State of 2020-21 Resort Operations
With COVID-19 cases continuing to persist across North America, we’re seeing some resorts tighten capacity restrictions or push back openings, either voluntarily or by state mandate. As you debate whether to book a trip this season, we’ve decided to aggregate all we know in one place.
Currently, this list only contains mountains reviewed by PeakRankings.
Colorado Resorts
Currently, there are no statewide travel restrictions or quarantine requirements in Colorado. Following several weeks in the state’s Level Red (Severe) COVID risk tier, most ski counties have progressed to Level Orange, which allows for limited indoor dining. On-mountain facilities can only operate at a maximum of 25% capacity or 50 people. In Summit County, a 9:30pm curfew on alcohol sales currently exists.
Arapahoe Basin
The resort opened for the season on November 9, 2020.
The resort is running all of its lifts this season, but at a maximum of 50% capacity per chair. No guests will be required to ride with people they don’t know. As per county guidelines, the resort will require visitors to wear face masks in all indoor facilities, at the base area, and while riding lifts.
Indoor lodges are not places to take breaks this season. The resort says that visitors should expect “to only be able to go inside to use the bathroom or purchase food.” All food options at the resort will remain open, but all bars will be closed. In addition, tailgating will be prohibited for the foreseeable future, as will be gathering at the resort’s Beach area.
Currently, Summit County is at Level Red for COVID, meaning that all indoor dining and seating at A-Basin is prohibited. However, grab and go dining is still available. These county-mandated restrictions may lift if cases go down.
A-Basin and Mountain Collective passes do not require reservations this winter, and passholders may visit the mountain as they please. However, Ikon passholders need to make reservations to access the mountain after November 9. Lift tickets will remain on sale for every day of the season, but they will be limited in number and need to be purchased in advance. A-Basin says that these measures should “substantially reduce peak visitation periods,” but that as a last resort, the mountain may limit parking to prevent excess capacity.
Beaver Creek
The resort opened for the season on November 25, 2020.
Beaver Creek is running all of its lifts this season, but with capacity restrictions to maintain social distancing. With the exception of parties skiing or riding together, the following seating operations will be in effect: two singles on opposite sides of a four-person lift; two singles or two doubles on opposite sides of a six-person lift; or two singles on opposite sides of larger gondola cabins. There's no mention of physical distancing plans for lower-capacity chairs and surface lifts, but it’s unlikely that these lifts will carry more than one single at a time.
The number of guests at each resort will be limited, and visitors—including all Epic passholders—are required to make reservations before going. The overwhelming majority of reservations will need to be made week-of; Friday-Thursday reservations become available each prior Wednesday at 2pm MT and can be booked here.
In addition to week-of spots, season and day passholders have the opportunity to book up to seven Priority Reservation Days for the core season. After priority days have been used up, passholders can book a new set of advance reservation days, holding up to seven days (or however many days of access are remaining on day passes) at a given time.
Early season days were exclusive to day and season passholders only. Lift tickets are on sale as of December 8.
The resort opened all of its on-mountain restaurants this season, with reduced seating in sit-down facilities and limited, cafeteria-style operations with no food customization options in quick-service lodges. Full-service bars will remain closed. Rental shops are open with limited capacity as well.
Breckenridge
The resort opened for the 2020-21 season on November 13, 2020.
Breckenridge is running all of its lifts this season, but with capacity restrictions to maintain social distancing. With the exception of parties skiing or riding together, the following seating operations will be in effect: two singles on opposite sides of a four-person lift; two singles or two doubles on opposite sides of a six-person lift; or two singles on opposite sides of larger gondola cabins. There's no mention of physical distancing plans for lower-capacity chairs and surface lifts, but it’s unlikely that these lifts will carry more than one single at a time.
The number of guests at each resort is limited, and visitors—including all Epic passholders—are required to make reservations before going. The overwhelming majority of reservations will need to be made week-of; Friday-Thursday reservations become available each prior Wednesday at 2pm MT and can be booked here.
In addition to week-of spots, season and day passholders have the opportunity to book up to seven Priority Reservation Days for the core season. After priority days have been used up, passholders can book a new set of advance reservation days, holding up to seven days (or however many days of access are remaining on day passes) at a given time.
Early season days were exclusive to day and season passholders only. Lift tickets are on sale as of December 8.
The resort opened all of its on-mountain restaurants this season, with reduced seating in sit-down facilities and limited, cafeteria-style operations with no food customization options in quick-service lodges. Indoor dining reopened in early January. Full-service bars remain closed. Rental shops are open with limited capacity as well.
