While the Colorado-based company owns 15 North American ski resorts, including Quebec’s Mount Tremblant, it appears only Blue Mountain hikers will have to pay. Similar to a winter season ski pass, hikers must display passes while on the trails ticket checkers at the trailheads will kick trespassers off the property.īlue Mountain, which has evolved from an alpine ski resort into a four-season destination on the southern shores of Georgian Bay, says the move was necessary to prevent the further spread of COVID-19 and “manage the flow of people” along with helping to cover the cost of trail maintenance.īut critics believe the owner, Alterra Mountain Company, is using the pandemic as an excuse to make people pay for an activity that should be free. The passes also provide access to gondola service.

Starting June 6, anyone wanting to use Blue’s hiking trails will have to buy an “Explore Pass” at $59 for adults, $49 for young adults, $39 for youth and $19 for children four and under. TOWN OF THE BLUE MOUNTAINS-As Blue Mountain resort prepares to re-open after COVID-19 closed its operations two months ago, its U.S.-based owner’s decision to start charging people to hike has ignited a local backlash and accusations of pandemic price gouging.

Download blue mountain for free