Know Before You Go: Ski Trip Planning and COVID-19

4 min read

This Post Contains Outdated Information.

See Current COVID Guidelines for the 2021-22 Ski Season here.

We’re All In This Together.

A successful ski and ride season in Vermont this winter depends on each of us accepting a shared responsibility when it comes to safeguards and procedures related to COVID-19. Vermont’s ski areas have enacted new measures in accordance with State of Vermont guidance to help everyone – guests, employees and members of their surrounding communities – stay healthy and reduce the risk of infection. State guidance includes industry best practices, CDC guidance and state regulations.

For skiers and riders planning a trip to Vermont, it’s important to “Know Before You Go.” Research, understand and adhere to any and all policies and restrictions for travel, lodging and participation in our sport.

Interstate travel regulations are an important part of this process, and we ask your cooperation in knowing about and following them: https://accd.vermont.gov/covid-19/restart/cross-state-travel. You will be asked to certify your compliance when making a reservation or buying your tickets.
Individual ski areas have enacted policies that may also affect trip planning, particularly as it pertains to reservations, pre-purchase and lodging. See below on this page for links.
Do not travel if you or someone close to you is experiencing symptoms consistent with COVID-19 infection, has tested positive for the virus or has been in close contact with someone who has. A list of symptoms can be found here: https://www.healthvermont.gov/response/coronavirus-covid-19/about-coronavirus-disease-covid-19 If you have a reservation, contact the ski area and make plans to visit another time.

Once at your destination ski area, following safeguards and all ski area directives will help reduce the risk of infection:

Observe and obey all signage and employee direction related to policies and procedures throughout the ski area. These measures have been enacted to help protect not only you and other guests, but also employees.
Physical distancing – keeping six feet or more between traveling parties should be practiced whenever possible.
Masks or face coverings must be worn over your nose and mouth while at ski areas except when seated with your traveling party and eating or drinking. Additionally, Vermont has a mask mandate that requires that facial coverings be worn in public. More info: https://accd.vermont.gov/covid-19/restart/masks
Frequent hand washing and use of hand sanitizer are essential, as is avoidance of touching your mouth, nose and eyes.
Avoid congregating in base areas, parking lots and in ski communities. Tailgating, aprés-ski and other non-physically-distanced gatherings are to be avoided before, during and after skiing this season.
If you or a member of your household are at a higher COVID risk, please consider planning your visit during a less busy time or wait until the risk is lower in public spaces.

MORE INFORMATION:

The National Ski Areas Association (NSAA) has launched a “Ski Well, Be Well” campaign with tips for enjoying skiing and riding this winter while reducing your risk of contracting or spreading COVID-19. “Be the Reason We Have a Season” by finding out more here: https://nsaa.org/SkiWellBeWell

VERMONT SKI AREA POLICY LINKS:

Bolton Valley Resort: https://www.boltonvalley.com/health-safety/

Bromley Mountain: https://www.bromley.com/health-and-safety/winter-overview/

Burke Mountain: https://skiburke.com/message

Jay Peak Resort: https://jaypeakresort.com/resort/blog-updates/202021-jay-peak-resort-anticipated-operating-plan

Mad River Glen: https://www.madriverglen.com/covid-19/

Magic Mountain: https://magicmtn.com/alpine-update/

Middlebury Snow Bowl: https://www.middleburysnowbowl.com/covid-19-safety-guidelines/

Killington Resort: https://www.killington.com/plan-your-trip/getting-here/20-21-winter-experience

Mount Snow Resort: https://www.mountsnow.com/explore-the-resort/about-the-resort/winter-experience.aspx

Okemo Mountain Resort: https://www.okemo.com/explore-the-resort/about-the-resort/winter-experience.aspx

Quechee Club: https://quecheeclub.com/web/pages/modified-ski-operations