RESORT OPERATIONS UPDATE

CLOSED FOR SUMMER 2021.

Sunday, September 5, 4:00 PM (MDT)

After 72 days of hiking, sightseeing, mountain biking and family fun, Panorama Mountain Resort is now closed for the summer season.

• Access to mountain slopes is prohibited. Mountain bike and hiking trails are closed, including the Hopeful Trail.
• The Firehall bike trails and the Monument trail network are open but unpatrolled.
• Lodging is available 7-days a week. The Panorama Springs Pools are open with COVID-safe restrictions in place.
• Greywolf Golf Course is open daily until September 26.

Current information about available services can be found on the Hours of Operation page.

If you are travelling to this area in fall, please read and understand BC COVID-19 orders before arriving - we're sure requirements will change often.

The Panorama team thanks you very much for choosing to visit our resort this summer and we look forward to welcoming you back when mountain is ready to ski.

BC PROOF OF VACCINATION AND OPERATIONAL IMPACTS - WHAT WE KNOW.

Saturday, September 4, 11:00 AM (MDT)

The Government of British Columbia has reinstated COVID-19 orders, and these apply at Panorama Mountain Resort and in the Columbia Valley. Full details can be seen here.

The Province also announced that proof of vaccination will soon be required to enter and use some resort facilities. In the past few days we've been deluged with questions from guests and community members. We wish we could be definitive and provide the answers you need, but like you we're waiting for more detail. 

At this time the most complete information can be found on the BC Government website.

Looking ahead through fall and to winter, this is what we understand:

• The vaccination requirement will be in effect until at least January 31, 2022. One dose of an approved vaccine is required from September 13, 2021. Two doses of an approved vaccine will be required from October 24, 2021 (with the second dose received at least 7 days before access).
• The vaccination requirement applies to indoor and outdoor dining, cafes, bars & pubs, indoor organized gatherings like weddings, conferences, group events, etc., and gym, fitness and pool facilities. Currently, we do not believe that vaccination is a requirement for outdoor events like the Colourful Summit hikes (distancing and capacity limits are in place).
• The mandate applies to all people aged 12+. There are no medical exemptions or exceptions.
• To enter any facility, proof of vaccination and a valid photo ID is required. If both documents can't be presented, entry will be refused. 

Other things to note:

• Masks are mandatory in all indoor public spaces. It's possible that this will be the case in the winter season.
• We don’t yet know if outdoor masking will be required to access lifts and the ski area this coming winter.
• We don’t yet know if vaccination will be required to access the mountain, ski lifts or other facilities not currently included in the mandate. 

Panorama Mountain Resort respectfully asks that all community members and visitors understand BC rules before travelling or heading to any venue. Our team will strive to provide the best possible service and experience, while adhering to all health orders.

Panorama is working closely with the Canada West Ski Areas Association and provincial officials. We'll provide updates as more information comes to hand.

BC MASK MANDATES, GATHERING RESTRICTIONS AND OPERATIONAL CHANGES.

Saturday, August 21, 7:30 AM (MDT)

Yesterday, the Government of British Columbia reinstated COVID-19 orders across the entire Interior Health region. This includes Panorama Mountain Resort and the Columbia Valley. Full details can be seen here.

From midnight Friday the 20^th the following came into effect:

• Face masks are mandatory for people aged 12 and older in all indoor public spaces. Masks are not required outdoors.

 From 8am Monday morning (the 23^rd) the following applies:

• Indoor personal gatherings are limited to one other household with a maximum of 5 guests. This includes people occupying lodging units and private accommodations.
• Outdoor personal gatherings are limited to no more than 50 people.
• Indoor organized gatherings are limited to no more than 50 people with a COVID-19 safety plan in place.
• Outdoor organized gatherings are limited to no more than 100 people with a COVID-19 safety plan in place.

The Panorama Mountain Resort team is sorry for the impact these government enforced changes have on your getaway. Thanks for your support and for your help to keep COVID-19 out of our community.

