Covid-19 Update

2021/22 Winter Operating Update

February 9, 2022

Norquay is committed to providing a safe environment to visit, and we continue to follow the Alberta Government’s Covid health protocols.

From Wednesday, February 9, Proof of full vaccination is no longer required as part of ‘Step 1’ of the Government’s phasing out of Covid health measures.

Under the new Public Health Orders, some measures remain in place and will continue to be enforced here at Norquay including mandatory masking indoors.

The Following orders remain during ‘Step1’:

Users of Norquay indoor facilities will be required to wear a mask
From February 14^th, Children 12 years and under will no longer need to wear a mask indoors
The capacity of our Cascade lodge will remain reduced, and we will continue to space tables to allow for more distance between individuals, groups, and families.

2021/22 Winter Operating Update

October 29, 2021

After several weeks of seeking clarification from Alberta Health Services (AHS) for guidelines on the best way to operate, this 2021/22 winter season we have decided to implement the Province of Alberta’s Restriction Exemption Program (REP) across all facilities at Mt Norquay.
Currently, implementing the REP program best ensures the safety of our guests and staff and allows us to efficiently operate our lifts and indoor spaces at full capacity.

The REP program requires those 12 years and over who are visiting us to show proof of vaccination, along with government-issued identification for those who are 18 years or older. An Alberta Government-approved, privately paid negative rapid test taken within 72 hours will also be accepted. Test results must be printed, photos will not be accepted as outlined by AHS (view here). Medical exemptions as required by the Alberta Government will also be accepted (view here)

So, what does this mean for you when visiting us this season?

Norquay Season Pass & Big Drop Card Holders:

For those required under the REP program, proof of vaccination must be presented at the time you collect your season pass. This will allow for ease of access all season long, both onto our lifts and into indoor spaces. For those who prefer to present an eligible rapid covid test on each visit, after being screened you will collect a day ticket at guest services.

Daily Lift Tickets and Costco tickets:

For those who are paying per day or have pre-purchased your lift ticket online or at Costco, we will require proof of your vaccine or a valid rapid test before we can issue you with your daily lift ticket.

Big3, Rocky Mountain Passport, Ikon or Mountain Collective* Season Passes:

Passes that would normally be direct to lift will require us to validate your proof of vaccine before you can enter our premises. A security validation sticker will be placed on your pass, and this will allow for quicker access on subsequent visits. Those who opt to present their eligible negative rapid test will need to stop by Guest Services and a daily lift ticket will be issued.
* Mountain Collective passes holders receive 50% off the cost of a Ski Big3 day ticket when visiting Norquay and are direct to lift if you have your credit card linked.

Ski Big3 single or multi-day ticket. (Not season Passes)

Ski Big3 day and multi-day ticket holders will need to show their vaccination proof or negative rapid test on each visit upon arrival at Mt Norquay.

How about the Tube Park?

The tube park will also be operating under the REP program. So those who are 12 years and over will need to show proof of vaccination or a printed negative rapid test taken within 72 hours and a government-issued ID.

My child is in Snow School, and I choose not to be vaccinated. Will I be able to drop them off?

Yes, you can drop them off, but you will not be able to enter Norquay facilities past the 5-minute parking area without or a printed negative rapid test taken within 72 hours and government ID.

How about riding the free Norquay shuttle bus?

Before boarding the shuttle bus, we ask that you have your proof of vaccine, or your valid rapid covid test, as well as your government-issued photo ID ready to show your driver before boarding. Our buses are also operating under the REP program.
If you are a Norquay season pass holder or have a season pass listed in the season pass section that has been validated and stickered, our drivers will also accept these as your proof of vaccination.

New COVID-19 Operating Update

September 17, 2021

Following the Covid-19 safety measures introduced by the Government of Alberta on Thursday, September 16^th the following changes have been made in addition to our general and via ferrata safety measures.

Via Ferrata & Sightseeing Chairlift
As an outdoor activity, Via Ferrata and Sightseeing Chairlift guests do not need to show proof of their Covid-19 vaccination or recent Covid-19 PCR test. Indoor spaces that are used for check-in and gearing up will be limited to one-third of fire code capacity with masks mandatory and 2-metre physical distancing required.

