WINTER EXPECTATIONS

I want to share Mt. Washington Alpine Resort's plans for the upcoming season. There has been so much uncertainty since the COVID 19 pandemic first upended our lives. Among the many lessons learned is the importance of clear and consistent communication, the setting of realistic expectations, and the need for tolerance for unexpected changes.

The embrace of all these lessons is going to be critical to a successful ski season, as is the recognition we’re all in this together.   A collective effort must be part of the foundation for success as we strive to balance the safety of our guests, employees, and the local communities in which we operate our business.

In addition to following all CDC and local regulations, Mt. Washington will require the use of face coverings, will implement necessary changes to allow for physical distancing, and we will closely monitor employee health in accordance with BC Provincial Health and Work Safe policies including requiring employees to stay home if they are sick. Similarly, we encourage our guests not to visit if they are unwell or have any symptoms related to COVID 19. We will implement additional precautions related to ski school, rental equipment, food and beverage, and hospitality as further outlined below.

I’m excited to say, Mt. Washington plans to open Friday, December 4th, 2020 for the start of the winter season. As always with our coastal climate, this depends on the weather, but our snowmaking system is ready to blow, and we hope for cold temperatures as well as Mother Nature’s support for an on-time opening.

As many of you know, capacity restrictions are one of the tools being used for the spread of the coronavirus. Lift accessed skiing and riding at Mt. Washington Alpine Resort takes place on over 1,700 acres, in addition to our Nordic offerings, ensuring the opportunity for many to safely recreate without restrictions. Nevertheless, we will adhere to any limitations imposed by BC Provincial Health authorities and as of the date of this letter, it is unknown to what extent we may be required to limit attendance. That being said, we are confident any restrictions will be on a limited number of occasions and guests will have access on a vast majority of operating days.

Season Pass Holders will be our highest priority in managing any on-mountain capacity restrictions. It is our intention to allow Pass Holders access any day the resort is open without reservations or other exceptional requirements. Our primary means to control capacity will be done if necessary by limiting the sale of daily lift tickets.

It is possible we may need to control the number of guests, including Pass Holders, in the event there is limited terrain open. In such a case, Mt. Washington will implement an online advanced reservation system and requirements for reservations will be communicated on the website, via email, on social media, and through the resort app. Pass Holders are strongly encouraged to download the resort app and enable push notifications. This will be the quickest and most certain way to stay on top of changes of any kind.

Face coverings will be required to access the mountain, including in lift lines and while loading, unloading and riding on chairlifts.  Face coverings will be required in every part of our operation including in the base area, inside all buildings, and during all ski and snowboard lessons.  We are asking everyone to support these necessary changes and cooperate with resort workers who are in the challenging role of ensuring everyone’s safety. Guests who don’t comply with the guidelines will be asked to leave.

We will do everything possible and practical to allow for physical distancing throughout the resort to help ensure a safe experience. First and foremost, we will manage the number of people on the mountain, as well as those entering buildings including base lodges and restaurants, in accordance with provincial capacity guidelines. Additionally, we will load lifts and form lines maintaining distancing guidelines applicable to each individual lift configuration. This may change between now and the beginning of ski season or even during the season as more information is disseminated from BC Provincial Health authorities. We are working to expand areas to comfortably accommodate guests while maintaining distancing requirements and revising menus and service levels that strike a balance between safety, forced capacity limits, and reasonable hospitality. Some of the “new norms” we all have embraced over the summer – take out, grab and go – will be in place for the winter, as well as online food ordering.

Ski school is an important part of every mountain operation because it introduces people to the sport and helps them improve so the sport is more enjoyable. Our teaching professionals are always committed to safety and enjoyment while learning, and this season that will be highlighted more than ever.  Ski and snowboard school formats will be revised to accommodate either small groups or individual self-paced learning options. Advanced reservations will be required for all lessons and programs. The duration of all lessons will also be modified to allow for most of a session to take place outdoors, reducing the number of indoor breaks.

Children’s on snow programs will be the subject of particular emphasis with small class sizes and minimal exposure to larger group settings.  Unfortunately, childcare (non-skiing) will not be available this season unless circumstances change in a meaningful way.

Equipment rental will be available exclusively online with advanced reservations. Pick up and drop off of equipment may be modified to accommodate social distancing and limit the number of people in confined spaces.

There is no avoiding the fact that navigating your way around the resort will be different this winter. Compared to the alternative of no season, I hope you’ll agree the changes are manageable and worth any inconvenience.

