While some dread the coming snowfalls, Hildur Fossberg Sinclair is looking forward to them.
She’s the owner of Troll Ski Resort, and she is preparing for both winter and operating during a pandemic.
Sinclair said COVID-19 rules mean that this will be a throwback season for Troll.
“It’s going to be how ski hills operated 30-40 years ago,” she said. “You showed up, and you were self-contained in your vehicle.”
Sinclair added the resort will be encouraging people to bring their own picnic lunches and to stay inside their bubble while at the resort.
READ MORE: Canadian ski resorts wrestle with pandemic-vs.-profit dilemma as COVID-19 persists
In addition to the usual distancing and mask wearing, Troll is setting up extra facilities and will have users sign in for contact tracing.
“Skiing lends itself to a safe COVID-19 sport because we are wearing gloves, we for the most part have face coverings on,” Sinclair said. “The nature of skiing and snowboarding means you can’t get too close to somebody.”
As the second wave of COVID-19 hits the country during winter, the importance of safe outdoor winter activities has increased.
“People need to be able to do something, so I think it’s really important that we encourage our customers, when they do show up, to make sure they are paying attention to what the COVID-19 protocols are in our community,” Sinclair said.
She added if users don’t follow the rules, the season could be put into jeopardy.
“It just takes a few people that are disrespectful for things to derail,” Sinclair said. “We’re really hoping that our community is in support of COVID-19 rules and us being able to run within them.”
While hill and ski lift maintenance is done, the only thing missing for a ski season is the snow.
“It looks good,” Sinclair said. “Everything’s pointing to a good snow season. We’ll just have to see how November plays out.”
Troll Ski Resort usually opens in December. For more information, visit trollresort.com.
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