Mount Washington Alpine Resort is kicking off its season Friday with the opening of two chairlifts, all five carpets and some Nordic trails for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing.
The Eagle and Hawk chairlifts will run on opening day, providing runs for all levels, including some terrain park features, a beginner zone and tube park.
The most recent storm dropped 13 centimetres on the mountain, creating a snow base of 43 centimetres as of Wednesday afternoon.
Mount Washington general manager Dean Prentice said in a statement that resort staff were “pleasantly surprised” by early snow in October and November, and cool temperatures allowed them to start making snow.
Face coverings will not be required outside, including while on chairlifts, which will be able to operate at full capacity.
Masks will, however, need to be worn indoors, unless patrons are seated in a restaurant or cafeteria, and guests will have to show proof of vaccination to eat at Ted’s Bar & Grill and Eagle View Bistro.
Last winter, masks were required from the moment visitors stepped out of their cars in the parking lot, including on lifts and while skiing and snowboarding. At the time, the province was under some of the strictest measures during the pandemic, with British Columbians told they should only spend time indoors with people who were part of their households.
The resort created pit toilets and brought in food trucks last year to encourage guests to spend as much time outside as possible, but guests were allowed into the lodge to eat and use the bathroom.
Lift tickets this year will only be available online in advance. Pick-up boxes have been created to allow contactless access.
The resort is encouraging visitors to download the mobile app to place food and beverage orders and keep up-to-date with the latest information.
