City ski and snowboard hills to open starting tomorrow

Earl Bales Ski and Snowboard Centre is ready to open starting this Saturday, January 15, and the Centennial Ski and Snowboard Centre will open on Monday, January 17.

Under the current Provincial Step Two COVID-19 regulations, ski hills are permitted to operate, with appropriate COVID-19 safety measures in place, including instructional programs and permits.

The daily operation of these centres, including opening and closing dates, is weather and snowfall dependent. Both Ski and Snowboard Centres are usually open until mid-March.

Hours of operation, fees for lift tickets and passes, service alerts, and rental equipment information are available at the City’s website.

COVID-19 safety measures in place at the ski hills include:

• Visitors must self-screen for COVID-19 symptoms before visiting the hill.
• All individuals must maintain at least two metres of physical distance from people outside of their household.
• Masks must be worn at all times when indoors, as well as outdoors when physical distancing of at least two metres cannot be maintained from people outside of their household, including in line-ups and on chair lifts.
• Under provincial COVID-19 guidelines, indoor capacity has been reduced to 50 per cent.
• Participants are encouraged, where possible, to use their car as a place for changing in and out of their equipment.
• Rental equipment will be sanitized before and after each use.
• Food and beverages are not to be consumed in indoor areas, including the chalet.

Additionally, helmets are required for all participants registered in lessons and are highly recommended for all patrons of all ages.

These are all part of our winter program. More information about these activities is available at the City’s website.

Quotes:

“We have worked to provide residents with safe outdoor recreation options to stay active and healthy with their families during the pandemic. Thank you to City staff for working to get these ski hills up and running as soon as the weather could permit this winter.”

– Mayor John Tory

“The City offers a wide variety of pandemic-safe options to stay active this winter, from skiing and snowboarding to outdoor skating, disc golf, tobogganing and hiking. These activities are all part of our winter program.”

– Deputy Mayor Michael Thompson (Scarborough Centre), Chair of the Economic and Community Development Committee

“The City’s two ski hills provide Toronto ski and snowboard enthusiasts with great, local opportunities for winter recreation. Both hills are accessible by public transit and are affordable for individuals and their families.”

– Councillor Jennifer McKelvie (Scarborough-Rouge Park), Chair of the infrastructure and Environment Committee

“Skiing and snowboarding at Earl Bales Park is just one of the offerings this park has for residents and visitors. Its more than 127 acres features playgrounds, walking trails and a dog off-leash area. I encourage all Torontonians to explore it more all year round.”

– Councillor James Pasternak (York Centre)

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