GOVERNMENT OF CANADA ANNOUNCES EASING OF UNITED STATES OF AMERICA BORDER MEASURES FOR FULLY VACCINATED TRAVELLERS

Monday August 9, 9:30AM (MDT)

Effective August 9, 2021, Canada will allow entry to fully vaccinated American citizens and permanent residents (currently residing in the US) for leisure travel. If you meet the entry criteria, fully vaccinated travellers do not have to quarantine upon arrival to Canada.

We encourage all travellers to be fully informed of the pre-entry and on arrival public health and testing requirements both federally and provincially. This includes the mandatory use of the ArriveCAN app. Travellers should plan for extra time in the lead up, and upon the arrival of their trip. For the latest information on travel to Canada including the updated federal requirements and restrictions, please visit the Government of Canada website. Panorama has implemented stringent protocols to keep visitors safe, and visitors are asked to return the favour by travelling responsibly this summer and fall.
Travellers are encouraged to reference Destination BC’s “Know Before You Go” page for information on the latest travel restrictions, what’s open and more.

To qualify for the fully vaccinated traveller exemption, you must:

• Be eligible to enter Canada on the specific date you enter
• Have no signs or symptoms of COVID-19
• Have received the full series of an accepted COVID-19 vaccine or a combination of accepted vaccines
• Have received your last dose at least 14 days prior to the day you enter Canada
  • Example: if your last dose was anytime on Thursday July 1st, then Friday July 16th would be the first day that you meet the 14 day condition
• Upload your proof of vaccination in ArriveCAN
• Provide a negative pre-entry test result from one of the accepted types of molecular tests (ex. PCR), not an antigen test
• Meet all other entry requirements

For detailed information, including the steps you should follow before your trip, please visit the Government of Canada website.  

MINERAL CREEK FIRE - FINAL UPDATE 

Tuesday August 3, 2:30 PM (MDT)

After steady rain on Monday August 2, the latest update from the BC Wildfire Service highlights a further reduction in threat from the Mineral Creek fire.

• The blaze is no longer considered a 'Fire of Note'.
• There is currently no risk to Panorama Mountain Resort.
• Firefighters are on site mopping up the southwest and northeast corners of the burn area.

We expect this to be the last update for this event. Fire information can always be found on the BC Wildfire Service website.

MINERAL CREEK FIRE UPDATE (12km southwest of Panorama)

Monday July 26, 3:30 PM (MDT)

The Mineral Creek burn grew in size over the weekend, but this does not mean increased risk to the Panorama community. Crews, helicopters and heavy equipment are working at the site, aiming to keep the fire at a higher elevation in the mountains and away from the Toby Creek valley. Again, there is no immediate risk to Panorama.

The extreme fire danger has forced some operational changes at the resort. On the mountain, the Panorama Bike Park, the Valley Trail, Cox Creek, Lynx Loop and Fort Hide ‘N’ Seek remain open. All other hiking and biking trails are closed. Information about what is open and closed can be seen here. The Toby Creek / Jumbo road remains closed to public traffic 1km past the resort. Kootenay River Runners is still operating rafting trips in the valley.

Panorama Mountain Resort has launched a new Facebook Page so we can provide you with year-round information about extraordinary events and their local impact. Like, follow and bookmark the page for news about extreme weather, road closures, power outages, and other need to know messages.

The BC Wildfire Service offers a variety of resources. For the latest information on current wildfire activity, burning restrictions and air quality advisories, visit: www.bcwildfire.ca. To report a wildfire or open burning violation, call *5555 on a cellphone or 1.800.663.5555.

The Regional District of East Kootenay encourages residents to sign up for their Evacuation Notification System. If you haven’t already subscribed then please take a moment to do so – it’s fast and it’s free.

