Little Smoky Ski Area 2021/2022 Restrictions Exemption Program Guidelines 

At Little Smoky Ski Area, the health and safety of our community is our fundamental priority. In accordance with this core value, Little Smoky Ski Area will be participating in the Restrictions Exemption Program (REP) this winter. 

This means that in order to access the facility, all patrons and visitors aged 12 and older will be required to provide proof of full vaccination, or proof of a privately paid negative PCR or rapid test taken within 72 hours of service. Valid government–issued ID will also be required for all those attending the hill. 

This will apply to the entire ski hill, both indoors and outdoors. By participating in the REP, and by requiring all of our staff to be vaccinated, we are doing what we can to keep our community healthy and safe while providing the same excellent ski and snowboard experience. 

While there are some details yet to be sorted out as we await further guidance from 

AHS, these are some of the important questions that we can answer right now. 

WHAT IS THE RESTRICTIONS EXEMPTION PROGRAM AND WHO DOES IT APPLY TO? 

The Restrictions Exemption Program (REP) was announced by the government of Alberta on September 20, 2021. Under the program, businesses that require all patrons aged 12 and older to be fully vaccinated or provide proof of a privately paid negative PCR or rapid test taken within 72 hours of service are exempt from certain operational and capacity restrictions. For Little Smoky Ski Area, implementing this program allows us to provide the safest possible environment for our guests and staff, while also allowing us to provide our services, programming and experiences in a manner as close to normal as possible. 

WHAT PROOF OF VACCINATION IS ACCEPTED? 

Government of Alberta’s vaccination with a QR code An immunization record from another Canadian province or territory, displaying the name of the recipient, type of vaccine First Nation vaccine records displaying full name, vaccine type and date of vaccine Canadian Armed Forces vaccine records displaying full name, vaccine type and date of vaccine For international travelers, a valid immunization record displaying their name, type of vaccine and date of administration as well as a valid international travel identification document such as a passport. 

WHAT IS CONSIDERED “FULLY VACCINATED”? 

Receipt of full COVID–19 vaccination, meaning the full series of a World Health Organization–approved COVID–19 vaccine or combination of approved vaccines, received at least 14 days prior to accessing the facility. 

WILL MEDICAL EXEMPTIONS BE ACCEPTED? 

You must show proof of a privately paid negative PCR or rapid test (see below for precise definition) taken within 72 hours of service if you are not vaccinated for any reason. Given the number of people that interact within our facility, the nature of the activities, and the risks associated with the Delta variant, all medical exemptions are being accommodated by the provision of a negative test by the individual. There is no need to show proof of medical exemption. 

WHAT WILL THE VACCINE VERIFICATION PROCESS BE FOR SEASON PASS HOLDERS? 

Once you have purchased your season pass, you will receive a card with photo identification. You will be required to produce our pass and a lift ticket will be provided. You will not be required to scan your QR code every time you attend the hill. 

WHAT WILL THE VACCINE VERIFICATION PROCESS BE FOR DAY 

TICKET HOLDERS AND THE GENERAL PUBLIC? 

Little Smoky Ski Area’s facility has a single point of entry where you will be required to show your proof of full vaccination or proof of a privately paid negative PCR or rapid test (see below for precise definition) taken within 72 hours of service. Valid government issued ID will also be required for everyone attending the hill to verify age for compliance to the REP program. Once you have been granted access, you can proceed to Guest Services to pick up or purchase your day ticket. 

WHAT ABOUT SPECTATORS OR GUARDIANS WHO ARE NOT 

SKIING/SNOWBOARDING? 

The REP program applies to all people aged 12 and older who are entering the facility, regardless of whether they are skiing/snowboarding or not. 

 

WHAT ABOUT CHILDREN TURNING 12 ON/AFTER JANUARY 1, 2022? 

Individuals who recently turned 12 years old, are permitted to attend the ski hill facilities for a 10-week period after their birthday without being fully vaccinated. This 10-week period is to provide adequate time for the youth to receive both COVID–19 vaccinations. 

WHAT ARE THE REQUIREMENTS FOR ACCEPTABLE NEGATIVE COVID-19 TESTS? 

The test result must be a written or printed copy that indicates the individual has tested negative for COVID–19 on a Health Canada approved rapid antigen, rapid PCR, or lab based PCR test approved by Health Canada or the lab accreditation body of jurisdiction. 

Valid test results must be a written or printed copy that clearly outlines the type of test, time of sample collection, clear indication of a negative result, and laboratory that completed the test, if applicable. A photo of a rapid test or result taken offsite will not be accepted A self-test completed offsite or self-produced documentation of a negative test result is NOT valid Do not bring completed self-tests or rapid tests to Little Smoky Ski Area due to communicable disease risk Tests must not be from the Alberta Health Services public COVID–19 testing system 

WHAT ARE CONSIDERED ACCEPTABLE FORMS OF ID? 

To maintain the integrity of the REP program, proof of identity will be required of all patrons and visitors Proof of identity must be government–issued and include the name of the holder and date of birth. Examples of acceptable forms of identification documents include: 

• Birth certificate 

Driver’s license Provincial or Territorial Government issued identification card, including health card (Alberta or other) 

Métis card, Treaty card, Inuit Status card 

• Permanent resident card 
• Passport 

WILL THERE BE CAPACITY RESTRICTIONS? 

There are no capacity restrictions for our outdoor areas. Under the REP there are also no capacity restrictions for our Lodge, warming shelters or any indoor area.

WILL MASKS BE REQUIRED? 

As mandated by AHS, masks or face coverings are required at all times in indoor spaces for anyone over the age of 2, except when eating or drinking 

While masks will not be required in our outdoor space, including in lift lines and while 

riding lifts, we strongly recommend that masks be worn at all times when physical distancing of 2 meters cannot be maintained. 

WILL INDOOR DINING BE ALLOWED? 

Yes, under the REP there are no restrictions to indoor dining and we are looking forward to welcoming back our guests to eat and drink in the Chalet. There will still be tables and amenities on our deck and the ski hill base for those who prefer to eat outside. 

ARE THERE OTHER CHANGES THAT WE CAN EXPECT? 

As we have all experienced since March of 2020, the pandemic and the resulting restrictions landscape is fluid and ever–changing. While this current REP system is the one we have in place at this time, it is impossible for anyone to predict what the scenario will be weeks or months from now. Little Smoky Ski Area may adapt its policies and protocols if guidance and restrictions change. 

We truly and sincerely appreciate your patience and understanding as we continue to 

do all that we can to provide the safest possible environment and experience for all of our guests, staff, and community