With snow falling in southern Alberta, Joe Molina at Alpenland organizes stock as a steady flow of customers purchase their new gear on Saturday, Oct. 16, 2020.
Local outdoor recreation stores and ski resorts are preparing for the winter season as southern Alberta receives its first snow fall of the winter.
With the snow on the ground and more in the forecast, people headed to local outdoor recreation stores to gear up for the ski season this past weekend. Stores are seeing both new and returning customers coming into their shops. Joe Molina, marketing and web operations manager at Alpenland says people are buying gear earlier in anticipation in how busy this season may be.
“It feels early because people are anticipating a busy season as a result in how the bike season went. Right now, outdoor recreational equipment in every category is almost completely sold out.”
Alpenland has created safety protocols and procedures to help keep customers safe while shopping. They have increased their sanitation throughout the store, installed signage and are supplying socks for people trying on boots, which are washed and sanitized after each use.
With many people staying at home over the summer months, local recreation stores are expecting a busier season in all departments. Skiing, snowboarding and snowshoeing are the top three sellers according to Molina.
“Before trying an activity do your research to understand the equipment that’s needed to be safe. We don’t want people that are trying it for the first time and not having the information or knowledge they need to be sure everyone is staying safe,” said Molina. “Don’t be afraid to ask questions, talk to the professionals or talk to the staff in the stores.”
Local ski resorts are also expecting a busy season. Pass Powder King located in Blairmore, Alta. is set to open Nov. 14. As for Castle Mountain Resort is set to open on Dec. 4, although there is a slight possibility they will open before then. Castle Mountain Resort has seen an increase in visitors accessing mountain bike trails over the summer season.
Cole Fawcett, sales and marketing manager at Castle Mountain Resort, says they aren’t necessarily expecting a busier season; however, they’re expecting visitation to remain strong.
“We’re expecting a similar number of guests that we normally expect, maybe with some additional visitation during midweek periods which would really be helpful in spreading people out [during busier] periods such as weekends.”
Castle Mountain Resort is continuing to plan certain outdoor activities despite COVID-19. Activities and festivals that are hosted outside are expected to happen with the cancellation of most indoor activities.
There will be no restrictions on daily visitations at Castle Mountain Resort. Inside the lodge will be limited to a set number and face coverings will be mandatory in all indoor facilities, lift lines and high-density areas.
Skiers and snowboarders are encouraged to check Castle Mountain Resort’s website and social media pages for up to date information before coming to the resort.
“Camping out in the day lodge is not going to be a thing [this year] and people should be prepared to make their vehicle their own personal locker room,” said Fawcett. “The experience outdoors is going to feel like it always has been.”
Despite COVID-19, Alpenland is continuing to offer rental packages at their Lethbridge location for beginners. Castle Mountain Resort will be hosting its demo days this season for people to try out new equipment.