Skiers’ group pushes for vaccination proof to ride gondolas at Whistler Blackcomb – Vancouver Sun

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He is part of a "Load Safe Whistler" group behind a 12,000 name petition, calling on the provincial health officer to order proof of vaccination to ride in the five gondolas at Whistler Blackcomb.

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Nick Green has been skiing at Whistler Blackcomb since it opened 41 years ago, but this year his enthusiasm has been dampened by concern that unvaccinated people could be riding with him on the gondolas.

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Its like Russian roulette because you dont know the vaccination status of the nine other people in the gondola with you, said Green.

The 70 year-old cancer survivor is part of a Load Safe Whistler group behind a 12,000 name petition, calling on the provincial health officer to order proof of vaccination to ride in the five gondolas at Whistler Blackcomb.

Packing 10 strangers into an enclosed gondola for a minimum 25 minute ride is the very definition of an enclosed space, so its totally mysterious to me why Dr. Bonnie Henry wont protect us, he said.

Henry, the provincial health officer, told reporters on Tuesday it is not her job to micromanage businesses.

As with many specific businesses, I think that is not my role, she said. My role is to advise different businesses on how to do their business safely and I would encourage people who ski at Whistler to make their views known to Vail, who makes those decisions.

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Green said dozens of letters have been sent to the U.S. owner, Vail Resorts, to no avail.

Its a Mexican standoff with the resort, he explained. They simply say they are complying with public health requirements. By doing this, Vail has positioned Whistler as the number 1 choice of the anti-vaxxers.

In a written statement, Vail Resorts said guests must show their vaccine cards in all dining areas and bars, masks are mandated in all indoor spaces and all of its employees are required to be vaccinated.

Our goal is to keep our guests, employees and communities safe and to keep our mountains open for a long, successful ski and ride season, it said.

The resort was forced to close early for the past two years because of COVID-19 outbreaks, despite the requirement then that people could only ride in a gondola by themselves or with those in their bubble.

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Vancouver Coastal Health said data from last year showed most of the 2,000 cases of the virus at Whistler between October and May were transmitted between roommates in household settings, or among friends at social gatherings, and the risk is low this year due to a very high rate of vaccination in the Whistler community, a very low background rate of COVID-19 in the region and a robust communicable disease prevention plan by Vail Resorts.

The municipality of Whistler said in a statement that it continues to rely on the advice of the provincial health officer in regards to preventing the spread of COVID-19 in the community.

Green believes local politicians are running scared.

There is an incredible fear that you cannot question anything public health is doing, he insisted. And, Vail is the biggest taxpayer and contributor to all the associations in Whistler. Its the biggest employer and council is scared of offending it.

Nevertheless, Green said his group isnt giving up its fight.

I have produced thousands of stickers saying I have my COVID vaccine and we have retired doctors and senior lawyers who plan to hand them out to people to put on their helmets so when you are in the lineup you can look around and feel safe loading with people.

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Skiers' group pushes for vaccination proof to ride gondolas at Whistler Blackcomb - Vancouver Sun