The management of ski centers and mountain enthusiasts must follow many health instructions, such as wearing a face cover and keeping two meters in line.
At first glance, the crowded Stoneham parking lot on Friday night at the opening portended the worst. It’s true that it must have been impressive, but it’s mostly because everyone arrived at the same time. The ridership was more diluted thereafter
, explains Hugues Leclerc, director of marketing and communications at the station.
Several skiers or snowboarders have reported on social networks that the parking lot at Stoneham ski resort was crowded with cars on several occasions.
Photo: anonymous skier
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More than 1,000 subscribers hit the slopes on Friday in the season premiere. The station does not disclose the exact number of subscribers, but specifies that there has been an increase of 4 to 5% compared to other years.
We wanted to be three lifts on, to dilute the traffic. In addition, we only opened for our subscribers for the first weekend, to control traffic.
, adds the marketing director.
Hugues Leclerc, Director of Marketing and Communications at Stoneham Ski Resort
Photo: Radio-Canada
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The latter specifies that for the moment, the plan is to continue to welcome subscribers only next Saturday and Sunday. We want to give ourselves the time to get a good idea of the habits of our subscribers, since nothing is the same this year.
Household control
The Association des stations de ski du Québec (ASSQ) maintains that it has only heard about a complaint, everywhere in Quebec, from a skier over the weekend. This complaint concerned the goodwill in Stoneham. Since Friday, 24 out of 75 ski centers have been opened in the province.
It is a responsibility shared between the stations and the customers. The instructions are well explained. In Stoneham, people from senior management were even there and reminded them that it is people from the same household who can take the same ski lift. But, we are not police officers. We can’t check everything whether it’s true or not
, argues Yves Juneau, president and CEO of ASSQ.
We have two lines. One for people alone and the other for family bubbles and then there are two meters between each line
, specifies Hugues Leclerc.
Night skiing is very popular at Stoneham Ski Resort.
Photo: anonymous skier
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Some photos of the traffic in Stoneham show skiers very close to each other. After seeing them, the marketing director replies that indeed, it was necessary to lots of education
during the first evenings of skiing and snowboarding.
photo n’est peut-être pas idéale pour voir nos différentes files d'attente. Nous, on fait des rappels tout le temps. Il y a énormément d’affichage sur place. C’est vraiment important de répéter les règles","text":"Ce que je pourrais vous dire aussi, c’est que la perspective sur la photo n’est peut-être pas idéale pour voir nos différentes files d'attente. Nous, on fait des rappels tout le temps. Il y a énormément d’affichage sur place. C’est vraiment important de répéter les règles"}}" lang="fr">What I could also tell you is that the perspective in the photo may not be ideal for seeing our different queues. We do reminders all the time. There is a lot of signage on site. It’s really important to repeat the rules
, he continues.
The person who lodged a complaint in Quebec City did not want to speak to us in an interview.
What is the capacity of the mountain?
With more than 1,000 people on the mountain, the Stoneham ski resort is well below its usual capacity per hour, which is around 6,000 people, estimates the Association des stations de ski du Québec.
The reception capacity is linked with the ability of a ski resort to enforce them. In Quebec, from one station to another, it is not the same configuration. The accommodation capacity is variable and it is up to each operator to determine
, continues Mr. Juneau of ASSQ.
He adds that ski centers do not have to display passenger capacity as is the case with malls and stores. We are not on this decree
, he says.
In fact, the decree announced at the beginning of December by the government only applies to businesses covered by the Law on hours and days of admission to commercial establishments.
Stoneham management made sure that there is a distance of two meters between the queues to reach the ski lifts.
Photo: Stoneham Ski Resort
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For the chalets, we do not have to put a capacity of reception. But, you will come and see… I would tell you that people are coming to be outside. They are not in the chalets
, supports the President and CEO of ASSQ.
The latter maintains that it is essential that ski and snowboard stations remain open. We saw what it did when we were closed in the spring. People went skiing, but it was underground. It is better that we are open to be able to monitor and guarantee that the instructions are respected.
The National Institute of Public Health has not yet published studies on the prevalence of COVID-19 and its transmission during winter. In early November, however, researchers recalled that the virus can last longer on surfaces when it is cold.
One of the experts therefore suggested never touching your face outside in winter, even when wearing gloves or mittens, to avoid the risk of transmission.
With the collaboration of Camille Simard
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