Heading to the mountains to ski over the holidays? Check out the latest restrictions before you go

Under the enhanced public health restrictions that are likely to bein place in until at least early January, skiers and snowboarders were granted a reprieve: outdoorski areas can remain open unless closed by public health order.

And the moment Alberta was walloped by a gust of winter so strong it snarled traffic and disrupted commutes on Monday and Tuesday, slope enthusiasts were already on their way to the ski hills.

The roads to Sunshine Village ski resort, for example, were so overwhelmed with skiers earlier this week that the facility shuttered itsaccess roads on Dec. 22.

But even though skiing is still allowed, the measures that have been in place since Dec. 13 have resulted in some enhanced safety measures on the mountain.

Here's what to expect:

Castle Mountain Resort

Castle Mountainhas instituted a cap on daily ticket sales, and is now strongly recommending that guests buy their tickets online ahead of time.

Only single-day tickets are currently being offered.

The mandatory face covering rule is in effect, and takeout or brown-bag lunches are encouraged and should be eaten in your vehicle.

Cohorts and families can use the chairlift as they normally would, while those riding alone, or in pairs, will not ride the liftwith anyone outside of their cohort.

Kicking Horse Mountain Resort

No reservations needed at Kicking Horse yet, but the resort strongly recommends that guests purchase lift tickets online and in advance, as the resort is monitoring lift capacity.

Physical distancing and face coverings for anyone overtwo years oldare necessary to hit the slopes at this resort.

Seating in Eagle's Eye Restaurant has been reducedand a maximum ofsix people per table is permitted. It's recommended to reserve a table in advance. Extra seating has been setup outside around the base of the resort.

Lake Louise Ski Resort

As of Dec.22,reservations are needed to visit the Lake Louise Ski Resort.

The mask mandate is being enforced, and physical distancing rules are expected to be followed. "If you can touch a person with your ski pole, then you're too close," its website reads.

Takeout can be eaten outside or in your car, and retail and rental stores are open, but with reduced capacity.

NakiskaSki Area

No reservations are needed at Nakiska yet, but on high demand days the resort says on its website that only a certain number of daylift ticketswill be sold.

Physical distancing and face coverings are necessary to hit the slopes at this resort.

The resort is asking skiers to limit their stays in thefood and beverage venues30 minutes for the cafeteria and 45 minutes in theFinish Line Lodge.

Sunshine Village Ski Resort

Banff Sunshine Village has temporarily capped its number of guests by restricting accessonce theparking lot is full, further parking on the access road is not allowedfor the time being.

Only parties who travelled to the resort together will be permitted to ride the gondola together, and face masks are required throughout the resort.

Rental and retail stores have remained open with reduced capacity, and the Sunshine Mountain Lodge is only open to those who are staying at the hotel.

Mount NorquaySki Resort

Mount Norquay is offering single-day online ticket pre-purchase only for both the ski hill and the tube park.

Face masks are mandatory in lift lines and in the lodge, which is allowing 15 per cent capacity. Inside, grab and go items are available, limitedseating is forhousehold groups only, andabsolutely no bags can be left in the lodge.

There are no group lessons on the hill, and Norquay'sshuttle bus service has been suspended.

Canmore Nordic Centre

The centre is open for use for with some modifications. The Day Lodge is open from9 a.m. to5:30 p.m. daily but there's no seating or showers available.Masks are mandatory in the lodge.

"Officers can issue fines for non-compliance of physical distancing and gatherings restrictions if required," the website says.

Meadow Hut is closeddue to COVID restrictions. But washrooms areavailable in the XC Team Rooms andBiathlon Team Rooms buildings.

The Dec. 23 grooming update said to expect many trails to be snow covered. Natural snow trails have started to be packed and groomed but are not yet completed.Snowmaking isin progress on Bow Trail andBanff Loop.