Learn how we are mitigating COVID-19 risk at the lodge
We sincerely thank everyone for their patience while we plan for our winter operations. As the global pandemic continues to evolve and change, so too will our procedures. Check back often for more information as we will be updating this page regularly. We do look forward to seeing all our friends, guests and staff soon. We will be skiing and it will be awesome!
Yours truly, The Island Lake Team
COVID-19 Information for Catskiing Guests
Pre-Arrival
- If you have travelled outside of Canada within the 14 days prior to arrival, are experiencing ANY symptoms of COVID-19 or have been in close contact with a symptomatic person known or suspected to have COVID-19 within 14 days of your trip, we kindly ask that you contact us right away so we can reschedule your visit.
- Each guest will receive communication from Island Lake prior to their arrival with information about our check in policies, services and details about the lodge and their stay.
- Guests are encouraged to communicate any questions or requests with us prior to arrival to reduce contact between staff and guests during your stay. If there is anything you need during your stay, please feel free to call or email us and we’ll be happy to arrange a contactless transaction.
Health Assessment
- Guests will be required to complete a health self-assessment prior to arrival.
- Anyone who is visibly unwell at the lodge will be immediately quarantined and not permitted to participate in any activities until cleared to do so.
- Staff will complete a daily self-assessment prior to coming to work and they are required to stay home if unwell.
Physical Distancing
- The total number of guests and staff in the lodge will be reduced.
- Guests will be asked to respect a minimum distance of 2 meters apart when not with their family unit or travel cohort.
- Guest arrivals and departures will be staggered.
- Traffic flow will be controlled throughout the lodge complex. Signage and markers communicating physical distancing protocols have been installed in areas of higher traffic.
- The number of guests and staff at any one time will be limited in high congestion areas such as the ski equipment room, guest locker room, retail space and the spa.
- Protective screens have been placed in areas where it is difficult to maintain physical distance such as the Front Desk.
Face Masks
The wearing of face masks can reduce the spread of COVID-19 protecting both the wearer and others. For this reason, face masks are mandatory in all common areas in the lodge complex and inside the snow cats. Once seated at the bar or in the dining room, guests may remove their masks to eat and drink.
Guests are required to bring two non-medical face masks on their trip.
Non-medical face masks should:
- Allow for easy breathing.
- Be made of at least 3 layers: 2 layers of tightly woven material fabric such as cotton or linen, The 3rd (middle) layer of filter-type fabric (e.g. polypropylene).
- Completely and comfortably cover the nose and mouth without gaping or requiring frequent adjustment.
- Fit securely to the head with ties or loops.
- Be changed as soon as possible if damp or dirty.
Non-medical face masks should be washed in soap and warm water, and thoroughly dried at the end of each day. Face masks should be stored in a paper bag, envelope, or something that will not retain moisture in between use.
In the event that a guest arrives without an appropriate face mask, Island Lake will have masks available for purchase.
Housekeeping Service
- No in room housekeeping services will be provided during your stay. Additional towels and amenities are available on request and staff can arrange a contactless delivery.
- Guest rooms will be sanitized with an electrostatic sprayer 3 hours after each check out and again once housekeeping has completed their cleaning.
- Personal Protective Equipment will be worn by all housekeeping staff and changed after use in each guest room.
- All single-use items and remnants, even if they seem unused or untouched will be discarded between each guest stay. This includes, but is not limited to, toilet paper, soap, shampoo.
Public Spaces
- Sanitation and hand washing stations have been installed in key public areas throughout the property.
- Increased frequency of cleaning and disinfecting especially on high touch point areas.
- The saunas will not be available for use.
- Masks are required in public spaces.
Restaurant and Bar
- Separate entry and exits will be used along with signage and floor markings to ensure physical distancing.
- Tables have been placed with adequate spacing between (2 meters) and allow the seating of up to 6 guests in accordance with provincial requirements. We ask that guest please refrain from moving tables.
- Service area at the end of each table will allow for food to be dropped and collected to ensure servers maintain physical distance and avoid leaning over diners.
- Increased hygiene protocols for all staff including hand sanitizing between all touch points and increased hand washing.
- Increased frequency of cleaning for both the front and back of house.
Spa
- The number of treatments and number of staff in our spa have been reduced.
- All spa practitioners and guests are required to wear a mask during their treatments.
- The spa facility will be thoroughly disinfected before and after each treatment.
- Masks are required in the spa.
Cats
- The maximum number of guests in the snowcat will be reduced to 10.
- A hand sanitizing station will be installed at the entrance to the coach.
- Staff will sit in the front compartment of the cat.
- Masks are required inside of the cats
- Guests will be assigned seats in the cat.
- Face masks must be worn at all times when inside the cat.
- Improved air ventilation systems will be installed inside the coach.
- Lunch will be picnic style and eaten outside to allow for safe distancing between guests.
- Snowcats will be sanitized at the end of each day and in between groups on changeover days.
After digesting all that you probably need to watch some skiing!
