Typically, at this time of the year, families and friends across British Columbia head to their favorite ski resorts whether that be Grouse Mountain, Cypress, Whistler, and others, to enjoy a day of skiing and snowboarding on the beautiful white snow.

Unfortunately, 2020 has not been the most typical year as most people would have hoped. A recent spike in cases and the fear of being unable to flatten the curve has caused Dr. Bonnie Henry, British Columbia’s Provincial Health Officer, to implement sweeping COVID-19 restrictions to help stop the spread of COVID-19 which are to take effect until December 7.

Currently, although travel to ski resorts, such as Whistler is not encouraged and Dr. Bonnie Henry has advised against non-essential travel, such as a short vacation to Whistler, many ski resorts nevertheless remain open. Ski resorts, however, have implemented a wide range of changes to meet COVID-19 guidelines such as restricting the number of people on the ski resorts by establishing a reservation system, where individuals must reserve in advance to go skiing or snowboarding, having face coverings mandatory for all visitors, and choosing not to accept cash payments. In addition, physical distancing will be practiced all throughout the ski resorts and certain runs may even only operate for a select period of time.

Students' Perspectives
Around Christmas time, some students expect to be at ski resorts enjoying the icy wind and white snow hitting their faces as they ski or snowboard down multiple runs, drink hot chocolate with their friends and families, and even spend a night at a lodge or hotel. 2020 has been a complicated year for many students, ruining many activities that we consider normal in our daily lives. In these complicated and difficult times, it is important to try our best and uphold traditions and typical events that we participate in while staying safe. Therefore, research about new restrictions and what to expect is crucial for many of us students.