Copper
The resort opened for the season on November 30, 2020.
Copper plans to operate all of its lifts this season with additional spacing measures to manage physical distancing in lift lines. With the possible exception of six-pack chairlifts and gondolas, no guests will be required to board with visitors outside their traveling party.
Dining facilities will be open with social distancing measures in place and expanded grab-and-go options, but guests are encouraged to bring their own meals. Currently, Summit County is at Level Red for COVID, meaning that all indoor dining and seating at Copper is prohibited.
To limit crowds, parking will be by reservation only, including for season passholders. Reservations can be made here. Lift tickets are now on sale for all 2020-21 season dates, but many days, including all weekends through the end of February, no longer have available parking.
Keystone
The resort opened for the season on November 6, 2020.
Keystone is running all of its lifts this season, but with capacity restrictions to maintain social distancing. With the exception of parties skiing or riding together, the following seating operations will be in effect: two singles on opposite sides of a four-person lift; two singles or two doubles on opposite sides of a six-person lift; or two singles on opposite sides of larger gondola cabins. There's no mention of physical distancing plans for lower-capacity chairs and surface lifts, but it’s unlikely that these lifts will carry more than one single at a time.
The number of guests at each resort is limited, and visitors—including all Epic passholders—are required to make reservations before going. The overwhelming majority of reservations will need to be made week-of; Friday-Thursday reservations become available each prior Wednesday at 2pm MT and can be booked here.
In addition to week-of spots, season and day passholders have the opportunity to book up to seven Priority Reservation Days for the core season. After priority days have been used up, passholders can book a new set of advance reservation days, holding up to seven days (or however many days of access are remaining on day passes) at a given time.
Early season days were exclusive to day and season passholders only. Lift tickets are on sale as of December 8.
The resort opened all of its on-mountain restaurants this season, with reduced seating in sit-down facilities and limited, cafeteria-style operations with no food customization options in quick-service lodges. Indoor dining reopened in early January. Full-service bars remain closed. Rental shops are open with limited capacity as well.
Loveland
Loveland opened for the season on November 11, 2020.
Face and hand coverings are required in all indoor areas, base areas, lifts, and shuttle buses. Chairlifts will only load with members of the same group, and the Basin/Valley shuttle bus will operate at a substantially limited capacity. The ridge cat—and the new, recently approved Dry Gulch snowcat expansion—will not run this season. In addition, the terrain park will not open.
With the exception of limited bathroom use, all on-mountain lodges will remain closed for 2020-21. Base lodges have opened with significantly reduced capacity, and food is grab and go only. The Basin and Valley rental shops are open at a significantly reduced capacity as well.
Currently, the resort does not have a reservation system for passholders.
Steamboat
Steamboat opened for the season on December 1, 2020.
The resort is running all of its lifts next season but at reduced capacity. Guests who wish to ride with “an open space” between them and the next guest will be allowed to do so—it’s unclear if this means guests can request their own chair/gondola cabin. The gondola line will have extra measures for social distancing, and gondola riders will be required to wear face masks. Night skiing will still be available, but only on Fridays through Sundays besides select peak periods.
Most on-site facilities are open at a limited capacity. Rye’s and all full-service bars will remain closed. Limited indoor dining has reopened following Routt County’s downgrade to Level Orange on the COVID risk scale. Rental shops remain open with limited capacity as well.
At this time, the resort will not require reservations for access. To limit capacity, Steamboat will be severely cutting down on its ticket and pass products. Limited lift ticket products are now available.
Telluride
The resort opened for the season on November 26.
Telluride has stated that they will not be requiring reservations to access the mountain. The resort has released a set of COVID-19 protocols here.
Temporary outdoor structures are installed outside dining facilities to offer socially distant seating, and the resort’s Mountain Village base added private dining cabins made from refurbished gondola cars. These structures opened for dining in January following San Miguel County’s move to Level Orange on the COVID risk scale.
Vail
The resort opened for the season on November 20, 2020.
Vail is running all of its lifts this season, but with capacity restrictions to maintain social distancing. With the exception of parties skiing or riding together, the following seating operations will be in effect: two singles on opposite sides of a four-person lift; two singles or two doubles on opposite sides of a six-person lift; or two singles on opposite sides of larger gondola cabins. There's no mention of physical distancing plans for lower-capacity chairs and surface lifts, but it’s unlikely that these lifts will carry more than one single at a time.
The number of guests at each resort is limited, and visitors—including all Epic passholders—are required to make reservations before going. The overwhelming majority of reservations will need to be made week-of; Friday-Thursday reservations become available each prior Wednesday at 2pm MT and can be booked here.
