Sun Peaks Resort Corporation (SPRC) have asked local skiers and snowboarders to be patient as a new Snow Safety Program (SSP) is implemented in Gil’s this season.
Jamie Tattersfield, mountain operations manager for SPRC, said long-time locals may be concerned by more restricted access to Gil’s under the SSP, but the trade-off would result in more accessible and safer terrain for all.
“Locals are probably going to think we’re going over the top, but the fact of the matter is that we have to put in place this program (to comply with Worksafe B.C. regulations and for our own liability),” Tattersfield said.
“Bear with us as we put the SSP into place and get used to operating in the area.”
Tattersfield said elements of the SSP would require Gil’s to be closed at certain times, particularly after fresh snowfall, to allow for ski patrol to assess the area and conduct any avalanche control that may be required.
Additionally, like the West Bowl T-Bar, Gil’s will close at 2 p.m. to allow ski patrol to conduct a thorough sweep of the area before the lifts close.
Local skiers who were previously able to duck the rope and cross into the backcountry will no longer be able to enter Gil’s when the SSP is in place.
“There are going to be times when the area may not be as accessible as it used to be,” Tattersfield cautioned. “Now when it’s closed, it’s closed.”
Although Gil’s will come with some restrictions, Tattersfield is hopeful the new development will result in the popular locals’ area attracting more visitors keen to discover Gil’s.
With a huge amount of acreage to explore, the newly developed Offset ski-run, large, open faces and extensive gladed areas, Gil’s has plenty to offer to skiers and boarders.
“We’ve placed more signage to show you the way, and there’s a highly visible, double-roped ski area boundary, which will connect skiers and boarders back to The Other Way.
“There shouldn’t be any reason for anyone to miss the boundary,” Tattersfield said.
Additionally, the boundary will ensure ski and snowboard traffic is kept separate from the snowmobiles who frequent the backcountry.
Ken Hammell, risk management and safety programs director for SPRC, said details on Gil’s opening and closing times would be updated daily.
“The condition of Gil’s will be identified every morning between 8 and 8:15 a.m. and will be posted on the Sun Peaks Resort web page,” Hammell said.
Information will also be posted at the bottom of the Crystal and Burfield chairlifts, and at all three gates accessing Gil’s.
For up to date information on the Snow Safety Program and conditions in Gil’s, visit the Sun Peaks Resort website.
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