The website will be updated regularly with the latest details on restrictions and other important information. The resort app, available for download on both iOS or Android, will be one of the best ways to stay informed through push notifications and current status updates.

Advanced planning and pre-purchases will be more important than ever. Most products will only be available online in advance. Knowing what to expect when you arrive will go a long way toward minimizing confusion and frustration.

Finally, for those who purchased a Season Pass for this year or are considering doing so, but are still uncertain about their preferences this winter, please remember there is the option to defer the use of that pass until next season:

• Anyone who buys a Season Pass for the 2020/2021 season can choose to request to defer the use of the pass until the 2021/2022 season.
• The request must be made by sending an email stating the request between October 1st and November 25th, 2020, and the request must include the pass holder name and the number on the pass.
• This is not an offer of a cash refund or any other credit offer and only applies to the one-time deferral of a 2020/2021 season pass in exchange for a 2021/2022 season pass.
• The pass will be moved to the 2021/2022 winter season at no charge, regardless of a season pass price increase.

As you can see, we are planning lots of changes with the objective of making us all safer and more comfortable this winter season. While some of the changes will be a little inconvenient, we think it is a small price to accept for safety and the opportunity to have a great season on the slopes.  I look forward to adventuring with you soon.

Sincerely,

Dean Prentice
General Manager

• Starting on the 8th day of Covid-19 related closure, the Pass Holder will get a 1% credit towards the purchase of next year’s equivalent season pass, per day beyond the seven day grace period that Pass Holder’s home resort is closed due to Covid-19, up to a maximum of 100% credit.
• Credits are only applicable in the event of Covid-19 related closures and do not apply to any weather-related closures, pass holder injury, health-related absences, or other reason
• Closure credits apply only with respect to Pass Holder’s home resort and not reciprocal mountains (e.g. if a sister U.S. Resorts has a Covid-related closure but the Pass Holder's home resort (Mount Washington) is not affected, these credits do not apply, and vice-versa.)
• Closure credits would apply under the following Covid-19 related circumstances:
  • If a government entity requires closure
  • If a resort closes of its own accord due to Covid related issues
  • If a government entity restricts travel in a way that prevents passage between a Pass Holder’s primary domicile and home resort
  • If a government entity issues a mandatory stay-at-home order covering the Pass Holder’s primary residence
• Credits are based on the same type of pass as Pass Holder currently holds and are calculated based on the number of calendar days of closure beyond the seven day grace period (i.e. if the resort is closed for 17 days, the Pass Holder gets credit for 10 days of closure or 10% towards the purchase of next year’s similar pass type; e.g. A Gold Pass Holder would get a 10% credit towards the purchase of next year’s Gold Pass, and a Midweek Pass Holder would get a 10% credit towards next year’s Midweek Pass)

If Mount Washington Alpine Resort is closed due to COVID-19 related issue between December 11^th and April 11^th, the purchaser of a 6ixPack of tickets will receive pro-rated credits towards the purchase of a 6ixPack of tickets for next season, per the following:

1. Credits are only applicable in the event of COVID-19 related closures and do not apply to any weather-related closures, pass holder injury, health-related absences, or other reasons
2. Closure credits would apply under the following COVID-19 related circumstances:
   • If a government entity requires closure
   • If the resort closes of its own accord due to COVID related issues
   • If a government health order is issued that restricts passage between the 6ixPak holder’s primary domicile and the resort
   • If a government entity issues a mandatory stay-at-home order covering the 6ixPak holder’s primary residence

Credits for any unused 6ixPak tickets as follows:

• If closure is 10 to 15 days, credit for unused tickets of up to 15% towards next 6ixPack
• If closure is 16 to 30 days, credit for unused tickets of up to 30% towards next 6ixPack
• If closure is 31 to 45 days, credit for unused tickets of up to 45% towards next 6ixPack
• If closure is 46 to 60 days, credit for unused tickets of up to 60% towards next 6ixPack
• If closure is 61 to 75 days, credit for unused tickets of up to 75% towards next 6ixPack
• If closure is 76 to 90 days, credit for unused tickets of up to 90% towards next 6ixPack
• If closure is 91 or more days, credit for unused tickets of up to 100% towards next 6ixPack

By way of example, if a 6ixPack purchaser had used all six tickets and the resort was to be closed for 33 days, there would be no credit because all the tickets were used.  If only one ticket had been used and the resort was closed for the same 33 days as the previous example, the purchaser would get a 45% credit towards the purchase of a 6ixPack next season - if this same purchaser had instead used up three tickets, next year’s 45% credit applies only to the three unused tickets.  If the resort were closed for 92 days and the purchaser had not had an opportunity to use any of the tickets, the purchaser would receive a 100% credit towards the next year’s 6ixPack, in other words, next year’s 6ixPack would be free.