In addition to week-of spots, season and day passholders have the opportunity to book up to seven Priority Reservation Days for the core season. After priority days have been used up, passholders can book a new set of advance reservation days, holding up to seven days (or however many days of access are remaining on day passes) at a given time.
Early season days were exclusive to day and season passholders only. Lift tickets are on sale as of December 8.
The resort opened all of its on-mountain restaurants this season, with reduced seating in sit-down facilities and limited, cafeteria-style operations with no food customization options in quick-service lodges. Full-service bars will remain closed. Rental shops are open with limited capacity as well.
Winter Park
Winter Park opened for the season on November 30, 2020. The resort has released a set of COVID-19 protocols here. The Cirque Sled does not seem to be operating this winter. Amtrak’s Winter Park Express service is suspended for the season.
Starting December 19, the resort began requiring Ikon and season passholders to make reservations for access. Each passholder can reserve up to 10 advance days at a time, and many popular days are completely booked. The resort says it will work with guests who have booked lodging but are unable to secure their desired reservation dates. As of mid-January, reservations are no longer required after 2pm.
To limit capacity, Winter Park has severely cut down on its ticket and pass products. Four Pack and Flex 4 Passes are not available. Lift tickets are now on sale, but must be booked at least 48 hours in advance. Several days are already sold out.
Lake Tahoe Resorts
With COVID hospitalizations stabilizing, California has lifted stay-at-home orders that affected several Tahoe ski resorts. While outdoor activities such as skiing are excluded from the order, hotels will not be allowed to accept or honor reservations for non-essential travel. As a result, those planning to travel to resorts may now book hotel reservations again.
To limit mountain capacity and discourage last-minute traveling, California has barred resorts from selling day-of tickets this season. Anyone wishing to access resorts and their facilities must hold a pre-purchased reservation, lift ticket or season pass.
Alpine Meadows
Alpine Meadows opened for the season on November 24, 2020.
The resort is running all of its lifts this season, but with capacity restrictions to maintain social distancing. Guests will be asked to load only with those in their traveling party, although those from different households may ride together if they are seated at least one space apart and the ride is less than 15 minutes long. In addition, guests may ask to ride alone. The resort says that snow safety operations may take longer than normal to execute due to social distancing measures across its staff.
While Greater Sacramento’s regional stay-at-home order has been lifted, all food options remain outdoor only. Lodging is still open for lockers, restrooms, rentals, and other guest services, but with social distancing enforced. Face coverings with two or more layers are required in all indoor spaces; the same is true for essentially all outdoor spaces except while skiing or riding down the mountain.
At this time, the resort does not require reservations for access. To limit capacity, Squaw Alpine has been “dynamically controlling” the sale of its ticket and pass products. Lift tickets are now on sale for peak and non-peak days. Super 4 passes did not go on sale for the 2020-21 season.
Heavenly
The resort opened for the season on November 20, 2020.
Heavenly is running all of its lifts this season, but with capacity restrictions to maintain social distancing. With the exception of parties skiing or riding together, the following seating operations will be in effect: two singles on opposite sides of a four-person lift; two singles or two doubles on opposite sides of a six-person lift; or two singles on opposite sides of larger gondola cabins. There's no mention of physical distancing plans for lower-capacity chairs and surface lifts, but it’s unlikely that these lifts will carry more than one single at a time.
The number of guests at each resort is limited, and visitors—including all Epic passholders—are required to make reservations before going. The overwhelming majority of reservations will need to be made week-of; Friday-Thursday reservations become available each prior Wednesday at 2pm MT and can be booked here.
In addition to week-of spots, season and day passholders have the opportunity to book up to seven Priority Reservation Days for the core season. After priority days have been used up, passholders can book a new set of advance reservation days, holding up to seven days (or however many days of access are remaining on day passes) at a given time.
Early season days were exclusive to day and season passholders only. Lift tickets are on sale as of December 8.
The resort opened all of its on-mountain restaurants this season, with reduced seating in sit-down facilities and limited, cafeteria-style operations with no food customization options in quick-service lodges. Full-service bars will remain closed. Rental shops are open with limited capacity as well.
Homewood
The resort opened for the season on December 11, 2020.
To allow for social distancing, Homewood has replaced its old-school tickets with a contactless RFID pass system. Lift tickets are available for online purchase only, and ticket windows will remain closed in favor of on-site pickup kiosks. While season passholders have unlimited, unrestricted access this season, Homewood now requires other visitors to reserve parking spots while purchasing tickets to manage on-mountain capacity.
