A popular Alberta ski destination for people in southwest Saskatchewan is closing its doors early due to COVID-19 and Alberta Health Service's efforts to keep the virus in check.

Hidden Valley Ski Resort at Elkwater will be closing as of today under the direction of Alberta Parks.

In an announcement on their Facebook page, the resort reported that the closure is a part of the Alberta Parks Department's wider strategy within its facility operations to minimize the risk and spread of COVID-19.

The province of Alberta has enacted restrictions on gatherings similar to those put in place by the Saskatchewan Health Authority at yesterday's press conference; limiting gatherings with more than 250 people including sporting events, conferences and community events.

The province has 29 confirmed cases of the virus as of the latest report.