Snow cannons have already been launched on several Latvian ski slopes tonight, and at the end of this week the slopes could welcome the first visitors, observing the epidemiological safety regulations, reports Re TV.
Juris Žagars, the head of the Latvian Ski Association, the manager of the “Žagarkalns” track, tells the television channel that snow blowers will be switched on in Žagarkalns tonight to receive the first people who want to ski at the weekend. “All 12 snow cannons will start working in Žagarkalns tonight to cover one track. The total cost per day is more than 2000 euros, ”says Žagars.
Prior to admitting clients, the ski slopes must receive written approval from the Center for Disease Prevention and Control (SPKC) as well as the Ministry of Education and Science (MES) in order to know the exact conditions of the restrictions.
“Orally, we have received confirmation from the SPKC that they see no reason why you can’t ski downhill in the fresh air – if you can ski at a distance, you can ski uphill. Representatives of the Ministry of Education and Science also verbally confirmed that there are no contradictions between the regulations, ”says Žagars.
The Ministry of Education and Science has received a letter from the Latvian Ski Federation and will evaluate it in cooperation with the Ministry of Health and the SPCC, with the main emphasis on compliance with epidemiological regulations. The MES will provide an answer to the Ski Federation on Wednesday, December 9.
The Latvian Ski Federation, the Association of Ski Slopes, together with the Association of Instructors, have developed a plan for putting residents on skis and snowboards for outdoor sports. Crowding people up the mountain is not a big risk. The most important thing will be to limit the number of people at the rental point. The cafes will be open, but you will be able to get food only to take away – you will be able to eat next to the track, where there will be bonfires. Changing rooms will not be open.
Žagars points out that the most important thing will be to limit the number of people, one person to 30 square meters. People will have to apply for a specific time when they arrive, a ticket will be reserved. It is possible to regulate the flow of visitors.
If there is a queue at the lifts, the skiers must be in line one after the other, keeping a distance of at least two meters. Only one person or two may be on one lift if they come from the same household.
On the ski slopes, “ReTV” indicates that the phones are hot, because people are thirsty after active recreation on the mountain. The demand will be high, so you will have to book your preferred time for skiing on the slopes in time.
Information on the Žagarkalns website shows that snow production has already started there tonight and there are hopes to open the first track at the weekend, in accordance with the safety measures in force.
According to the current regulations of the Cabinet of Ministers, outdoor sports are currently allowed for a limited number of people, subject to strict safety measures. The main rule will be to limit the number of skiers on one track per lift during a given period. Before arriving on the mountain, the skier will have to register in the electronic system and book the skiing time. The day will be divided into two-hour periods and skiers will only be able to apply for this time. The lift ticket will only be available for the two hours in question.
Meanwhile, the Milzkalns website says that it is very long after the winter, but with the current snow it is not enough to be able to prepare the tracks, but appropriate weather conditions are eagerly awaited.
The Ozolkalns website says that it will try to start producing snow on the night of Monday, December 7. Whether you can produce so much snow that you can open at least one track depends on the weather. As you know, it takes at least -4 degrees Celsius and the wind must not be too strong. If all goes well, the mountain test mode may be open on the afternoon of Friday, December 11th.
At the same time, Ozolkalns calls on everyone in advance to be responsible and understanding of the national restrictions on Covid-19. The representatives of the track also point out that the equipment rental will be open, however, the flow of visitors will be regulated and they must be prepared for the fact that there will be no changing rooms or the possibility to stay indoors for a long time.
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