BONNYVILLE – After nearly a one-month delay, Kinosoo Ridge Resort staff received a green light on Friday allowing the facility to start using the hill’s green chairlift.
At 41 years old, Kinosoo Ridge’s green chairlift is one of the oldest operational chairlifts in North America.
Due to the chairlifts' advanced age, additional measures and repairs were needed to meet Alberta Elevating Devices Amusement Rides Safety Association (AEDARSA) safety codes and standards, thus causing a delay in opening the chairlift this season.
While the green chairlift was nonoperational, exceptionally long lines and wait times were experienced by patrons wanting to head up the hill.
On Jan. 12 during the MD of Bonnyville’s regular council meeting and prior to the chairlift receiving its certificate of operation, council and the Parks, Recreation and Culture Department discussed possible credit and refund scenarios for current season pass holders in response to the extended closure of the green chairlift.
Council approved three options for 2021/22 season pass holders to compensate for the delayed opening of the green chairlift:
1. A 25 per cent credit of the total season pass cost available to be used at the Kinosoo Ridge Resort, which can go towards equipment rentals, kitchen, Tube Park passes, retail, pro shop, or purchase of 2022/23 season pass.
2. A 25 per cent cash refund – allowing the user to continue to access the hill and remaining lifts for the rest of the 2021/22 season.
3. A full refund – if requested before Jan. 26. This would cancel the season pass for the remainder of the 2021/22 season. Pass holders must return their pass(es), in person, before a refund will be issued.
The MD’s administration will begin issuing refunds and credits on Friday, Jan. 21.