Guests are not required to load lifts with anyone outside their own party. All food and drink options are grab-and-go only through online ordering. Now that Greater Sacramento’s regional stay-at-home order has been lifted, limited outdoor seating is available. Rental shops remain open with limited capacity, but rental packages must be pre-purchased online.
Kirkwood
The resort opened for the season on December 4, 2020.
Kirkwood is running all of its lifts this season, but with capacity restrictions to maintain social distancing. With the exception of parties skiing or riding together, quad lifts will only load two singles on opposite sides. There's no mention of physical distancing plans for lower-capacity chairs and surface lifts, but it’s unlikely that these lifts will carry more than one single at a time.
The number of guests at each resort is limited, and visitors—including all Epic passholders—are required to make reservations before going. The overwhelming majority of reservations will need to be made week-of; Friday-Thursday reservations become available each prior Wednesday at 2pm MT and can be booked here.
In addition to week-of spots, season and day passholders have the opportunity to book up to seven Priority Reservation Days for the core season. After priority days have been used up, passholders can book a new set of advance reservation days, holding up to seven days (or however many days of access are remaining on day passes) at a given time.
Early season days were exclusive to day and season passholders only. Lift tickets are on sale as of December 8.
The resort opened all of its on-mountain restaurants this season, with reduced seating in sit-down facilities and limited, cafeteria-style operations with no food customization options in quick-service lodges. Full-service bars will remain closed. Rental shops are open with limited capacity as well.
Northstar
The resort opened for the season on November 20, 2020.
Northstar is running all of its lifts this season, but with capacity restrictions to maintain social distancing. With the exception of parties skiing or riding together, the following seating operations will be in effect: two singles on opposite sides of a four-person lift; two singles or two doubles on opposite sides of a six-person lift; or two singles on opposite sides of larger gondola cabins. There's no mention of physical distancing plans for lower-capacity chairs and surface lifts, but it’s unlikely that these lifts will carry more than one single at a time.
The number of guests at each resort is limited, and visitors—including all Epic passholders—are required to make reservations before going. The overwhelming majority of reservations will need to be made week-of; Friday-Thursday reservations become available each prior Wednesday at 2pm MT and can be booked here.
In addition to week-of spots, season and day passholders have the opportunity to book up to seven Priority Reservation Days for the core season. After priority days have been used up, passholders can book a new set of advance reservation days, holding up to seven days (or however many days of access are remaining on day passes) at a given time.
Early season days were exclusive to day and season passholders only. Lift tickets are on sale as of December 8.
The resort opened all of its on-mountain restaurants this season, with reduced seating in sit-down facilities and limited, cafeteria-style operations with no food customization options in quick-service lodges. Full-service bars will remain closed. Rental shops are open with limited capacity as well.
Sierra-at-Tahoe
Sierra-at-Tahoe opened for the season on November 25, 2020.
The resort has released a number of operational changes for the 2020-21 season. Face masks are required everywhere social distancing isn’t possible, including lifts, indoor spaces, and bases. Visitors are not required to ride chairlifts with others outside their party.
Now that Greater Sacramento’s regional stay-at-home order has been lifted, limited seating at restaurants is available. However, dining facilities still chiefly operate as grab and go stations. Rental shops remain open with limited capacity.
At this time, Sierra says they will not be requiring reservations for passholders. Lift tickets are now on sale for the next four weeks—purchases past that point are not available yet.
Squaw Valley
Squaw Valley opened for the season on November 24, 2020.
The resort is running all of its lifts this season, but with capacity restrictions to maintain social distancing. The funitel and tram are loading at 25% capacity, meaning that each funitel car can hold a maximum of 7 and each tram car can hold a maximum of 25. On other lifts, guests will be asked to load only with those in their traveling party, although those from different households may ride together if they are seated at least one space apart and the ride is less than 15 minutes long. In addition, guests may ask to ride alone. The resort says that snow safety operations may take longer than normal to execute due to social distancing measures across its staff.
While Greater Sacramento’s regional stay-at-home order has been lifted, all food options remain outdoor only. Lodging is still open for lockers, restrooms, rentals, and other guest services, but with social distancing enforced. Face coverings with two or more layers are required in all indoor spaces; the same is true for essentially all outdoor spaces except while skiing or riding down the mountain.
At this time, the resort does not require reservations for access. To limit capacity, Squaw Alpine has been “dynamically controlling” the sale of its ticket and pass products. Lift tickets are on sale, but for midweek, non-holiday purchase only. There’s been no word on Super 4 passes this season, but if the announcements made by other Alterra-owned resorts are any indication, we don’t expect them to go on sale at all for the 2020-21 season.
