How are you safely loading lifts this winter?
To allow for physical distancing on our chairlifts, we will be seating related parties (guests skiing or riding together) and maintaining at least one empty seat between two unrelated parties or singles on a four-person, six-person, or eight-person lift. For two-person lift, only one single will be permitted and for a three-person lift, we will maintain one empty space in between two unrelated singles. Gondolas with 6 seats or less will be limited to maximum two unrelated singles or one related party. All guests will be required to wear face coverings while in lift mazes, riding chairlifts and inside gondolas.
Why can’t we load chairlifts with other parties, since it’s outside and we’ll be wearing face coverings?
In the current environment, we do not believe it is appropriate to seat unrelated guests from different parties directly next to each other, given the dynamics during loading and unloading, during chair stoppages and due the proximity between guests as they ride the lift, speak to each other, speak on the phone and adjust their clothing. We believe a conservative approach is the best way to protect our guests.
How are you promoting physical distancing in lift lines?
In addition to the use of markers to help space guests out in lift lines, ski and snowboard equipment will help naturally distance guests while waiting to load the lifts. In addition, guests will be required to wear face coverings at all times while in lift mazes and riding chairlifts and gondolas.
How do you plan to manage lift lines given your new protocols?
First and foremost, we will manage the number of people on our mountains through a reservation system to allow for physical distancing. While our lift loading protocols may initially create longer lines at key access points, we believe these protocols are key components to providing a safe experience for our guests and we believe any initial lines will level out as guests spread out across the resort.
Will you be cleaning/disinfecting the lifts/gondola cabins between use?
Enhanced cleaning and disinfecting will take place daily in our gondola cabins. All high-touch surfaces will be frequently cleaned and disinfected with EPA-approved products that kill the COVID-19 virus.
Given you will have fewer guests on the mountain this year, will you reduce the number of lifts operating?
Our goal is to fully open with lifts and terrain, as weather and conditions permit, regardless of how many people are skiing and riding this season.
What will singles lines look like this season?
We will continue to offer singles lines. Singles may be seated together on opposite sides of four- and six-person chairlifts and on opposite sides of larger gondola cabins. All guests will be required to wear face coverings while in lift lines, riding chairlifts and inside gondolas.