When COVID-19 incited an abrupt closure of ski resorts last March, it wasn’t clear how this viral bogeyman managed to spark outbreaks from the Tetons to Maine’s Sugarloaf Mountain. Eight months later, it is. Knowing that the novel coronavirus prefers slinking through crowded indoor spaces to the great outdoors, the ski industry has been able to pivot to a season that delivers a safe — albeit nuanced — experience. What will that look like?
While skiers can carve up the bowls and schuss down powder-dusted mountains, new protocols address those bottleneck moments in between. To wit: face covering required on lifts, in lines and in all indoor public spaces (except when seated to eat), socially distanced gondola load-in, spaced-apart lift lines, reimagined on-mountain dining, and the absence of a boisterous indoor après scene. Since resorts will be managing capacity, pre-booking is essential to lock in select dates. As for lodging, while some are content with a traditional hotel setting, many prefer a condo or private home where public lobbies and crowded restaurants can be avoided. This is all happy news. In a year filled with restrictions, the fact that a ski season will unfold in any capacity is thrilling.
Aspen Snowmass, Colorado
Opening Date: November 26
Though Veuve-slicked table dancing at Cloud 9 may be on hold, Aspenites are confident that their alpine playground will still deliver ski season essentials: powder and glamour. While there is no reservation system per se, capacity limitations means first come, first served. So to secure preferred dates, lift tickets should be purchased well in advance of a visit.
To allow for a contactless experience, Aspen Snowmass Account Portal and the Aspen Snowmass App will manage lift tickets, ski school, rentals, and food ordering. Restaurants will be operating at 50% capacity both indoors and outdoors. On-mountain eateries — Ullrhof, Elk Camp, High Alpine at Snowmass, Merry-Go-Round at Aspen Highlands, and the Sundeck at Aspen Mountain — will have additional seating in enclosed heated tents for maximum distancing. For those who wish to eat outdoors, picnic tables will be scattered about.
For après, French Alpine Bistro is winterizing its outdoor space with heaters and fur pelts, and The Little Nell will introduce a slopeside wine bar, complete with DJ (behind a Plexiglass partition), private booth, and couch seating areas.
Stay
The Gant Aspen | This compound of stylish COVID-era-friendly condos (you don’t need to pass through a lobby or use an elevator) at the base of Aspen Mountain offers a homey setting coupled with hotel amenities like housekeeping, concierge, ski storage, and a complimentary shuttle service to run you around town.
Vail, Colorado
Opening Date: November 20
