Ski season is upon us, but like everything else, this year will be different.

While you may use a face cover naturally when zipping down the slopes, expect to bring a three-layer face mask for other settings and practice hand washing and physical distancing in all parts of ski resorts, especially indoor settings such as washrooms and on-site dining.

Vail Resorts has outlined the steps skiers and snowboarders will need to take to enjoy their numerous ski resorts, including Whistler Blackcomb:

  • Mandatory face coverings to get on the mountain and in all parts of resort operations, including in lift lines and riding in lifts and gondolas
  • Maintaining physical distancing on chairlifts and in gondolas by only allowing related parties (guests skiing or riding together) or two singles on opposite sides of a four-person lift; two singles or two doubles on opposite sides of a six-person lift; or two singles on opposite sides of larger gondola cabins
  • Expect changes while dining and attending ski and ride school
  • Pass holders will have priority to mountain access through the reservation system. The last day to purchase the Epic Pass for the 2020/2021 season is December 6th.

photo© Justa Jeskova Photography / Vail Resorts

“We are fortunate that our core experience of skiing and riding takes place outdoors, across huge mountains, offering fresh air and wide-open spaces for our guests. However, to help protect our guests, our employees and our communities amid this pandemic, some changes will be required this season,” said CEO Rob Katz.

“There is no doubt this season will be different but we are committed to what matters most: working to protect our guests, employees and communities and doing everything we can to provide great skiing and riding all season long.”

photoJOHN ENTWISTLE / Vail Resorts

Vail Resorts:

Our Vail Resorts’ subsidiaries operate 37 world-class mountain resorts and urban ski areas including Vail, Beaver Creek, Breckenridge, Keystone and Crested Butte in Colorado; Park City in Utah; Heavenly, Northstar and Kirkwood in the Lake Tahoe area of California and Nevada; Whistler Blackcomb in British Columbia, Canada; Perisher, Falls Creek and Hotham in Australia; Stowe, Mount Snow, Okemo in Vermont; Hunter Mountain in New York; Mount Sunapee, Attitash, Wildcat and Crotched in New Hampshire; Stevens Pass in Washington; Liberty, Roundtop, Whitetail, Jack Frost and Big Boulder in Pennsylvania; Alpine Valley, Boston Mills, Brandywine and Mad River in Ohio; Hidden Valley and Snow Creek in Missouri; Wilmot in Wisconsin; Afton Alps in Minnesota; Mt. Brighton in Michigan; and Paoli Peaks in Indiana. 

Read more here: news.vailresorts.com

  

NOTE: As of November 19th, British Columbia released province-wide restrictions that include staying local for both BC residents and visitors while skiing/snowboarding for the next two weeks. Click here for details.