Covid update

COVID FAQs update 30th January 2022

Ski Club of Ireland – Covid update January 2022

The Government has relaxed many of the restrictions related to Covid 19 but it is still around and spreading fast - as some of us can attest from experience.

As a consequence the Club Committee has decided that implementation of the measures we devised to reduce the risk of virus transmission at the Club should be continued.

This will be reviewed if and as the virus prevalence or public health advice changes.

Specifically, wearing of masks indoors remains essential, control of numbers (especially on the office and dispense areas) is key. Focus on provision of good ventilation must continue.

Where possible activity should take place outdoors as opposed to indoors.

Covid has not gone away. Please continue to help our members staff and visitors stay safe at Kilternan.

Frequently Asked Questions

 

When will you reopen?

The Ski Club of Ireland reopened for members in September 2021 and for lessons mid September. We will be delighted to welcome you back.

Do I need to wear a face covering?

Government guidelines now recommend that individuals wear a face covering in enclosed public spaces where social distancing may be difficult and where you come into contact with people you do not normally meet. Clients are required to wear a face covering while indoors at the ski club.  It is recommended that children from 9 years should wear a face covering while indoors. 

What COVID-19 measures have you put in place?

As part of our COVID-19 response we have been busy planning to make the club as safe as possible for our members, volunteers, staff and clients when we re-open.

The measures we have devised are based on Government and other official advice.

Here’s a list of some of the things we're doing to protect our clients and team:

• Online booking system
• One-way traffic in ski club buildings
• Sanitisation stations throughout
• Social distancing throughout the buildings
• Social distancing in ski classes and on the slopes
• Perspex screens on client-facing desks in the office
• Reduced activity and slope capacities
• Smaller ski and snowboard classes
• Regular cleaning of commonly touched surfaces
• Enhanced site-wide cleaning procedures to ensure that touch points are cleaned more often
• Sanitising of all equipment between sessions
• Restricted numbers in ski club buildings

We will be reviewing these against the most up-to-date Government guidance as it's released.

Is it safe to return?

The safety of all who come to the Ski Club is our priority. We have spent months planning our safe reopening, working alongside professional advisors who are experts in health & safety. Along with the Perspex screens, face coverings, one-way systems and social distancing you’ll now be used to seeing in your daily life, we have taken additional steps to ensure your safety.

• All equipment is now sanitised between use. This includes skis, boards, and boots.
• Additional cleaning now takes place throughout the days we are open, especially on commonly touched surfaces.
• When reopening to members and in due course the public, our staff and volunteers will undergo training for operating safely in a Covid environment.

How will social distancing be maintained?

We have reduced the number of skiers on each of our slopes, thus facilitating social distancing. Class sizes will be somewhat reduced so that there is more social distance between those attending classes.

Signs and distance markings remind people to keep the appropriate distance apart.

How will the one-way systems work?

Signs and markings will indicate the one-way flow in the ski club and its buildings.

What do I do with my shoes/valuables while I'm on the slope?

We ask skiers and snow boarders to bring a bag to store your shoes and which you can leave under a bench in the ski dispense building or you can store in a locker. If you intend to use a locker, please bring a one-euro coin with you to operate it.

What do I wear?

Guests taking part in snow activities should arrive already dressed in their own suitable clothing to wear i.e. waterproof jacket and trousers. You'll need thick socks and gloves. It is compulsory to wear gloves on the slopes.

My child has a birthday coming up soon, when will I be able to book a tubing party?

We love hosting tubing parties but unfortunately the current restrictions don’t allow us to host events like this. We will bring them back when the restrictions are lifted.

What's happening with Kinder lessons?

Kinder lessons are available for children aged 4 years. 

Why it is necessary that I book online, and pay by card?

Advance bookings online allow us to better control the number of guests in the ski club, reduce transactions needed face to face in the office, and minimise the need to handle cash.

What time should I arrive for my lesson?

Please aim to arrive with enough time to check in and get your equipment. This process will take longer due to our Covid measures in place for your safety. Currently we recommend you arrive at the ski club check in at least 45 minutes in advance of your lesson.

This includes walking from the car park to the ski club (10 minutes), queueing for check in (10 minute estimate), getting skis or snowboard and boots that are appropriately sized for you (10 minutes), putting on boots and organising your belongings (15 minutes). This will ensure that you are ready to join your class on time and enjoy it.

 

How do I collect my ticket?

When you pay for your class online you will receive a confirmation email of payment and being booked into a class. This is your class ticket. You should bring a print out of the email or use a copy on your mobile to check in to the class when you arrive at the ski club.

What do I need to bring?

You'll need to arrive dressed in warm, waterproof clothing. Please bring a rucksack or sturdy bag to store your footwear while you are on the slope.

Lessons include the hire of ski boots/snowboard boots, skis, snowboards and ski poles. All rental equipment is sanitised after every use.

Where can I get ready?

In line with the latest Government guidance, we are not able to provide changing facilities at the current time. Guests should arrive dressed ready for their activity. Guests can change into their ski or snowboard boots in the ski dispense area and should bring a rucksack or suitable bag to store their footwear and belongings.

Is there anything else I need to know?

The following information is needed to ensure you are provided with the appropriately sized equipment: your shoe size, your height and your weight. If you have not provided that information already online, please have it ready when you check in.

How do I return the ski or snowboard equipment?

When your session has ended please follow your instructor to the ski dispense building at the exit doors. You will leave your skis here so they can be sanitised.

Please enter the ski dispense building via the office door and take off your ski or snowboard boots and put on your own footwear. Please buckle up or lace up the ski or snowboard boots and leave them on the dispense counter. They will be cleaned by the team behind the counter. It's important that used equipment is left in the right place to allow our team to sanitise it effectively.

Is there anywhere I can sit and have something to eat or drink?

Unfortunately the clubhouse will not be open for the foreseeable future for Covid related reasons.

I can ski - can I just head on to the slopes?

You will need to book a practice session online and check in before using the slopes at the ski club.

In order to be allowed to ski outside of a class you must be able to control your speed and direction, link your turns and stop as well as be able to use the button lift unassisted.

If you are deemed by Ski Patrol not to be of the required standard for a particular slope, you will be directed to a more appropriate slope.