RESORT OPERATIONS UPDATE - ELEVATED FOREST FIRE DANGER RATING

Saturday July 24, 8:30 AM (MDT)

There has been lots of recent news coverage about fires and smoke in British Columbia. With the fire danger now rated at 'extreme' it’s time for us to do all we can to lessen the chance of a blaze in the Panorama area. Effective immediately, slopes and trails above the Mile 1 Express, the Monument Trail Network and the Fire Hall bike trails are CLOSED. Please do not hike, bike or access these areas until the situation improves and trails re-open. View Trail Report.

The downhill mountain bike park continues to be fully open. Walking to Fort Hide ‘N’ Seek or along the Lynx and Cox Creek Trails is fine. Guests are more than welcome to use the Yoga deck or take in the views from the top of the Mile 1 Express.

The Toby Creek / Jumbo Road is closed just past Panorama (at the 19km mark) due to a forest fire in the Mineral Creek catchment. Crews are working to control the blaze, which is 12km southwest of the resort. There is no threat to the resort community. Kootenay River Runners are continuing to operate rafting trips on Toby Creek with permission from local authorities.

In terms of air quality, Panorama’s webcams are real time and will show you what conditions are like minute to minute. We are seeing smoke come and go but conditions in the Columbia Valley are not currently as severe as they are in other parts of the province.

To report a wildfire or smoke, call 1.800.663.5555 or *5555 (from a cell phone). For the latest information about wildfire ratings, fires of note and a map of active wildfires across BC, click here.

GOVERNMENT OF CANADA ANNOUNCES EASING OF BORDER MEASURES FOR FULLY VACCINATED TRAVELLERS

Monday July 19, 5:00 PM (MDT)

On September 7, 2021, provided that Canada’s COVID-19 epidemiology remains favourable, the federal government intends to open Canada’s borders for recreational travel by fully-vaccinated travellers from any country. Fully vaccinated travellers are those who have completed the full course of vaccination with a Government of Canada-accepted vaccine at least 14 days prior to entering Canada and who meet specific entry requirements.

As a first step, starting August 9, 2021, Canada plans to begin allowing entry to American citizens and permanent residents, who are currently residing in the United States, and have been fully vaccinated at least 14 days prior to entering Canada for recreational travel. This preliminary step allows for the Government of Canada to fully operationalize the adjusted border measures ahead of September 7, 2021.

Fully vaccinated travellers must:

• Provide COVID-19-related information electronically through ArriveCAN (app or web portal) including proof of vaccination prior to departing for Canada (subject to limited exceptions)
• Meet the pre-entry testing requirements
• Be asymptomatic upon arrival
• Have a paper or digital copy of their vaccination documentation in English or French (or certified translation, along with the original) ready to show a government official on request

We encourage all travellers to be fully informed of the pre-entry and on-arrival public health and testing requirements both federally and provincially. This includes the mandatory use of the ArriveCAN app. Travellers should plan for extra time in the lead up, and upon the arrival of their trip.

For the latest information on travel to Canada including the updated federal requirements and restrictions, please visit the Government of Canada's Travel and Tourism page. 

RESORT OPERATIONS UPDATE - STEP 3 - COVID 19 PROTOCOLS

Wednesday June 30, 9:30 AM (MDT)

Summer is well underway, and from July 1 British Columbia is moving to step 3 in the provincial restart plan. This means that;

• Masks will no longer be mandatory in public indoor spaces, however they continue to be recommended along with physical distancing. 
• Personal indoor and outdoor gathering restrictions have lifted. Please remember that a campfire and fireworks ban is in effect in our area.
• All travel restrictions are lifted and we can welcome visitors from across Canada.
• Capacity restrictions, duration of use and the permitting of toys will return to pre COVID-19 operations in the Panorama Springs Pools and Toby Pools. There will be no pre-registration for use.

To view all of BC's updated health measures, click here.

It continues to be a hot start to the summer. Temperatures through July 1 may reach 40 Celsius, which would be an all-time record. It's great to be outside but make sure you spend plenty of time in the shade too. Please take it easy. Luckily we have the Panorama Springs and Toby Pools to help you cool off.