Cliffhouse Bistro
With the most recent announcement from the Government of Alberta regarding COVID-19 safety measures, we will be participating in the Restrictions Exemption Program, effective Monday, September 20^th at the Cliffhouse Bistro and the following will be required:

We’ll be asking all guests to provide valid proof of vaccination before entering the Cliffhouse Bistro.
Alternatively, guests can choose to provide proof of a privately-paid, negative PCR or rapid test within 72 hours of service (tests from AHS or Alberta Precision Laboratories not allowed) or documentation of a medical exemption.
For all guests 18 and over, a valid photo ID will be required to verify the vaccination, COVID-19 test, or medical exemption. Guests under 12 will not be required to provide proof of vaccination or other.
No personal information will be kept or stored.

Winter Operations:
We will continue to review how the recently announced Covid-19 health measures will be implemented in different areas of the resort and will provide an update as soon as we can.

Summer Operations Update Under COVID-19

June 12, 2021

We care about the safety and well-being of our guests and staff.

We continue to monitor Alberta Health Services’ guidelines and adjust our operations accordingly.

Here are some of the changes we have made to provide a safer environment here at Norquay.

General Safety Measures

Masks are required in all indoor spaces and while loading and unloading the chairlift.
Capacity reductions have been put in place in our buildings as well as other public spaces to ensure adequate physical distancing. This includes reduced seating capacity in the North American Lodge and the Cliffhouse Bistro.
We have increased the frequency of cleaning and enhanced the level of sanitation of all public areas and buildings.
Hand sanitizer stations will be found at the entrance and exit of buildings, at the bottom and top station of the chairlift, and at all washrooms. We ask that hand sensitization takes place before the use of any of our facilities.
We encourage the purchase of online tickets to reduce close interaction and touchpoints as much as possible.
Chairlifts will be loaded with single passengers unless guests are riding with family or friends with whom they are traveling. Hand sanitation must take place before loading the chairlift.
Plexiglas barriers have been placed at our guest services desks to provide extra protection for both staff and guests.
Staff screening for illness takes place before every shift.
We insist that anyone experiencing symptoms including cough, fever, shortness of breath, runny nose, or sore throat that is not related to a pre-existing illness or health condition or are otherwise required to isolate or quarantine must not visit us at this time.

Via Ferrata Specific Safety Measures

We are spreading our tour departures out and creating a greater frequency so that we have fewer people checking in at any given time.
Small private groups are available, please inquire about related booking fees.
Hand sanitizer is stationed along the Via Ferrata routes.
We have implemented online waivers that allow us to reduce the number of touchpoints at check-in. We suggest that Via Ferrata participants arrive at Norquay having completed the waiver that will be emailed with your reservation confirmation.
Physical distancing (2-meter separation) will be practiced along the Via Ferrata routes.
Guides will have face masks for times when physical distancing is not possible.
Enhanced cleaning and sanitation of safety and rental equipment takes place between every use.
We encourage participants to bring their own sturdy hiking boots and rainwear rather than relying on free Norquay rentals, however, rental equipment will still be available at no cost.

December 12th, 2020

The Alberta government has announced new COVID-19 safety measures that will impact some of the products and services we offer, and we are adapting accordingly.
We are pleased to support all health measures that are introduced to keep our communities safe and support those working the front lines in our hospitals and health services.
Please read on for the ‘need-to-know’ when you visit Norquay starting Sunday, December 13.

LODGES / FOOD & BEVERAGE

* Lodge Capacity Limited to 15%
* Limited grab-and-go food items will be available for purchase
* No bag storage will be permitted inside or outside of the lodges. All personal items MUST be stored in your vehicle.
* Masks are MANDATORY while in any indoor space including our lodges
* Limited seating is for individuals or households only
* No social gatherings of any kind
* Please keep your time in the lodge limited to 15-minutes maximum to allow others to utilize the space.

SNOW SCHOOL LESSONS
* Beginning Sunday, December 13^th, group lessons are no longer available unless the group is from the same household
* Special individual lesson pricing is being offered, availability will be limited. Midweek lessons are more readily available and at a discounted rate
* Advance purchase is strongly recommended
* A non-medical mask must be worn at all times during beginner and child lessons
* A face covering is required for all lessons, to be worn in lift lines, while riding the lift, and when a 2-meter distance cannot be maintained
* Where a lesson participant is unable or unwilling to wear a suitable face covering, the lesson will be stopped

