Hitting the slopes? Don’t forget your vax card

Skiers and snowboarders will need to have their proof of COVID-19 vaccination at the ready if they plan to carve their way down Alberta’s mountain slopes this winter.

Banff’s Sunshine ski resort says it’s opted in to the province’s Restrictions Exemption Program ahead of the start of the season.

People visiting the resort will need to show proof of vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test taken within the last 72 hours upon arrival at the park.

If you are someone who visits the resort a few times a year, this will be required every time you enter. People with seasons passes can attach their vaccine record to their ski pass so the vaccine record is visible when the pass is scanned.

Kids aged 12 to 17 who don’t have government-issued ID will still be allowed to ski, provided they have proof of vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test.

Many of the same rules will be in place at Lake Louise’s ski hill. That resort will be requiring proof of vaccination for its indoor areas, including its rental shops, dining halls, bathrooms, and warming areas.

Proof of vaccination will not be required for the outdoor ticket kiosks and chairlifts.

Nakiska is implementing similar rules this winter, requiring proof of vaccination for all riders hopping on the lifts and indoor areas at the resort.

Unlike Sunshine and Lake Lousie, however, Nakiska says a negative COVID-19 test will not be accepted.

The resort says that medical exemptions will be considered, but paperwork must be submitted four weeks before you plan to visit so that staff can verify your documents.

Resorts of the Rockies (RCR), which operates Nakiska, says those same rules will apply for the other resorts it operates, including Kicking Horse, Fernie, and Kimberly in B.C.

In Calgary, WinSport says proof of vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test will be required to access the training centres, viewing areas, the ski hills, and the tube park.