Predator Ridge plans to hire, still preparing for tourist season

Photo: Contributed

Here’s good news for those looking for work in the tourism sector.

Predator Ridge is planning to move ahead with hiring for summer jobs – despite the uncertainty that COVID-19 is causing.

Claus Larsen, director of accommodation at Predator Ridge, told Vernon council Monday the company plans to hire summer staff, whether through a digital job fair or a “COVID-safe” job fair.

“We prefer an in-person (job fair) because you can learn a lot about a person from their body language,” he said.

Larsen appeared before council to present the Tourism Commission’s annual update.

He said employers will likely include a “COVID clause” while hiring, which will allow employers flexibility depending on public health orders – “so that the employer is not bound to lay out funds when there is no business,” he said.

“It’s by no means a nice position to be in for employers or an employee.”

Larsen said local tourism is still happening, and ski hills are doing everything they can to appeal to Okanagan residents. He said a lot of people are visiting from Vernon, Kelowna, Kamloops, Penticton, and Salmon Arm.

People are coming up with creative ways to get tourists here and what to do with them when they do come, he added.

Despite challenges from the pandemic, Vernon’s future is optimistic, he said.

Extensive trails are one of the city’s biggest assets, said Larsen.

“We can’t think small when it comes to these kinds of infrastructures. People are travelling all over the world for these things, and we have it,” he said.

“I think we are going to be a busy place over the next five to 10 years.”