SHUTTLE BUS SERVICE

* Norquay Shuttle buses will not be running until further notice

OUTDOOR SPACES AND PARKING LOT

* Masks are MANDATORY in lift lines while riding the lifts, and anywhere physical distancing cannot be maintained
* Please adhere to all mask and physical distancing signage.
* Be aware of those around you and maintain a physical distance of 2-metres
* No social gatherings are allowed

RENTALS

* With further restriction to capacity please wait outside until our staff can assist you
* At busier times we may take your details, allowing you to return to the warmth or your vehicle. We will call you when we have the capacity to assist you
* Masks are MANDATORY in the rental shop
* Longer wait times should be anticipated

GUEST SERVICES

* Limited capacity in guest services, please adhere to the posted capacity limit
* Before arriving to collect your season pass please complete the online waiver here

TUBE PARK

The Norquay Tube park is scheduled to open on Friday, December 18

* North American Lodge is for washroom and retail store access only
* No Food or beverage sales available until further notice
* Masks mandatory while tubing, in all Norquay buildings and in lineups
* Tubes will not be shared between participants, all tubes are sanitized between morning and afternoon sessions
* Dress warm, come prepared to be outside for the duration of your tubing session
* Follow all mask and physical distancing signage

Winter 2020/21 COVID-19 Operating Update

November 25, 2020

As always, the health and safety of our staff and guests is at the top of our priority list, as such things are going to be a little different this season while operating during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Know Before you arrive:

– Face coverings are mandatory when visiting Norquay
– All daily skiing and tubing lift tickets must be pre-purchased
– Upon arrival at Norquay, there will be a greeting station with health checks.
– We will be keeping records on visitation in case it is required by the AHS for contact tracing purposes only.

Following the announcement on November 24th from the provincial government please be reminded:

– When you are outside you must limit any socialization to a group of 10 individuals or less
– When dining indoors, you must be seated with only members of your household

It is up to all of us to work together, being patient and caring. By following Alberta Health Services (AHS) guidelines, and incorporating industry best practices we can have a great, safe winter season.

Tickets & Passes

Following the current AHS guidelines and industry best practices, we are confident that we will not be limited in our skier/boarder capacity at Norquay this winter. We do however require the pre-purchase of all ski and tubing lift tickets as this allows us to share guest information for the purpose of contact tracing with Alberta Health Services should this be required.

Pre-purchasing daily lift tickets are required. A voucher will be issued and exchanged for your lift ticket upon arrival.
Our season pass refund policy has been updated. Please familiarise yourself with the updated policy, a refund is still being offered prior to November 1^st to those who wish to forgo their season pass this winter. Check out the season pass policy here
We ask that our online season pass waiver is completed before arriving at Norquay to collect your season pass. Click here to complete your waiver.

Indoor Facilities

The Cascade Lodge and the North American Tubing Lodge will see reduced capacities following AHS guidelines.

An appropriate mask or face covering will be required in all indoor spaces
An appropriate mask must securely cover the nose, mouth, and chin and is in contact with the surrounding face without gapping.
All Norquay staff will be wearing face coverings and/or shields
Building occupancy counters for peak days weekends and holidays
Doorway entrance dividers for directional traffic flow with directional arrows, more space at entry points to allow for physical distancing
Tables in all facilities will be spread out, allowing for 2-meter spacing
Enhanced cleaning and sensitization throughout indoor facilities will be in place.
High touchpoints will be sanitized a minimum of 3 times/day and enhanced deep cleaning will take place every night
Storage racks for personal items to be limited to one cohort per shelf, if this system is abused racks may be removed. We encourage people to use their cars for keeping personal items including lunches
We will be offering more ‘Grab-and-Go’ items in the Cafeteria to help reduce lineups
The Norquay Daycare will be closed for the 20/21 season. The daycare space will be utilized for our snow school registration and staff, allowing for more lodge space.
We are working with our race and freestyle clubs who call Norquay home to space out in the lodge with designated seating. They will also work some of their away from our busiest weekends and holidays.
The utilization of outdoor patio seating will be encouraged.

We know many of our guests will be looking forward to enjoying chef Morne’s delicious food but on the busier days consider packing a lunch and utilizing the outdoor patio or your vehicle as a base. Go it old-school and do a little tailgating!

Ski Lifts & Outdoors

Following the current AHS guidelines there will be no restrictions to the capacity of our lifts. We will be asking that people practice physical distancing and to wear face coverings where keeping a 2-metre distance is not possible.

Upon arrival at Norquay, there will be a greeting station with health checks, health check signage, and information for guests. With physical distancing markers and hand sanitization station.

