No mask, no reservation, no skiing: Whistler Blackcomb unveils COVID-19 protocols for new season

The U.S.-based company that owns Whistler Blackcomb says anyone hoping to hit theslopes duringthe COVID-19 pandemicwill have to reserve in advance, and accessto the mountain will not be granted without some kind of face covering.

In a statement Thursday, Vail Resorts CEO Rob Katz revealed the company's COVID-19 safety protocols which willbe in place as the season opens.

"It has been our goal to design an approach that can remain in place for all of the 2020-21 season," Katz said.

Katz said people visiting any ofVail's 34 properties, includingWhistler Blackcomb, will have to reserve online in advance, in order to help staff manage the volumeof skiers on the slopes, liftsand in dining halls at any given time.

The new restrictions amountto amajor behavioural change for the casual skier, said Marc Riddell, Vail's director of communicationsWest Coast.

"If you decide that you want to come up [to Whistler Blackcomb], let's say, on a Tuesday, you would make a reservation, and your pass willautomatically turn on as you get into line," Riddell said.

"If you don't have a reservation, you will not be able to access the mountain."

'Face coverings are foundational'

Katz saidby continuing to makeface coverings mandatory, resorts can avoid the need for "reactionary changes."

"We will be requiring guests to wear face coverings in every part of our operations," Katz said in anopen letter. "Being safe and successfulthisseason will require everyone's co-operation andwe believeface coverings arefoundationalto make that possible."

Face coverings will be required in all indoor spaces, including gondolas, chair-lifts, dining halls, and even outdoor lift line-ups.

The number of guests on gondolas will also be reduced andlimited to family bubbles if larger numbers chose to ski together, the statement said.

Season opens Nov. 26

The Whistler Blackcomb website says starting Nov. 6, 2020-21 season pass-holders will be given first priority to book using the online reservation system.

The 2020/21 season opens Nov. 26.

Pass-holders will be given exclusive access within the first two weeks of the season.

After Dec. 7, those who don't have passes can try their luck at buying day-of tickets, but the resort is not promoting this approach.

"In the early start of the ski season, we have limited terrain," Riddell said.

"It's prioritizing our pass-holders. They are our most loyal customers."