Skiing In The Age Of Covid
What your favorite ski destinations are doing about Covid-19
By Avery Magee, reporter
Covid-19 Restrictions are changing by the hour, and ski resorts are having to adjust and change their regular operations. As of the time that I am writing this (January 1st, 2021), anybody who does not live in Vermont isn’t allowed to ski at any mountains there without quarantining for 14 days. The Vermont Ski season of 2020-2021 was supposed to be a big one, the purchases of Vermont Ski destinations by Vail, meant big investments in improvements, but New Yorkers won’t be allowed to experience that. So here are some New York ski mountains and their restrictions related to Covid-19.
All Mountains in New York have the same general rules:
Every NYS Ski Mountain has a different way of operating. For example, Gore, Belleayre, and Whiteface require all tickets to be bought in advance, all windows must remain open on the gondolas, personal items must be put in lockers, not around the lodge, and child-care systems are not in order this ski season. Unlike Gore, Belleayre, and Whiteface, Hunter Mountain does not allow the storage of any personal items inside their lodge and encourages guests to get ready in their cars. Hunter is also expanding lift lines for safe social distancing, as well as controlling the placement of single riders in their lift lines. Sorry Cross Country Skiers, but Mt. Van Hoevenberg is not selling cross country tickets online, but they are selling season tickets.Cole’s Woods is open in Glens Falls.
After researching NYS ski mountains, I went over to West Mountain to see how they were operating. On December 27, the mountain was as busy as ever, so busy that West had to refund some of the tubers because they sold too many tickets than allowed. On West’s website I found that the ski patrol will not treat anyone with Covid-19 symptoms unless the patient has an emergent trauma or respiratory distress. West is big on their racing, and they are allowing racing this ski season, but racers are not allowed in the locker room and must follow Covid guidelines. All tickets, rentals, and lessons must be registered 24-hours before arriving at the mountain. With Covid Guidelines limiting lodge operations, guests are allowed inside to eat or use the bathroom, but must leave once their done, and are only allowed inside the heated tents/lodge for 30 minutes. West has added a new take-out window at the ticket window prepared with their regular meals. Overall, West has done a good job of looking out for their employees and their customers, now all they need is a snow storm!
What your favorite ski destinations are doing about Covid-19
By Avery Magee, reporter
Covid-19 Restrictions are changing by the hour, and ski resorts are having to adjust and change their regular operations. As of the time that I am writing this (January 1st, 2021), anybody who does not live in Vermont isn’t allowed to ski at any mountains there without quarantining for 14 days. The Vermont Ski season of 2020-2021 was supposed to be a big one, the purchases of Vermont Ski destinations by Vail, meant big investments in improvements, but New Yorkers won’t be allowed to experience that. So here are some New York ski mountains and their restrictions related to Covid-19.
All Mountains in New York have the same general rules:
- Face coverings are required at all NYS ski mountains.
- Pre-ordered lift tickets are mandatory at some NYS Ski Mountains (specifically on weekends and holidays).
- Ski schools must limit their lessons to six kids.
- Any indoor areas must be limited to 50% operation; these may be retail or restaurants.
Every NYS Ski Mountain has a different way of operating. For example, Gore, Belleayre, and Whiteface require all tickets to be bought in advance, all windows must remain open on the gondolas, personal items must be put in lockers, not around the lodge, and child-care systems are not in order this ski season. Unlike Gore, Belleayre, and Whiteface, Hunter Mountain does not allow the storage of any personal items inside their lodge and encourages guests to get ready in their cars. Hunter is also expanding lift lines for safe social distancing, as well as controlling the placement of single riders in their lift lines. Sorry Cross Country Skiers, but Mt. Van Hoevenberg is not selling cross country tickets online, but they are selling season tickets.Cole’s Woods is open in Glens Falls.
After researching NYS ski mountains, I went over to West Mountain to see how they were operating. On December 27, the mountain was as busy as ever, so busy that West had to refund some of the tubers because they sold too many tickets than allowed. On West’s website I found that the ski patrol will not treat anyone with Covid-19 symptoms unless the patient has an emergent trauma or respiratory distress. West is big on their racing, and they are allowing racing this ski season, but racers are not allowed in the locker room and must follow Covid guidelines. All tickets, rentals, and lessons must be registered 24-hours before arriving at the mountain. With Covid Guidelines limiting lodge operations, guests are allowed inside to eat or use the bathroom, but must leave once their done, and are only allowed inside the heated tents/lodge for 30 minutes. West has added a new take-out window at the ticket window prepared with their regular meals. Overall, West has done a good job of looking out for their employees and their customers, now all they need is a snow storm!