When Brookvale opens later this month there will be a new helmet policy in place. Economic Development and Tourism Minister Wes MacAleer announced the new policy in the legislature today.
This winter, ski hills across the Maritimes have adopted a more proactive approach to safety. The majority of operators have issued policies making it a requirement for school groups and snowboarders to wear helmets.
Brookvale is no exception. Helmets will be necessary for all school groups unless a parental waiver is provided. At the snowboard park, helmets will be required as per a recommendation of a risk management study completed recently at Brookvale. Helmet use during competitive events will be regulated by the related governing body. Parental discretion will be used at the entry level ski school, so that parents will be able to decide if they wish their children to wear helmets.
"It is important that we adopt a more aggressive approach to helmet use at our provincial ski hill," said Minister MacAleer. "We have purchased 300 helmets and will make them available at a minor charge."
The cost will be $1/rental for school groups and $2/rental for others. Customers will also be allowed to bring in their own helmets subject to approval prior to use.
"This is an important step towards making the PEI skiing experience a safe one," said Kathy Toole, President of the PEI Alpine Ski Association. "I am pleased that the provincial government has joined the other Maritime provinces in promoting helmets for skier's safety."