CALGARY—Ski season’s starting for three major resorts in the mountains on Friday — but weed still won’t be allowed at two of them.
Those looking to toke at either Sunshine Village or Nakiska Ski Area are out of luck, despite the legalization of recreational cannabis in October. Sunshine Village said this is because it wants to maintain a family-friendly atmosphere.
“We’re not allowing the use of cannabis in any capacity at our resort,” said Kendra Scurfield, Sunshine Village’s brand and communications manager.
The same goes for Nakiska. It cited a code set out by the Canada West Ski Areas Association, which suggests skiers or snowboarders should not use lifts or slopes if they’re impaired by the use of drugs.
“We have not changed any of our (policies) since legalization — as we have always had … no-smoking in lift lines or in or around public spaces,” said Matt Mosteller, senior vice-president of marketing and resort experience for Resorts of the Canadian Rockies.
Lake Louise Ski Resort is still working on its policy. It hopes to decide before opening for the season on Friday at 9 a.m., said Dan Markham, the resort’s director of brand and communications.
“It’s going to be highly restrictive — if allowed at all,” he said.
The resort is mulling two possible options: ban cannabis use everywhere except two or three designated smoking areas, or ban smoking of any kind — weed or tobacco — anywhere on the premises.
While the Town of Banff prohibits cannabis smoking or vaping, it is allowed in Banff National Park and Lake Louise, so long as it isn’t done within five metres of a building.
Sunshine Village’s first gondola chair of the day will leave at 8:30 a.m. on Friday, Lake Louise’s is expected to go at 9 a.m., and Nakiska said it’ll be open for the season by 12:30 p.m.
Friday’s weather in Banff is expected to be cloudy with a high of 1 C and a 60 per cent chance of flurries, according to Environment Canada. Saturday will have a mix of sun and cloud and a high of 0 C, while Sunday could be a little chillier at -3 C.
Credit: thestar.com
