Despite there being no mountains and few hills in Latvia, downhill skiing is a beloved winter activity. The Žagarkalns slope near Cēsis hopes to open this weekend.
The main rule will be limiting the number of skiers per slope and on a single ski-lift for a given time period. Visitors will have to register with an electronic system and reserve skiing time before arriving.
Each day will be divided into two-hour periods and skiers will only be able to apply for that time. The lift ticket can only be purchased for the given two hours. Two-meter distance shall be observed when waiting in queue for the ski-lift and on the top of the hill.
In addition, only a limited number of visitors will be allowed to be present in the ski rental facilities, so as not to exceed 20% of the capacity of the premises. The cafe will serve pickup.
Ervīns Kišuro , manager of Riekstukalns slope near Baldone, said that there have been active preparations for the skiing season for several days. Rental rooms were being reordered to meet the COVID-19 restrictions.
If everything goes as planned, the Riekstukalns slope would be open to visitors this weekend.
The winter sports recreation complex Milzkalne in Engure county also plans to start the new season over the weekend, said representative Viesturs Ošnieks. The aim is to open two or three slopes so that the limits of COVID-19 can be fully respected.
