Some changes to Alberta's Restrictions Exemption Program (REP) went into effect this week.

The changes affect ski hills and trade shows.

Ski operators will now be able to offer outdoor services without the REP, meaning masking and distancing won't be required, even on chair lifts.

Masking and proof of vaccination will still be required for indoor services though.

Sales and marketing manager with Castle Mountain Ski Resort, Cole Fawcett, says it's not too much of a shakeup.

The resort is scheduled to kick off its season on Dec. 10, and according to Fawcett, they were planning to operate almost exactly according to the latest changes to the REP.

"Despite this recent announcement, nothing changes for us. Our plan, maybe not exactly by design, is perfectly aligned with what we see today."

They'll be employing some measures to increase distancing outdoor, namely in lineups for chair lifts, though Fawcett notes that people are usually fairly spread out anyway since they're either wearing skis or a snowboard.

They're also limiting ticket sales to ensure hills and lodges aren't too crowded.

Fawcett says hills will be open to unvaccinated people, they'll just need to do a little prep work beforehand.

"For just skiing or snowboarding, as long as you're happy with making your vehicle your own little personal day lodge and using some external washroom trailers that we're providing for guests who may not have access to the day lodge, then yeah, you're all set."

The newest change also affects trade shows and markets, which will now be able to opt into the REP.

 

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