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7 Dec 2020
Every winter, ski resorts host hundreds of groups and families for winter vacations when the temperature consistently drops below freezing. However, today things are operating a bit differently than before. The pandemic cut last year’s ski season short when it forced many resorts into a shutdown in mid-March. As the pandemic continues, ski officials are preparing for the new ski season with more safety measures in place that may affect your trip. Using information pulled from popular US ski resorts, here are 5 ways that ski season will be different this year:
- Smaller crowds
Insiders expect this ski season could be quieter due to the reduction of international and corporate travel. Some resorts may be limited to only local or regional travelers. Skier limits will also be in place at some resorts, only allowing a certain number of skiers on the slopes at a time. The capacity may also be limited at the eateries around the resorts.
- Increased technology
Another big change is having to purchase daily passes online as most ski resorts are eliminating walk-up ticket sales completely. Season ticketholders will be prioritized, but all visitors will be required to make reservations. There will also be an increase in touchless technology, meaning that you will likely order food and pay for services via an app.
- Limited Amenities
Restaurants and bars will be subject to capacity restrictions and may seek to utilize more outdoor seating. As far as alcoholic beverages, some resorts will choose to sell packaged beer and wine instead of offering full-service bars. Aspen/Snowmass has said that they will still feature full-service bars, but with table service only. Other amenities such as spas, pools, hot tubs, and arcades might not be open, or may require advance registration.
- More Signage
You should definitely expect to see increased signage outlining the new rules that many of us have become accustomed to seeing. The signs will remind guests that face coverings are mandatory and strictly enforced by resort employees in public spaces — including chairlifts, gondolas, and trams — as well as indoor spaces such as restaurants and shops.
- Social distancing
Many of the communal areas where visitors normally gather will have far less tables and chairs than normal to allow for more open space to socially distance. One goal for resorts is the ability for visitors to come to the mountain, ski, eat and even use the restroom without ever having to enter a building if they do not want to.
The best part about skiing is that it is an outdoors activity where everyone is already wearing a mask, and you are physically distanced. For these reasons, US ski resorts are still planning for a busy winter, but with a few significant changes as listed above. If you want to go skiing this season, it is best to plan ahead, check the regulations at the resort area you’re interested in, and plan on abiding by a few new rules.