2021-2022 Season Update
Hello everyone! As we get closer to the ski and snowboard season we wanted to make an update regarding a few of the changes you can expect to see at the resort this season and provide some information about our plan for this year. It has been awhile since we have been operational and we are incredibly excited to see everyone back on the slopes. Our goal here is to be as transparent as possible as we work towards what will most certainly be an interesting season. Buckle in, this may be a long one.
Season Passes: First, we are happy to announce that 2021-2022 season passes will be available for purchase online beginning Friday, October 1st! Pricing and details are now available on our website at searchmont.com. In addition, due to popular demand, we have come to the decision to keep the same days and hours from our previous season. We will be open Wednesday through Sunday (weather permitting of course).
Lifts/Trails: Our outdoor team has been hard at work making a lot of improvements since we last opened our doors. Many of you will be happy to hear that we have replaced our old double lift with a brand new triple named after the Goulais trail. This new lift is sure to be a lot easier on the knees! Also, a brand new lift named Buzzsaw is currently being installed next to the learning centre and will feed into two new beginner-level trails that are long enough that they can be enjoyed by everyone. We still have some work to do but barring any setbacks we have the expectation that Buzzsaw will be ready for the start of the season.
Unfortunately, the Main triple lift requires a replacement part and is estimated to be out until early February. To remedy this, the new Goulais triple lift will become our primary lift to begin the season. For those unfamiliar with the hill, the Goulais provides access to most trails including 3x4 and the Main. And for those of you who like to stick to the main, it will still be possible to cut across to gain access to the new lift.
In March, a beloved friend of the resort and community, Robert Travaglini passed away. To honour his legacy, the trail leading from the top of the Goulais lift will be designated Trav’s Trail. Bobby was an amazing ski instructor and an even better person and we will miss him.
Opening Day: We get asked this one a lot and to be honest, we won’t know what our opening day will be until we get closer to the start of the season. Opening day is dependent on the weather and how much snow we get. The good news is that our hardworking outdoor team has increased our snowmaking capability by increasing the amount of water that can be pulled. This means that if the weather cooperates we have the capability of having an early start to the season. Fingers crossed.
Villas: Another exciting development, all 12 of our villas are in the process of being renovated! The interior and exterior of each villa is being redone and we can’t wait to see how they turn out. We are hoping to be able to share some progress photos with you during the season. Unfortunately, since our last update we have experienced some setbacks with this project and we are currently unable to give a timeline for completion. Difficulties with the US border and acquiring materials (especially wood) have caused delays and because of this we are unsure if the villas will be available this season. Therefore, it is not currently possible to book the villas. We understand that this is unfortunate news but we are hoping that they are worth the wait.
Caribou Café: Inside the lodge, a brand new Caribou Café is being constructed! This café will offer a variety of delicious hot drinks and treats during the season. Needless to say, those of us in the office are really excited about it.
Covid-19: Finally, the big one. The reason we were unable to open last season and something that has been a challenge for all of us, Covid-19. The pandemic has changed the way that we go about our daily lives and the way that businesses must now operate.
To be clear, Searchmont Resort will cooperate with all provincial regulations in regards to Covid-19. Nothing is more important than the safety of our guests. We have a responsibility to provide a fun and safe environment where you are able to enjoy your favourite pastime and we will always do our best to make that happen.
To help accomplish this, only guests that are fully vaccinated and capable of passing the provincial QR check will be granted access to designated areas, including the lodge. While inside the lodge we encourage all guests to wear masks or appropriate face coverings when not eating or drinking. It is also encouraged to practice social distancing both inside and outside.
Guests that are not fully vaccinated are permitted to ski and snowboard but must remain distanced and outside designated areas. If regulations for outdoor sports, including skiing and snowboarding, are modified the resort will act accordingly and communicate any changes with our guests.
A full list of policies and procedures will be released on our website shortly to help navigate all of us through the season.
Also, there will be zero tolerance on our social media platforms pertaining to any misinformation or inappropriate comments regarding the virus.
Searchmont Resort encourages everybody to get vaccinated, wear a mask and be courteous of others.
Summary: Well that’s what we have to say. There is a lot going on here at the resort and we can’t wait for the new season to kick off. We wanted to release this information before season passes went on sale so our guests would know what to expect heading into the new season. Stay tuned to our website and social media platforms for more information and we hope to see everyone soon!
