Snow is already producing in Liepkalnis: if you are not allowed to work, you are in danger of bankruptcy

Call it a matter of survival

On Tuesday, soc. Photos appeared on the Facebook network that snow production and blowing started at the Liepkalnis ski center, which is well known to Vilnius residents.

Their manager, A. Bielskus, when asked if this means that the company’s doors will be open soon, says that it is not yet clear, but that not producing snow in freezing temperatures would be too luxurious for them.

“We are ready to work, we have met all the safety requirements that are required, but whether we can work or not, our work is not regulated by anyone in this situation. There is no definition of whether ski resorts can operate or not.

Now we have sent a request to the Ministry of Health (SAM), the Government, to explain what recommendations we should make or if we can act. We think we really should be allowed to work, ”he says.

When a response could be received about the activities of the ski resorts, the manager says it is unthinkable, but adds that each day of delay for the company is worth its weight in gold.

“We could even open tomorrow if we get a response.

And if we are not allowed to work this winter, then I think that such a thing as “Liepkalnis” may no longer exist, – says A. Bielskus.

According to the manager, there were no cold winters last year, and if they are not allowed to operate this year, there may be no ski resorts in Lithuania.

“It just came to our notice then. Nothing comes out of the sleds that are offered in summer. This summer was very tragic in terms of turnover. Sledding is more of child’s play.

Now we have to get an answer, recommendations. And I don’t see any problem that we can’t work on, “he says.

Take additional security requirements

According to A. Bielskaus, when it comes to safety, longer distances are naturally maintained during skiing.

“Both on skates and lifts with clearances of 10-11 meters, and in queues because there are people standing on skis,” explains the manager, adding that the company would assume additional safety requirements if it were allowed to operate.

“People would be admitted at the rental point so that everyone had 10 square meters, as in all stores. We have also set up self-service checkouts outdoors so that people have as little contact as possible and need to enter as little as possible, just 20 percent. skiers come in and rent equipment, everyone else has theirs.

We have also installed partitions between the employees at the equipment rental point ”, he says, and says that together the European Commission has decided that each country must decide whether or not to allow the operation of ski resorts.

Finally, according to the manager, the prices will not change from last year and will remain the same.

Activities are only partially possible

Lina Bušinskaitė, spokesperson for the Acting Minister of Health, Aurelijus Veryga, explained to Delfi that, according to the Quarantine Resolution no. Regulation 1226 prohibits: the provision of recreation, operation of sports facilities, sports clubs, gyms, entertainment, recreation, swimming pools, saunas (excluding public baths for personal hygiene), discos, dance halls, cinemas and movie clubs (in hereinafter, “leisure services”), the visit to leisure facilities (both natural and legal persons) and premises intended for the provision of leisure services, the physical service of visitors and the rental of premises owned or legally owned is prohibited of these institutions (both natural and legal persons), sublease or loan for the organization of private events, celebrations or other meetings, with the exception of high-skill sports exercises, individual physical activity sessions (per visitor) provided by a specialist in physical activity or sports, instructor or service provider specialized in physical activity or sports, situation s the conditions for the management of the flow of people, the maintenance of a safe distance, the conditions necessary for the safety of public health, hygiene and the provision of people with the necessary personal protective equipment.

“According to the Classification of Economic Activities (NACE), the class of entertainment and recreation activities includes the operation of ski slopes.

The operational class of sports facilities includes the operation of stadiums and stadiums for winter sports.

Therefore, ski centers or stadiums can, of course, be carried out in accordance with the safety requirements set by the decision of the operations manager: exercises for highly qualified athletes and individual training with a coach, ”said L. Bušinskaitė.