State of 2020-21 Resort Operations
With COVID-19 cases continuing to persist across North America, we’re seeing some resorts tighten capacity restrictions or push back openings, either voluntarily or by state mandate. As you debate whether to book a trip this season, we’ve decided to aggregate all we know in one place.
Arapahoe Basin’s New Pallavicini Lift Opens to Guests
This past Saturday, Arapahoe Basin opened its new Pallavicini chair to resort visitors. This new Leitner-Poma fixed-grip double chair, which replaced another fixed-grip double built in 1978, follows the same line as the old Pali lift and now boasts safety bars.
Several Colorado Ski Resorts Forced to Shutter Indoor Dining as COVID Cases Surge
With a substantial and alarming rise in COVID cases over the past few weeks, Colorado plans to move 15 counties into the state’s Level Red (Severe) COVID risk tier. The order goes into effect Friday, November 20 (although Summit County may receive a postponement to Sunday).
Colorado COVID Cases Going up, Prompting Uncertainty Weeks Before Major Resort Openings
Colorado’s Summit County Public Health issued a stay-at-home recommendation due to rising COVID cases today, with infections in the state reaching their highest levels yet. This comes only weeks before the anticipated opening dates for many county ski resorts.
Off Peak Podcast Episode 9: COVID Ops
The team reconvenes from afar to dive into recently released 2020-21 operations plans from around the skiing world. Later, Sam and Nicole offer some valuable advice for those booking trips with children this season.
Alterra Releases 2020-21 Lift Ticket and Ikon Pass Reservation Policies (Many Resorts Don’t Require One)
Alterra released their initial ticket and pass policies for the upcoming winter today. Many Ikon resorts, including the overwhelming majority of unlimited destinations, will not require reservations. However, multi-day pass products for Alterra-owned mountains will be severely limited.
Arapahoe Basin Releases 2020-21 Season Details, Will Not Require Reservations
On the heels of recent announcements from multiple other resorts, Arapahoe Basin announced their operating plans for the 2020-21 season today. Passholders will not need to make reservations, but the resort will cap parking capacity if need be.
State of Resort Season Pass Policies for the 2020-21 Season
After examining the early-season pricing and assurance differences between Epic and Ikon, we decided to do the same for standalone season pass products. Some mountains offer excellent protections, while others are risky buys.
Arapahoe Basin Reopening May 27 with Limited Operations (Update: Resort Closing June 7)
This afternoon, Arapahoe Basin announced the resumption of limiting skiing and riding operations starting May 27. Visitors will need to pre-book reservations online and bring confirmation statements to the resort.
Our Advice to Consumers and Resorts in the Age of Limited Capacity
Arapahoe Basin’s reopening today has given hundreds the opportunity to get in a few more turns before the 2019-20 season truly ends. But it also paints a stark picture of the challenges ski resorts may face in the months to come.