The cool fall air is blowing in, the days are getting shorter, and the trees have begun changing color. This means many Colorado residents are starting to think about ski season and what that might look like during the pandemic. Colorado ski resorts have been busy solving social distancing logistics so they can open on time with safety precautions in place. Some resorts are implementing a reservation system to limit numbers, and you will need to keep your face covered at all times no matter where you make your turns. Continue reading for a complete guide to projected opening days and special safety measures at each resort for the 2020-2021 ski season.
2020 OPENING DAYS AND COVID GUIDELINES FOR COLORADO SKI RESORTS
*all quoted dates are planned opening dates but are subject to change
ALTERRA RESORTS
Steamboat Ski Resort:November 21st
Winter Park Resort:November 18th
Reservations: Not necessary for pass holders, but all day passes, lessons, rentals, and tubing will need to be pre-booked online.
Season Guarantee: œAdventure Assurance for all season pass holders
What to Expect: Steamboat and Winter Park are holding off on a reservation system to start the season, but may implement one down the road if it becomes necessary. Lift lines will require six feet between groups and mazes will be reconfigured to accommodate this. Masks are required in buildings, lines, and lifts. Dining centers will offer easy to grab options and contactless payment. Sadly, the Sunspot Mountaintop Lodge will not be open for apres or dinner this year.
ASPEN RESORTS
Aspen Mountain (Ajax):November 26th
Snowmass:November 26th
Aspen Highlands:December 12th
Buttermilk:December 18th
Reservations: Not at this time
Season Guarantee: Yes, prorated
What to Expect: Aspen's four resorts, part of the icon pass, are hoping to avoid a reservation system this year and will keep their website up to date if that changes. No walk-up ticket sales will be issued this year, so you'll have to plan your trip in advance if you're not on the Icon Pass. Their unlimited Premier Pass will be more expensive this year to account for lower numbers, but they are offering a new mid-week pass for locals to encourage off-peak skiing. Guests are encouraged to social distance.
ARAPAHOE BASIN
Opening Day: October 19th
Reservations: Only for Ikon Pass holders
Season Guarantee: Only if the resort can't open at all this year
What to Expect: Arapahoe Basin competes to be the first to open each season and they will continue that tradition this year, targeting mid-October based on snow-making operations. Lift tickets will be available online only and limited during peak days and holidays. Mountain restaurants are expected to be open, while bars will remain closed. The biggest change for Arapahoe Basin is the closing of œthe beach, a favorite tailgating spot for large groups. Shuttle service from remote parking lots will also be suspended this year, giving you more incentive to hit the road early for premier parking. There won't be any restrictions or reservations for season pass holders, however they are limiting season pass sales to keep the numbers manageable this year. Guests are encouraged to social distance and wear face coverings.
COPPER MOUNTAIN
Opening Day: November 30th
Reservations: Parking must be reserved online
Season Guarantee: Copper Passholder Promise
What to Expect: Copper Mountain, also on the Icon pass, will be opening later this year, at the very end of November. Copper skiers and riders will be treated to an additional 273 acres of terrain off of their new Three Bears Lift which debuted for the abbreviated 2019-2020 season. Copper is hopefull this will help tokeep the crowds dispersed. Face coverings are required in lines, lifts, buildings, and shuttles.
ELDORA
Opening Day: November 23rd
Reservations: Parking must be reserved online
Season Guarantee: Eldora Passholder Promise
What to Expect: Eldora will be opening later than usual this year, but will include more available terrain and re-designed mazes which will help to maintain social distancing. Facemasks must be worn indoors, on shuttles, and in lift lines. Guests must ride chairlifts with people in their party and touchless dining transactions will be the norm.
LOVELAND SKI AREA
Opening Day: October 28th
Reservations: Not at this time
Season Guarantee: 130 day season guarantee
What to Expect: Loveland is usually neck and neck with Arapahoe Basin to see who will be the first to open each year. While it looks like Basin will beat them this year, they are still shooting for an October open. Loveland's popular ski and ride school is making a big change this year in offering only half-day lessons and no group lessons for children under age seven. The Ridge Cat will suspend operation this year and on-mountain lodges will remain closed to the public as well. Face and hand coverings are required on-mountain, indoors, and on buses, social distancing guidelines are in place, and chairlifts can only be shared with those in your party.
VAIL RESORTS
Keystone:November 6th
Breckenridge: November 13th
Vail Mountain: November 20th
Crested Butte: November 23rd
Beaver Creek: November 25th
Reservations: Required for pass holders, lift ticket sales, and parking
Season Guarantee: Epic Coverage
What to Expect: Early season at all five of Vail's Resorts will be reserved for season pass holders with daily lift ticket sales beginning after December 8th. Their new reservation system allows pass holders to advance reserve seven days of skiing throughout the season, then unlimited reservations within a week's notice. Chairlifts must only be shared amongst groups, with the exception of larger chairs which may spread single riders out on the chairs if needed. Face coverings are required on-mountain and indoors at all times.
OTHER OPENING DATES FOR COLORADO SKI RESORTS
Monarch Mountain:November 23rd
Purgatory:November 21st
Silverton:Heli Skiing- November 25th, Guided Skiing and Lifts- December 26th
Telluride:November 26th
Although this season will operate differently than years past, there is still winter fun to be had at Colorado ski resorts. Prepare for longer lift lines that account for social distancing, but less skiers on the hill. With less crowds, it might be your best ski season yet!
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