Covid-19 Management at Diana Lake Lodge - Winter 2020-2021
UPDATED NOV 20, 2020
Diana Lake will have limited openings for business this winter and we have revised many elements of our operation to reduce the likelihood of COVID-19 transmission on our trips. Outdoor activities such as backcountry skiing and snowshoeing help reduce risk, and more importantly improve our attitude as well as our physical and mental health. (Please contact us at dianalakelodge@gmail.com for more detailed information about booking a Winter 2020-2021 trip.)
Read on for a brief summary of our COVID-19 Response Plan:
ORGANIZATION
How we organize groups
At this time we are only able to accommodate groups (cohorts) that do NOT have to physically distance as it is not possible to physically distance within our cozy lodge.
Industry best practices
Diana Lake Lodge is closely following the Backcountry Lodges of BC Association best practices (see their template here), the health orders and guidance documents of the BC Provincial Government, and the recommendations of WorkSafeBC. Diana Lake Lodge does not directly provide winter guided services – if you bring a guide, check with them for their best practices.
Cancellation policy
To accommodate the uncertain nature of the present times, we have modified our cancellation policy for the winter 2020/21 season. If you want more detailed information about booking a Winter 2020-2021 trip, please contact us at dianalakelodge@gmail.com.
PAPERWORK
Modified waiver
The waiver has been modified to include infectious disease in the Assumption of Risk section: “…infectious disease contracted through viruses, bacteria, parasites, and fungi which may be transmitted through direct or indirect contact”. Here is the complete Winter Waiver for you to review (do not sign yet). You will fill out and sign the Waiver with a staff member as your witness at the Group Staging Area.
Pre-trip health declaration
Guests will be requested to fill out a health declaration (view here) prior to their trip when meeting at the staging area.
Daily health check-ins
Each morning staff will check on everyone’s health. If a guest is experiencing any COVID-19 symptoms their temperature will be taken with our infrared thermometer. A plan will be developed ranging from sitting out the day from skiing to immediate evacuation for further testing/medical treatment.
CLEANLINESS
Hand hygiene
Hand sanitizer dispensers have been installed at the lodge entrance as well as in the outhouse and in the sauna building. There is a hand washing sink with soap and warm water in the kitchen. Frequent hand sanitizing/washing will be encouraged. Guests will be asked to spray-sanitize the outhouse after use.
Mask use
Please bring your mask. Mask use will be voluntary by the individuals within a cohort group. Staff will wear masks as required. Physical distancing is encouraged where possible.
Linens
You are responsible for your own sleeping bag and pilowcase. Mattresses and pillows are provided.
Cleaning
Between trips the lodge, sauna and shower room will be treated to a deep clean. Touch points around the lodge/outhouse areas will be disinfected frequently. All unnecessary items (books, magazines, pillows, etc) that are part of the common area will be removed and guests will be asked to store their personal items in their own sleeping area.
GROUP INTERACTION
Meals
The Lodge eating area lies between the sleeping quarters and the kitchen. For catered groups: Food will be plated by staff and handed to guests at the entry to the kitchen. No guests will be permitted in the kitchen area while staff are cooking. The morning coffee station will be self-serve but hand sanitizer before use will be provided, and the area will be frequently disinfected. Lunches will be prepared by staff and distributed to guests in the morning. Self catered groups will be responsible for sanitizing the kitchen area before/after use.
Our new sauna
This past summer we completed construction of a shower/sauna/drying room building. Regulations around sauna use are currently a bit unclear and evolving, however, as our cohorts do not need to physically distance, we will attempt to open our sauna part time for this season. We are hoping that guests will be able to use the sauna in small groups, and then finish up with a quick hot shower to get fresh and clean. Water is from snow-melt, so showers might be very short.
Gear storage/drying
There is now new drying space in the sauna building, to augment drying space in the Lodge building itself.
