Ski season this year will be very different from the past. The Covid-19 pandemic threw everyone for a loop when it forced the early closure of pretty much every major ski resort in the country back in March. Before lockdown, ski resorts were major hubs for the Covid-19 transmission and as a result, every major ski resort has buckled down and taken steps to ensure that doesn’t happen again. Many of these changes will be things you’re already familiar with, such as wearing a facemask (or some other kind of face covering) or keeping a safe social distance from other guests, but some are much more involved.
New Covid-19 Precautions
As mentioned before, face coverings will now be required at all ski resorts, not just in Colorado, but across the entire country. Skiing and snowboarding already involve wearing masks or face coverings of some sort so this won’t be a huge change of pace for most guests, but those of you who prefer to feel the wind against your face as you ride will have to put up with it for the time being. The biggest Covid-19 changes are going to come from dining areas and ski rental shops.
Large open spaces that are packed with people are typically where the transmission of Covid-19 is the most common. Therefore, dining areas and other restaurants on the mountain will be enforcing strict social distancing rules and will also have a much more limited capacity than what you are probably used to, with tables and chairs being spaced further apart to accommodate the required 6-foot minimum distance. Most full-service bars will also be completely closed due to these restrictions as well. Large dining halls are not the only locations being affected, however. Ski rental locations are also being required to follow social distancing and mask guidelines as well. They are even going as far as to limit the number of people that are allowed to enter the shop at one time. All transactions at both restaurants and ski rental shops will be using cashless transaction methods, so make sure to have a card on hand.
Social distancing will also be enforced on chairlifts and gondolas as well, with the carrying capacity being vastly reduced to only a few riders at a time. People from different parties will be required to sit on opposite sides of the lift or gondola to make sure that the two parties don’t accidentally get each other sick.
The pandemic has hit schools around the world pretty hard as well, requiring the students to go through various steps to ensure that none of them are infected. Ski and snowboarding schools are no different and will have similar guidelines in place to ensure that none of the students contract Covid-19. Expect temperature checks at the start of each class and to be sent home if you have a fever or any other kind of symptoms.
The last big difference will be the number of passes available for guests at the resorts this season. Most resorts are only providing a small number of passes so that it will be easier for everyone attending to abide by the new social distancing guidelines. While this might sound like a bad thing, it could actually be a blessing for those of you who don’t like waiting in long lift lines or wish the park was less crowded.
As you can see, the 2020-2021 ski season is going to be very different from other seasons. Just make sure you follow the rules and you will be able to have just as much fun on the slopes as you always have before.