booking for ski times. Lock in your dates as soon as possible to ensure you get your preferred ski or snowboarding times. If the day arrives and you can’t make it or COVID-19 restrictions change, many resorts are offering 100% refunds, so you can feel confident booking. Just make sure to double check the cancellation policy at the time of booking!

Make a daycare plan

This winter consider leaving the smallest member of the family at home. Lake Louise Ski Resort and much of the resorts near Calgary have decided to forgo daycare this year out of caution in the face of COVID-19. If alternate daycare isn’t available, consider a Lake Louise Parent Pass—where a couple can split the cost of a one day pass and trade off the children between runs. Better yet, if the kids are old enough, why not enroll them in a children’s ski program? That way everyone gets to hit the slopes and practice a new skill.

Invest in equipment 

If you’re a longtime skier or snowboarder, the 2020 winter season just may be the time to invest in gear of your own. Some resorts may not offer rentals this season, so purchasing your own means you’ll be ready to hit any slopes and you’ll have equipment that is perfectly fitted to you. You can gear up with high performance outdoor wear at Arc’teryx and Patagonia in Calgary. It’s a great way to save money in the long run. Another great sustainable option is to browse for secondhand items. A win-win!

If you aren’t ready to invest, resorts like Lake Louise have rentals available, which can be booked online beforehand and will be available through outdoor pick-up and drop-off stations. The University of Calgary Outdoor Centre even offers an online rental portal to get you ready for a day on the slopes.

Bring your own safety supplies 

Put together a small kit of hand sanitizer, sanitization wipes, backup masks and gloves to pack away in your ski jacket to have on hand while you’re on the hill. Chances are you’ll probably never need them, since resorts like Castle Mountain are offering enhanced cleaning, especially to high touch surfaces. Plus, you’ll also find additional hand sanitizing stations throughout the ski resorts.

Wear a mask

Ski resorts like Nakiska require all attendees to wear face coverings in public spaces, from the parking lots to the base of the hill. Come prepared with a mask to wear in lift queues, enclosed lifts, communal accommodation areas, and indoor public spaces. When hitting the slopes, a buff is a great multi-purpose accessory to have on hand to not only keep you warm and prevent sweat, but it can also double as a mask once you return to the resort for lunch and a hot cocoa.

Bring your phone

Après ski outdoors