Whistler Blackcomb announces opening date for slopes after COVID-19 cases forced the resort to close early
With summer still in full-swing, the owner of Whistler’s ski hills is already announcing when the slopes are set to open to skiers and boarders.
Whistler Blackcomb is scheduled to open on Nov. 25, according to a news release from parent company Vail Resorts.
News of the opening date comes amid rising COVID-19 cases as B.C. battles a fourth wave of infections, led primarily by the Delta variant.
This past winter, the ski hills closed at the end of March, several weeks early due to spiking coronavirus cases in Whistler. The company offered refunds to some customers who’d pre-purchased lift tickets and passes, but some customers told CTV News Vancouver they were left in the lurch, having purchased hundreds or even thousands of dollars worth of lift tickets that weren’t refunded.
The company is currently promoting deals on lift tickets for the 2021-2022 season, and says it is monitoring COVID-19 public health guidance.
“Details of any necessary safety protocols will be communicated ahead of the season as the situation continues to evolve,” continues the news release.
Last ski season, the small town weathered several coronavirus outbreaks, which prompted officials to offer early COVID-19 vaccines to Whistler residents. In April, for example, the Howe Sound health area had the highest rate of infections in the province, with the majority of the cases in Whistler, fuelled in part by spring break travel.
Restaurants and hotels in Whistler are known to hire young people who flock to the resort town from across Canada and around the world. Health officials said many of the cases recorded in the town in Jan. 2021 were among "young people in their 20s and 30s who live, work and socialized together."
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
'My family doctor just fired me': Ontario patients frustrated with de-rostering
Dozens of Ontarians are expressing frustration in the province’s health-care system after their family doctors either dropped them as patients or threatened to after they sought urgent care elsewhere.
Solar storm puts on brilliant light show across the globe, but no serious problems reported
A powerful solar storm put on an amazing skyward light show across the globe overnight but has caused what appeared to be only minor disruptions to the electric power grid, communications and satellite positioning systems.
'It was violent': Police tear down U of A pro-Palestinian encampment Saturday morning
Multiple people at the protest camp torn down at the University of Alberta campus Saturday say police's actions against protesters were "violent" and "disproportionate."
Edibles, armchairs and adapters: Here are the recalls for this week
Health Canada announced various product recalls this week, including electric adapters, armchairs, cannabis edibles and vehicle components.
'I am angry': Alberta farmers will continue fight over world class motorsport resort
The rolling hills leading to the hamlet of Rosebud are dotted with sprawling farms and cattle pastures -- and a sign sporting a simple message: No Race Track.
Mother's Day movies that pull at ALL the heartstrings
This Mother's Day Weekend, take a look at some of the most emotional movies inspired by moms.
Potentially toxic chemicals hide in our drinking water and countless household objects, and they're not going anywhere
For decades, North Bay, Ontario's water supply has harboured chemicals associated with liver and developmental issues, cancer and complications with pregnancy. It's far from the only city with that problem.
Suspect sought after fatal slashing in downtown Toronto
Police are searching for a suspect in a homicide investigation after a man was slashed in downtown Toronto on Sunday.
Atlanta Hawks win 2024 NBA Draft Lottery, secure No. 1 overall pick
The Atlanta Hawks won the NBA draft lottery on Sunday, landing the No. 1 pick and a potential cornerstone player in a year where there’s no clear-cut choice.