Skiing at resorts is going to look and feel a lot different during the 2020-21 season. A few weeks ago, Vail Resorts announced their COVID-19 reopening plan. And now Alterra Mountain Company, which owns Solitude Mountain and Deer Valley here in Utah, also released a plan to keep visitors safe during the pandemic.
Alterra’s plan is very similar to Vail’s (which was expected). Both prioritize visitor safety through the use of mask mandates and social distancing. Alterra resorts, however, will NOT require reservations. Here’s a breakdown of Alterra’s COVID-19 protocols:
- Control resort visitation levels to avoid overcrowding. Alterra-owned resorts will prioritize access for season pass holders and will tightly regulate the number of daily lift tickets that will be available by advance purchase only. Walk-up window sales will be eliminated.
- All resorts will comply with local, county, and state regulations. These may include mandatory face-coverings, social distancing, and crowd management.
Solitude Mountain’s COVID-19 Plan
While Alterra’s COVID-19 announcement is pretty general and vague, Solitude Mountain’s plan, which was released at the same time, is more specific. When you ski or snowboard at Solitude this winter, expect the following:
- Pay for parking with touchless technology. It is not clear if this means a new type of kiosk, but Solitude does say that carpool discounts can be applied using this new payment system.
- Ikon Pass and Solitude season pass holders, as well as Solitude Ticket Pak holders, will be able to proceed directly to the chairlifts without stopping at a ticket office.
- Signage and staff will work to maintain appropriate physical distancing at all lift lines.
- Indoor facilities, restrooms, and guest shuttles will be cleaned more frequently. Solitude has installed new touchless faucets, soap dispensers, and paper towel dispensers in all public restrooms, plus hand sanitizer stations in strategic locations. Additional, temporary public restroom facilities will be available at the Moonbeam base area.
- Mask mandate. Guests will be asked to wear a mask properly fitted over the nose and mouth when indoors and when within 6 feet of other people. Solitude will provide masks for those who forgot to bring their own.
- Restaurants will expand to allow for social distancing. There will be more outdoor seating, including heaters in some areas. Grab-and-go options will be available. All dining and bar locations will limit capacity. New signage, dedicated entry and exit doors, reconfigured seating, and additional staff will encourage one-way flow and get guests back on the slopes with maximum efficiency.
- Rental shops will require text messaging to manage the flow of guests within the shop. Reservations will be required for rentals and lessons, and rental equipment will be thoroughly sanitized after each use, including disinfection with electrostatic sprayers.
- Signage and staff are in place to maintain appropriate physical distancing in all lift lines.
Solitude is scheduled to open November 20, conditions and circumstances permitting. To read all of Solitude’s COVID-19 protocols, visit the FAQ page on their website.
Deer Valley COVID-19 Plan
Deer Valley’s COVID-19 plan is very similar to Solitude’s. One tidbit that caught my eye is that the resort will be gathering guest information for contact-tracing purposes. Restaurants will obtain this information through guest liability waivers and RFID ticket scans.
Here’s a closer look at Deer Valley’s COVID-19 plan.
A Good Season for Tailgating
I appreciate the efforts of ski resorts to keep visitors safe during a pandemic. In fact, I am very stoked that I will be able to ski at Solitude this winter at all. But I think it’s time for simplicity. You don’t need on-mountain dining or any “luxury services” to make turns on snow. The only way to social distance and avoid people altogether is to stay away from them. This winter will be a great time to start brown-bagging and tailgating again. Stay outside, bring your own food, and focus on skiing instead of the additional stuff that visitors to a ski resort expect nowadays.
Without the need to go to a ticket window, I’ll be able to go from the car, to the lifts, ski several runs, then go back to the car without ever stepping foot inside a building. With temporary restrooms a the Moonbeam Base, it will be even easier to stay outdoors in the open, clean air.
So here’s to skiing again. Hopefully these measure will work and the resorts can stay open all season long. Lets’ all do our part in helping the ski areas stay safe, sanitary and operating.