SKIING COVID-19. Skiing, like almost every other activity this year, is returning with a new set of health and safety rules. As winter approaches in the northern hemisphere, resorts are focusing on minimizing crowds, capping numbers and creating safe spaces for their guests to enjoy the season.

Vail, one of the largest ski resorts in the US, sent an open letter to its 34 locations across North America this week, highlighting key changes for the 2020/21 season. Face masks will now be mandatory in designated areas such as inside the lodge, in ski school groups, in lift lines, and in gondolas and chairlifts. "Just as other tourist destinations have required, we must ensure that face coverings are not optional if you are walking around with a drink or snack in your hand," CEO Rob Katz said.

In addition, physical distance on the slopes will be maintained through a new reservation system, and through limits on lift tickets to prioritize pass holders. Signage will be in place to remind people to stay six feet apart and guests will ride chairlifts and gondolas with those in their existing group. Lift lines are likely to move slower to accommodate the new systems.

Ahead of a crucial wave of mountain re-openings this season, resorts are looking to reinvent the winter sports experience for a dramatically transformed time. Owners and staff are working to convince guests that their protocols will keep them safe – and that will only work with full compliance from guests. "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 Vail's Rob Katz. “It has been our goal to design an approach that can remain in place for all of the 2020/21 season. We do not want to be caught off guard or find ourselves needing to make reactionary changes."

Elsewhere, Park City in Utah announced that it is no longer accepting walk-up tickets. It said reservations will be required to access its mountains this season, while adding "for the vast majority of days, we anticipate our mountains will be able to accommodate everyone who wants to ski or ride at our resorts." Homewood Mountain Resort in Lake Tahoe will limit season-pass sales and cap daily lift tickets during peak times. And Timberline Lodge and Ski Resort in Oregon is asking that guests only visit with members of their household, complete health questionnaires and wear cloth masks in public places. "Timberline is a responsible part of the community and doing the right thing is at our foundation. Please count on us to do that. We are counting on you to do your part," the company notes on its website.

It's likely to be a similar story in most resorts across the US as new protocols are announced ahead of season kick-off. Lodges are expected to be capacity-restricted too so it's important to book well in advance no matter where you go. Planning ahead is key to a good time on the slopes this year. Pack a mask, purchase your ticket online and make sure you're up-to speed with the resort's rules and the local state's public health guidelines.

Sasha Brady
Lonely Planet Writer
2 September 2020

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