BEAR & DEER LODGE - SLOPESIDE ACCOMMODATIONS

• Staff will complete a prescreening checklist before reporting to each shift and will maintain 6 ft distancing, practice frequent sanitization, as well as the use of PPE when appropriate while working.
• Reservations only accepted, with a two-night minimum on all stays.
• Sanitizer stations will be present at entrances. All guests are asked to sanitize prior to entering the lobby as well as their guest room.
• 6ft physical distancing in place for all staff and guests, at all times. PPE such as a mask is recommended for all visitors to have with them and use when appropriate, especially indoors.
• Staff will be regularly sanitizing public areas including the Front Desk and elevators. Signage will be added throughout lodges reminding guests and staff of how to best protect themselves and take precautions to prevent the spread of illness.
• A full deep-cleaning and isolation period of each room will take place after each guest. Professionally laundered (sterilized) sheets, towels, etc. Use of approved disinfectant on all surfaces when cleaning. All room keys thoroughly sanitized when returned. 
• Rooms will not be cleaned during guest stays, additional supplies can be delivered upon request only.
• Our team has been provided with additional training, cleaning supplies, PPE including masks and gloves, and will stay up to date on most current guidelines for the utmost safety of themselves and guests.

• What Is Electrostatic Disinfection? Electrostatic spray surface cleaning is the process of spraying an electrostatically charged mist onto surfaces and objects. Electrostatic spray uses a specialized solution that is combined with air and atomized by an electrode inside the sprayer. Subsequently, the spray contains positively charged particles that are able to aggressively adhere to surfaces and objects. Because the particles in the spray are positively charged, they wrap around and cling to and coat any surface.
• For awkwardly shaped objects or hard to reach places, cleaning staff only have to point and spray; the nature of the mist allows it to coat surfaces evenly, and envelope objects—even if the mist is only sprayed from one side. After the spray is applied, the sanitizing agent works to disinfect the covered surfaces. For this reason, electrostatic spray is an excellent solution for killing germs and contaminants.
• How Does Electrostatic Disinfection Work? Electrostatic spray is electrically charged, allowing the appropriate sanitizers, mold preventatives and disinfectants to wrap around and evenly coat all types of surfaces for a more complete clean. As the chemical exits the electrostatic sprayer, it’s given a positive electrical charge. The droplets then become attracted to all negative surfaces, covering the visible area, underside and backside, with the sanitizing agent. This improves infection control and reduces the spread of viruses such as influenza, MRSA, and coronaviruses.

Mount Washington Shuttle Bus Protocols for COVID-19

Bus travel to and from the mountain will be similar to the previous year’s service aside from the following procedures for COVID-19.

Staff and guests are to self-test to determine if they are experiencing any symptoms related to COVID-19 prior to deciding to use the Shuttle Bus. Staff and guests should not load any Mount Washington Bus or visit the mountain if they feel sick or if they answer yes or refuse to answer any screening questions:

• Do you have any symptoms of COVID-19?
• Are you the subject of a provincial/territorial or local public health order?
• Have you been refused boarding in the past 14 days due to a medical reason related to COVID‐19?

1. All riders are required to wear a face-covering when riding the buses. Bus drivers will not be supplying masks or face coverings. No facial covering, no bus riding.
2. All riders are required to sanitize hands once they have loaded and unloaded the bus using the supplied hand sanitizer station on the bus.
3. The first two front seats will not be available for seating. They will be blocked off to provide adequate spacing and safety for the driver.
4. Buses will be disinfected daily using an electro-static sprayer.
5. High touchpoints will be disinfected after each run with an approved disinfectant.
6. A sticker will be added to your season’s pass showing your proof of purchase, or staff pass, which must be shown when boarding the bus. This Shuttle Bus add-on is available when purchasing your Season Pass.
7. Once capacity has been reached, passengers will be passed by until space becomes available.
8. You must stay seated during the entire time you are on bus. No switching seats.
9. Dress appropriately. Some windows will remain open to allow for air movement.

There will be no pick-ups in the town of Comox this year. Pick-ups from Cumberland and Courtenay only as well as from the base parking lot.

Passenger loading will be first come first serve. Guests not compliant with protocols will be refused entry. There is no priority loading for Season Pass or Bus season pass holders. Guest’s will not be permitted on the early morning Staff only shuttles.