THUNDER BAY — Along with every ski hill in Ontario, the Loch Lomond and Mount Baldy ski areas must shut down their operations by Saturday because of new COVID-19 restrictions.
Under the province-wide lockdown, outdoor rinks may stay open but ski hills are required to close.
A message on Mount Baldy's Facebook page exemplifies the frustration of many operators.
"After absolutely busting our tails day & night to make this season the best, safest and earliest yet we get yet another Covid blow....We are forced to close during our busiest time Dec 26th and have decided to have our last day on Dec 23rd," the message states.
Ironically, Mount Baldy started its season before the end of October, likely its earliest start ever.
Loch Lomond ski area has also posted a message on Facebook:
"The beginning of our season has seen so many of you visit our hills, and we have been so happy to have provided you with that joy. With the announcement from the provincial government yesterday, our Christmas plans have had to change. As per the provincial mandate, we will not be able to operate after Christmas Day for 2 weeks."
The president of the Ontario Snow Resorts Association expressed disappointment with the government's decision to close the slopes, saying the province is the only jurisdiction in North America to have taken this step.
"Despite working with the government of Ontario over the past several months, despite nearly 2,500 Ontarians sending letters through the Save Our Skiing campaign, and despite investing heavily into this year's season to keep Ontarians safe, the government has decided to shut down ski hills," Kevin Nichol said in a news release.
He added "While golf courses were supported by the government, even during the height of the first wave of the pandemic, ski hills have been left behind."
