Mounting COVID-19 concerns have lead to an almost complete closure of ski resorts in North America. In one fell swoop on Sunday, Alterra Mountain Company and Vail announced a mass closure of their resorts. Both entities cited concerns for their employees, guests, and local communities, as well as recognizing their responsibility to help slow the spread of the pandemic here in the U.S. In Colorado, this followed a mandatory ski resort closure issued on Saturday by Governor Jared Polis.
In a written statement Polis laments, “Never would I have believed that a global pandemic would force the temporary closure of our world-class ski resorts.” It is unclear if resort skiing is done for good. Alterra has not released a final closing date, and Vail plans to reassess the situation in a few weeks. See below for the full list of resorts affected:
Alterra Mountain Resorts - Steamboat and Winter Park in Colorado; Squaw Valley Alpine Meadows, Mammoth Mountain, June Mountain and Big Bear Mountain Resort in California; Stratton and Sugarbush Resort in Vermont; Snowshoe in West Virginia; Tremblant in Quebec, Blue Mountain in Ontario; Crystal Mountain in Washington; Deer Valley Resort and Solitude Mountain Resort in Utah; and CMH Heli-Skiing & Summer Adventures in British Columbia.
Vail - Vail, Beaver Creek, Breckenridge, Keystone, Whistler Blackcomb, Park City, Heavenly, Northstar, Kirkwood and Arapahoe Basin, plus four free days at Afton Alps, Mt. Brighton or Wilmot Mountain.
Meanwhile, here in Jackson hole all three local ski hills—Jackson Hole Mountain Resort, Grand Targhee, and Snow King—have all stopped spinning their lifts for the foreseeable future. While the loss of lift-serviced skiing feels like a giant letdown, just remember that closing a ski resort is like shutting down a factory for the local community. It’s not just a loss of skiing, but thousands of jobs and irreplaceable revenue for the local economy. This is the time to be leaning in and supporting one and another however we can. Donating to your local food bank is a great first step.
If you do decide to head into the backcountry to get a few turns, here are a few things we ask to keep in mind.
Don’t be an idiot :
The coronavirus is stressing our hospitals to the brink. If you get hurt in the backcountry you could be taking a bed from someone who needs it to survive. This is not a time to be pushing your limits while skiing.
Brush up on your skills :
The backcountry is not a replacement ski resort. Be aware of the risk and the current avalanche conditions if you choose to travel out of bounds. There is no ski patrol to bail you out if you’re in over your head. Likewise, be mindful of the increased user traffic around you.
Social Distancing is Key :
To help curb the spread of the disease, practice social distancing while skiing. The CDC recommends staying at least 6 feet apart—basically the length of a pair of skis. Don't take this as a joke, the disease is spread by coming in contact with respiratory droplets from an infected individual. Simply distancing yourself from others is not only an effective tool, but it's pretty darn easy to do.
Social distancing is an effective tool for healthy people to avoid getting sick. COVID-19 could pass between people who are up to six feet apart. Think of it as staying "ski feet away" -- about the length of a large pair of skis. #COVID19colorado pic.twitter.com/bItS45F3r0
— Colorado Department of Public Health & Environment (@CDPHE) March 11, 2020
About The Author
stash member Katie Lozancich
TGR Staff Writer and photographer. Fond of bikes, pow, and dogs. Originally from Northern CA, home for me has ranged from the PNW to a teepee in Grand Teton National Park.
Greg White
March 19th, 2020
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