COVID-19 Policies
What happens if you get shut down because of COVID-19?
Chicopee has a full COVID-19 Assurance Plan that works on a credit system. Please click HERE to read more about what happens if Chicopee is closed due to COVID-19.
Do I have to wear a mask?
YES! Public Health requires all guests in the chalet, lift lines, on chairlifts, and in lessons to wear a face mask.
Do I have to be vaccinated to visit Chicopee?
Yes! Chicopee is a fully vaccinated facility (staff and guests). You will be required to show proof of vaccination and photo ID before entering the property. Everyone ages 12+ (born 2009 or earlier) must be vaccinated. If you are an unvaccinated parent dropping off your child for lessons, please register them for our Curbside Drop-off & Pick-up Program by e-mailing guestservices@chicopee.ca. Per public health guidelines, we are required to see proof of vaccination with photo ID, and collect information for contact tracing purposes for access to our Food and Beverage area (second floor of the Chalet).
Click HERE to read more about Chicopee's COVID-19 Operational Plan for the 2021/22 winter season.
Memberships/Passes/Cards/Lift Tickets
What is Chicopee Insurance?
Chicopee Insurance is offered to everyone purchasing a Membership, Card, Pass or Program. Insurance must be purchased at the same time as the original sale, it cannot be added at a later date. The Insurance allows the opportunity for a prorated refund if you are no longer able to use the Membership, Card, Pass or Program due to illness, injury, pregnancy, childbirth, household transfer or job transfer greater than 75km. There is a $25 deductible, and supporting documentation is required. For more information about Chicopee Insurance, click HERE.
What is the difference between a Membership, Season Pass, Tot Pass, and Hill Access Card?
- Membership: unlimited skiing/boarding from opening day to closing day, voting rights at the AGM to members 18+, and additional member benefits.
- Season Pass: unlimited skiing/boarding from opening day until closing day.
- Tot Pass: a season pass for our youngest skiers/snowboarders (ages 2 to 6 with confirmation of birth year).
- Hill Access Cards: Valid January 3, 2021 until closing day. 3 cards to choose from, each one with different skiing/boarding times.
Do I have to reserve my Lift Ticket ahead of time?
No, you do not have to reserve tickets ahead of time. When you arrive, join the correct line.
- Lift Tickets – for lift tickets only
- Rentals – for rentals and lift tickets
How do I pick up my Membership/Pass?Card/Lesson Program Tag?
We recommend picking up your card before the start of the season to avoid waiting in long lines.
For the 2021-2022 season, card pick up starts on December 1, 2021. Please e-mail guestservices@chicopee.ca a landscape photo of your head and shoulders 24 hours before you come to pick up your card. You will also need to provide proof of address, proof of vaccination, photo ID, and sign your waiver and wellness agreement. Please note that a legal parent or guardian must be present to sign for those under the age of 18.
Can I pick up my spouse's Membership/Pass/Card/Lesson Program Tag?
No, anyone 12+ must be present to pick up their own Membership/Pass/Card/Lesson Tag. Before we release your Membership/Pass/Card/Lesson Tag to you, you will be required to sign a waiver and wellness agreement, and show your proof of vaccination.
What if I lose my Lift Ticket?
Lift tickets are not replaceable/re-printable. If put on properly, a lift ticket will not come off easily. Please ask guest services for assistance if you are unsure of how to properly attach your lift ticket.
Rentals
How do I rent equipment?
Equipment rentals are done through Guest Services when you purchase your Lift Ticket. Renters under the age of 18 will need to be accompanied by a legal parent/guardian. Every rental package requires a $250 pre-authorization deposit on Visa/Mastercard/Amex.
What is included in a Rental Package?
- Ski Rentals: Skis, Boots, Helmet, Poles
- Snowboard Rentals: Snowboard, Boots, Helmet
Can I rent equipment for my lesson program?
Yes! Program participants can rent equipment for their lessons. To receive a discount rental rate, please let Guest Services know that you require rentals when you register for your lesson program. Chicopee also offers a Rental Lease Program, where you can rent the equipment for the whole season!
Lessons
Where can I wait for my family while they are in lessons?
