The first snowfall of each year, many New Englanders look out the window thinking about one thing – how long it will be until they are able to wake up at the crack of dawn, click into skis or strap on a snowboard, and spend the entire day on the mountain, by myself of with the family. Currently, a large percentage of the workforce remains working from home and are looking forward to hitting the slopes this ski and snowboard season just to be able to get out of the house. Winter is coming and everyone is itching to get back outside and enjoy the fresh air in a safe and fun way.
Resort operators feel the demand and excitement to visit the mountains and have spent their summers tirelessly working to develop thorough operational plans. Jon Schaefer from Berkshire East writes, “COVID compliance and COVID operational modifications will be the name of the game.” Guidance from The National Ski Areas Association comes in the form of the “Ski Well, Be Well” initiative, which includes recommendations for resort operators and patrons alike on the best practices for visiting ski areas. From lift lines to ski lodges, every detail has been deliberated.
The first question everyone seems to be asking, is it safe to participate in snowsports during the coronavirus pandemic? According to UCHealth , the answer is yes — with the right information, planning, and precautions.
Skiing and snowboarding are outdoor activities, and are naturally socially-distanced sports. Proper mountain etiquette is allowing for a generous amount of space between you and others on the slope. Ski gear provides an excellent safeguard and face coverings are typically worn to block wind and supply added warmth. In lift lines, on the lifts, and in lodges patrons will most likely be required to wear face coverings and all local coronavirus guidelines will be implemented in all ski areas. Overall, the structure of snowsports parallel CDC recommendations for limiting the spread of COVID-19.
The next question: So where are the big differences this year?
Well, there is much more to think about when you are getting ready to go up North. Each state has travel restrictions that are being updated periodically, but the generally northeastern states require 2-week mandatory quarantines before going into public areas.
Here are the current travel restrictions for popular New England snowsport states:
- Vermont: 14-day quarantine although you may end your quarantine early with a negative PCR test after day 7 and a continuous monitoring for symptoms of COVID-19
- New Hampshire: Mandatory 10-day quarantine for those traveling to or from states outside of New England (Vermont, Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, and Rhode Island are considered in-region)
- Maine: Mandatory 10-day arrival quarantine or a negative antigen or molecular test result administered within 72 hours before arrival in the state. Travels arriving from New Hampshire and Vermont do not have to quarantine.
Lift tickets and lodge reservations will most likely have to be placed in advance and daily mountain limits will be significantly reduced, so think a few weeks ahead and make sure you are able to get tickets on your desired days. Additionally, parking passes may also be limited, and it is important to check your mountain’s website to see their unique protocols. This will limit prolonged face-to-face interaction with customer service representatives, as you will only be headed to the service desk to pick up your pass. Lift lines and rides will most likely be socially distanced, so either plan to get in less runs or to spend more hours on the slopes.
At Evans Brothers Consulting, some of us have already begun our plans to leave Boston and spend our weekends visiting the many Massachusetts’ ski areas. Having a plan is not only important for a ski trip, but also in so many corporate situations, especially now given the rapidly changing restrictions. Whether it be planning for a construction project, for a crisis, or for a daily schedule, knowing exactly what steps will be taken allows for smoother implementation. Let us help you create and implement plans for a crisis that will ensure the safety of your company in the New Year.
Let’s hit the slopes safely this winter!