The fast approaching end to Ontario's stay-at-home order means outdoor activities at Boler Mountain are back on.
London's west-end ski hill has officially said it will be open for the winter season as of 9 a.m. next Tuesday.
"It’s go time! We are excited to announce that we will be opening for the Winter Season on Tuesday February 16th," Boler posted to social media.
Ski hills were shuttered back in December when the provincial government first put its 28-day stay-at-home order in place. Ontario was the only North American jurisdiction to prohibit downhill skiing as part of its public health measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19. The ongoing closure led Boler to cancel all season passes and group lessons for the 2021 ski season at the end of January.
However, as the province transitions back to its colour-coded restriction framework over the next three weeks, the industry has been granted approval to welcome outdoor enthusiasts back.
When the stay-at-home order is officially ended in Middlesex-London, Boler will allow skiers and snowboarders back on the slopes.
The not-for-profit said all lift tickets, rentals, and tubing tickets will have to be purchased online in advance. Tickets will be released four days in advance.
Boler's Facebook post about opening day was shared more than 100 times within 12 hours.
"Yippeeeeeee! So happy to finally have it opened," commented one excited skier.
"Can you say skipping school for ski day," wrote another.
Boler has stressed that anyone coming for a day of skiing can expect to follow COVID-19 safety protocols including wearing face coverings and only sharing the ski lift with members of the same household. Whether or not the chalet will be open for indoor seating will depend on whether the London region is placed in the orange-restrict or red-control tier of the province's colour-coded restriction system.