In your car! Due to COVID, indoor space is limited to those purchasing lift tickets, rentals, or food on the second floor. Because of this, your car will serve as your chalet/ “home-base” while at Chicopee. Another great way to pass this time is to go skiing or snowboarding, or enjoy a meal in the Silvertip Lounge.
What happens if my instructor is away?/How do I guarantee the same instructor every time?
Chicopee will do its best to accommodate instructor requests, however please keep in mind that our instructors also have lives outside of teaching. Many of our instructors are students or have other full-time jobs. In the event that your instructor is away (sick, injured, or unavailable), another instructor will be assigned to your lesson.
I forgot my Lesson Program Tag, what should I do?
Visit Guest Services, where they can see how best to help you.
How do I know where to go for my lesson?
Look for the signs!
- Private lessons start at the Private Lesson Check In area in Lot 1.
- Discover lessons start by the Discover Lesson Check in area in Lot 1.
- Lesson programs are all assigned a number, these numbers are e-mailed to participants ahead of the lesson start date – on day 1 you can meet your instructor and group at the corresponding number sign (spread out along the base of the hill). When in doubt, you can always ask any of the Chicopee Staff, as they are all happy to help direct you.
Should I take a lesson?
A lesson is a great way to safely try something new, or get some pointers and develop your skills. Lessons provide safe learning environments, and can help you progress faster. Chicopee has lesson options for every ability.
What is the difference between a Discover Lesson, Private Lesson, and Lesson Program?
- Discover Lesson: 50-minute group lesson lead by a certified instructor. Designed for people who have never skied/snowboarded before.
- Private Lesson: 50-minute 1-on-1 with a certified instructor.
- Lesson Programs: 9 weeks of lessons. Work on your skills in a group setting while making new friends. Students are grouped by ability within their age groups.
Do I have to pre-register to take a Discover Lesson?
No, you do not! Discover Lessons run on the hour from 5PM to 7PM on weeknights, and 10AM to 7PM on weekends/holidays. Discover lessons are first-come first-served. If the hour you request is full, Guest Services can register you for the next available time.
How do I book a lesson?
- E-mail: guestservices@chicopee.ca (lesson programs and private lessons only)
- Phone: 519-894-5610 ext. 0 (lesson programs and private lessons only)
- In-Person: a guest services attendant can tell you what’s available for that day (private and discover lessons only).
General/Safety
What is my skiing/snowboarding ability?
- Never-Ever: you have never been on skis/a snowboard before, or you tried it once many years ago. You are unable to stop unassisted.
- Beginner: you have skied/snowboarded a few times and can maintain control in the beginner area. You can stop and turn in both directions with some success.
- Intermediate: You have skied/snowboarded may times and have experience on a variety of hills. You are comfortable on “blue square” terrain.
- Advanced: You are experienced and competent on skis/a snowboard. You have taken lessons before, know and understand the Alpine Responsibility Code and can demonstrate skills at an advanced level.
What should I wear?
Layered clothing is always the best option. You should have a base layer to wick sweat and manage moisture, mid-layer for insulation/warmth, and outer layer that will protect you from the wind, snow, rain, and other elements. For more information on how to layer up, click HERE and scroll to the bottom of the page.
Do I have to wear a helmet?
While helmets are not required for the general public, Chicopee strongly recommends that you wear a proper ski/snowboard helmet while you ride. Not only will a proper helmet help protect your head in the event of an accident, ski and snowboard helmets are insulated to provide warmth and comfort while out on the hill.
Please note: Helmets are mandatory if you are taking a lesson. We do not permit bicycle helmets, hockey helmets, or helmets not specifically designed for skiing/snowboarding on the hill.
I want to help my kids/friends on the beginner hill, how can I do this?
You’re welcome to assist your kids/ friends on the hill as long as you also have a lift ticket, and are wearing your equipment (ski boots & skis, or snowboard boots & snowboard).
What winter activities can I do at Chicopee?/Do you have snow tubing?
Chicopee offers skiing and snowboarding. If you are looking to go snow tubing, please visit the Chicopee Tube Park located at 1600 River Road East, Kitchener (519-895-2322). We are separate companies and will not be able to answer any questions regarding tubing.