Masks must be worn when riding lifts as well as in lift line-ups and anywhere that maintaining a 2-metre physical distance is more difficult.
An appropriate mask must securely cover the nose, mouth, and chin and is in contact with the surrounding face without gapping.
2-metre physical distancing in lineups
Hand sanitizer available at loading/unloading points
Ride chairlifts in your cohorts.
Lift attendants will be wearing face coverings and/or face shields
Ski Patrol will wear face coverings and practice stringent COVID measures when attending to on-mountain incidents

Snow School

Snow School group sizes will be limited dependent on age and ability
The Daycare will be closed this season and the space will be used for snow school
Instructors will wear face-covering when physical distancing is not possible
Instructors will not be having lunch with guests
Cohort group lessons available
First-time ‘Discovery Lessons’ will be taught using a ‘station teaching’ method to allow for adequate physical distancing between guests.
Group lessons sizes and capacity limited, instructors will use methods to decrease physical interaction with guests
If you are renting equipment, please arrive at least an hour before your lesson time to get fitted and collect your rentals. Please anticipate longer than usual wait times for rental equipment

Tube Park

The Norquay Tube Park is a great place to get outside and enjoy hassle-free mountain fun! This winter we will be doing things a bit differently to ensure the safety of our staff and guests.

Tickets must be pre-purchased online. We will have capacity restrictions in the tube park, we don’t want to disappoint those who arrive without tickets when we are sold out.
Morning and afternoon sessions will be in effect all season. Sessions are capped at 200 people
Space will be limited in the North American tube lodge, face coverings are mandatory.
Reduced food and beverage offerings with more ‘grab-and-go’ items
2-metre physical distancing and face coverings are at all times while tubing.
Tubes will not be shared; all tubes will be sanitized between sessions
Physical distancing in line ups outdoors is required along with mandatory face masks for staff and guests

Rental Shop

Rentals will be offered from the Norquay rental shop this winter. With extra precautions for health and safety in place, we do anticipate slightly longer waits to get equipment this season. If you are taking lessons, please come early! The rental shop will be open from 8 am every day.

Sanitation of equipment will take place daily. Equipment will only be rented once per day
Face coverings are mandatory in the rental shop
2 metre physical distancing is required while waiting in line

Busing

Norquay buses will be running a regularly scheduled service this winter. We will be operating following the guidelines set out for public transit.

Face coverings are mandatory on all Norquay shuttle buses
There will be health screening checks before entering the bus
Loading and unloading of equipment will be the responsibility of guests, however, as always, your friendly Norquay bus driver will be there to assist as needed
Extra sanitization of buses will be taking place between every trip with the focus on high touch surfaces
Deep cleaning of buses will take place daily

Summer Operations Update Under COVID-19

June 3, 2020

We care about the safety and well being of our guests and staff.

We have worked hard to implement a plan that allows us to provide a unique and enjoyable summer experience while reducing the risk of COVID-19 transmission, helping to keep all those here at Norquay safe. We continue to monitor Alberta Health Services’ guidelines and adjust our operations accordingly.

2020 Summer Opening Dates:

Via Ferrata – June 19th (weather permitting)
Sightseeing & Cliffhouse Bistro – June 19^th

Here are some of the changes we have made to provide a safer environment here at Norquay.

General Safety Measures

Capacity reductions have been put in place in our buildings as well as other public spaces to ensure adequate physical distancing. This includes reduced seating capacity in the North American Lodge and the Cliffhouse Bistro.
We have increased the frequency of cleaning and enhanced the level sanitation of all public areas and buildings.
Hand sanitizer stations will be found at the entrance and exit of buildings, at the bottom and top station of the chairlift and at all washrooms. We ask that hand sensitization takes place before the use of any of our facilities.
We encourage the purchase of online tickets to reduce close interaction and touchpoints as much as possible.
Chairlifts will be loaded with single passengers unless guests are riding with family or friends whom they are traveling with. Hand sanitation must take place before loading the chairlift.
Plexiglas barriers have been placed at our guest services desks to provide extra protection for both staff and guests.
Staff screening for illness will take place before every shift.
We insist that anyone experiencing symptoms including cough, fever, shortness of breath, runny nose or sore throat that are not related to a pre-existing illness or health condition, or are otherwise required to isolate or quarantine must not visit us at this time.

