As snow was burying Truckee and Lake Tahoe deep in our woes of  “shelter-in-place” orders during the spring of  2020, ski resort operations across the country came to a halt. We stared out our windows and cried as we saw the snow piling higher and became prisoners to what would normally be our liberation. There has been one question on all skiers and snowboarders minds since then: will the resorts open in the 20/21 season? And if so what will that look like?

Rumors in either direction have been circulating through town this year alongside the normal chatter of whether it will be a big snow year. The news of Vail announcing an opening strategy is being welcomed with arms wide open. Vail owns multiple Truckee/Tahoe resorts: Northstar, Heavenly, and Kirkwood. My fingers are crossed we hear something in regards to Squaw Alpine’s plans soon!

Vail’s COVID Opening Plans 2020/2021 Season

Face Coverings

No one will be allowed on the mountain without a face covering! They are Required for riding gondolas and chairlifts, inside all buildings and during ski and snowboard lessons. They are strongly recommended in all indoor and outdoor public places in the resort towns. State laws supersede these recommendations (ie CA where they are legally required in all public places currently).

Reservations for Passholders

Passholders are required to make a reservation and can book as many as week-of reservations their pass level allows. Passholders are allowed up to 7 priority bookings for the season (think holidays). Families will be able to book together if under the same account. Early season will be reserved for passholders only and ticket sales will open up to the public on Dec 8.

Physical Distancing

Chairlifts and Gondolas

Only related parties on the lift together (people skiing/riding together), singles on opposite sides of the chair, 2 singles or 2 doubles on either side of a 6-pack, or 2 singles on opposite side of the larger gondolas.

On-Mountain Restaurants

Vail is planning on opening all on-mountain restaurants. The will be reducing numbers, monitoring in and out of buildings, spacing tables out, and reducing seating capacity. Quick service restaurants will be more limited. Full-service bars will not be in operation on or off mountain though packaged beer and wine will be available at most locations. All transactions will be non-cash.

Ski and Snowboard Rental Locations

There will be active monitoring and management of the number of people inside the rental facilities at one time. Guests and employees will be required to wear face coverings. Equipment will be sanitized between each use. Rental delivery operations will be expanded.

Ski and Ride School Health Screenings

All employees will undergo regular health screenings. Ski and ride school participants will also be screened. Class sizes will be limited. There will be some limitations on the smaller specialty youth programs though season-long youth programs are planned to resume. More details to follow.

Let’s all keep our fingers crossed for our own sanity that operations will resume as planned!