HEALTH CRISIS PUTS END TO HIDDEN VALLEY SKI SEASON

HUNTSVILLE — The ski season is over here at the local ski hill.

“After considerable thought and deliberation about our effort to help in reducing the spread of COVID-19 (Coronavirus) outbreak, and in what I believe is in the best interest of our guests, employees and local communities, Hidden Valley Highlands Ski Area & the Muskoka Ski Club will suspend operations as of 4 p.m. Sunday March 15 for the remainder of the 2019/20 winter season,” says Andrew Rusynyk.

All guest services, lift operations, food and beverage, retail and rental services will be closed as of this date.

Rusynyk says staff will work directly with guests in cancelling their visit with no administration fees. We anticipate heavy call volume over the next several days and appreciate guests’ patience as we work hard to respond to all inquiries.

“We sincerely apologize for the inconvenience this short notice will undoubtedly create. We look forward to welcoming you back to Hidden Valley Highlands Ski Area next December for an amazing 2020/21 ski and snowboard season.

The comfort, safety and enjoyment of our Members and Guests is always our number one priority and it is no different during this time of concern surrounding COVID-19 virus.” He said the recent statement by Ontario’s Chief Medical Officer of Health about recommending the immediate suspension of all large events and public gatherings of over 250 people due to COVID-19, plus recent information provided by the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC), the World Health Organization (WHO) and Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit has lead us to make the extremely difficult decision to close all guest operations … to help reduce the risk of spread of the virus.

“Thank you for your understanding this extremely difficult and challenging situation.”