Via Ferrata Specific Safety Measures

We are spreading our tour departures out and creating a greater frequency so that we have fewer people checking in at any given time.
We are restricting via ferrata to 4 people per guide from a normal 8 unless the booking is of a family or group who are traveling together. To book larger groups than 4, please call 1-844-NORQUAY (1-844-667-7829) within Canada or 1-403-762-4421. You can also email res@banffnorquay.com.
Small private groups are also available, please inquire for related booking fees.
Hand sanitizer is stationed along the via ferrata routes.
We are implementing online waivers that will allow us to reduce the number of touch points at check-in. We ask that via ferrata participants arrive at Norquay having completed the waiver that will be emailed with your reservation confirmation.
Physical distancing (2-meter separation) will be practiced along the via ferrata routes.
Guides will have face masks for times when physical distancing is not possible.
Enhanced cleaning and sanitation of safety and rental equipment will take place between every use.
We encourage participants to bring there own sturdy hiking boots and rainwear rather than relying on free Norquay rentals, however, rental equipment will still be available at no cost.

Season Pass Update – May 20, 2020

An early closure to the 2019/20 season due to COVID-19 was tough for us all but we cannot thank our community of skiers and boarders enough for the continued support. As a gesture of gratitude, we have further discounted our ‘Extra Value’ passes and extended renewal discounts on full season pass. We have also changed some policies to provide comfort for those looking to purchase their 2020/21 season pass early and in doing so, securing the best possible price.

A ‘No Questions Asked’ refund policy will be in effect until October 31, 2020. Click here for details.
Renewal discounts for 2019/20 season pass holders.

Season Pass Renewal Discounts

Extra Value Season Passes – Norquay 90 and Power of 4

Norquay 90 passes are now called Norquay 95 passes, in celebration of our 95^th season. As a huge thank you for sticking with us, during our Early Bird pass sale 2020/21 passes have been heavily discounted below last season’s prices.

These value season passes are all about providing affordable access to rocky mountain skiing. In this spirit and knowing there may be members of our communities facing challenges, we decided to extend this discount to the community at large. We hope you don’t mind that we’re sharing these saving, these passes are all about community spirit! Sale Ends June 30th, 2020.

Norquay Full Season Passes

As a thank you for your on-going support we are providing a 20% renewal discount on an equivalent season pass for next season. Please keep an eye on your email inbox, we are sending out a one-time use promo code. If you haven’t yet received this email please send us a note to; info@banffnorquay.com, we don’t want anyone to miss out. Sorry, the discount does not apply to $95 senior passes and $25 Super Senior Passes.

Spring Season Passes

Credits are being issued on spring passes based on usage. If you have not yet heard from us, please send us an email to info@banffnorquay.com. We’ll take a look and see how often you were able to ski/ride and we’ll send you a credit voucher that can be used on a season pass for next winter.

March 16, 2020

To our Norquay Ski Community;

With the health and safety of our staff, guests and community as our paramount concern, in light of the Covid-19 outbreak, we have now made the decision to close all operations from Monday, March 16^th.

We continue to monitor the advice from our national and local health services, we will keep our skiing community updated should this closure change.

The closure includes our guest services office, if you have questions regarding products or services purchased please email us at info@banffnorquay.com, we will be in touch with you over the coming days.

We thank all those of you who were able to join us this season – please keep healthy and safe, and we’ll look forward to welcoming you back to Norquay once the situation improves / we are able.

For more information on COVID-19, please refer to the Alberta Government website. Alberta: https://www.alberta.ca/coronavirus-info-for-albertans.aspx;

Team Norquay

March 15, 2020

We are committed to the health and safety of our guests and employees. At this time, we are fully open for business. The risk in Alberta from COVID-19 is currently assessed as low. For Alberta specific information, please visit https://www.albertahealthservices.ca/topics/Page16944.aspx

We are in regular contact with local and provincial health authorities to ensure we are aware of current recommendations. We are monitoring the situation on a daily basis and taking appropriate precautions.

For the health and safety of our guests and employees, we have increased the frequency of surface cleaning and sanitization and have added additional hand sanitizers in public places.

We are encouraging and reminding guests and staff about effective hygienic procedures such as frequent and thorough handwashing and avoiding touching your face and reducing direct contact with others.

For more information on COVID-19, please refer to the Alberta Government website. Alberta: https://www.alberta.ca/coronavirus-info-for-albertans.aspx;