Northern Rockies Resorts
Currently, there are no statewide travel restrictions or quarantine requirements in Montana or Wyoming.
Big Sky
The massive Montana resort opened for the season on November 26, 2020.
The resort is running all its lifts, including the Lone Peak Tram. With the exception of the Ramcharger 8-pack and tram, no visitors are required to ride with guests outside their party. Singles lines have been eliminated, and lift queues have been reconfigured to facilitate social distancing.
Capacity on the Lone Peak Tram may vary to provide a “safe and reasonable” experience for visitors. To compensate, the resort may add a bootpack—or a route for guests to hike up to the terrain—from the top of the Dakota lift to the summit of Lone Mountain. However, despite the season already starting, it seems that nothing has been finalized in this regard.
Face masks are mandatory on lift lines and while riding lifts, but not everywhere on the resort premises. Facilities remain open with social distancing guidelines in place, and the resort’s Lone Peak Playhouse childcare facility is operating with enhanced safety protocols.
At Big Sky, multi-day and season passholders have unlimited access to the resort with no reservations required. Mountain Collective passholders do not need to make reservations, but Ikon passholders do.
Jackson Hole
The resort opened for the season on November 26, 2020.
Jackson Hole has confirmed that multi-day and season passholders have unlimited access to the resort with no reservations required. Mountain Collective passholders do not need to make reservations, but Ikon passholders do.
Advance-purchase day tickets went on sale on October 5, with 10% discounts for tickets purchased more than 14 days in advance and 5% discounts for tickets purchased more than 7 days in advance. Only a limited number of tickets are sold for each date, and once full-day tickets are sold out, there may be an option to purchase afternoon tickets. Tickets will be fully refundable for any reason more than 14 days before the use date.
The resort is running its lifts at a lower capacity than normal. Lifts and gondolas will be loaded with only those in the same group—those alone will ride by themselves. Lifts will run at increased speeds when possible, and the Sweetwater, Teewinot, and Apres Vous lifts will start operating at 8:30am when necessary to reduce A.M. base crowding. The tram will operate at 25% capacity on a first-come, first-serve basis. For those wishing to reach the resort’s Rendezvous Bowl without riding the tram, the resort plans to implement a bootpack—or a route for guests to hike up to the terrain—from the top of the Sublette chair.
Jackson Hole has opened its shops and restaurants with reconfigurations to allow for social distancing. Heated tents and additional tables will be provided for dining. Rentals remain open—the resort does not expect the process to take any longer than normal, although capacity in the shops will be managed.
Snow King
Snow King opened for the season on December 4, 2020.
To allow for social distancing, a number of operational changes have been issued. All indoor spaces are limited to 25 people; limited indoor seating and warming space is available. Guests are required to wear face masks in all areas where social distancing is not possible.
Visitors are encouraged to buy tickets online, but it does not look like walk-up sales have been suspended. At this point, there is no reservation system required for passholders.
New York Resorts
All travelers to New York from non-contiguous states (all except CT, MA, NJ, PA, and VT) must quarantine for 14 days unless a qualifying test is obtained. Per state guidelines, ski resorts can now open with the following restrictions:
50% indoor capacity
Lifts restricted only to members of the same party
Outdoor capacity reduced by 25% during peak times or on days with limited terrain offerings
Ski lessons limited to a maximum of 10 people
Masks required except while eating, drinking, and skiing
Social distancing and thorough cleaning of shared equipment required at all times
Whiteface
The resort opened for the season on December 5.
Whiteface is owned by state-run ORDA, and as such will adhere to state-mandated operating guidelines. Lift tickets may be limited and must be purchased online in advance. At this point, it does not appear that passholders will need to make reservations.
Utah Resorts
There are no currently no statewide travel restrictions or quarantine requirements in Utah.
Alta
This skiers-only resort opened for the season on November 23, 2020.
Alta is running all of its lifts this season, and guests will be allowed to load only with those in their party. Singles lines have been eliminated. Many dining facilities will remain open, but indoor restaurants will operate with limited capacity. Collins Grill will stay closed this season, but the resort will add a food truck to the Wildcat parking lot. In addition, Alf’s Restaurant will gain more dining space and an outdoor coffee shop.
The resort is using parking capacity to manage crowds at the resort. Weather, snowpack, terrain, and indoor capacity will determine how many spots the resort keeps open on any given day, and spots are first-come, first-serve. Passholders do not need to make reservations to access the mountain. Flexible-day lift tickets are now available online, but the resort says it plans to limit offsite ticket sales.
Deer Valley
This skiers-only resort opened for the season on December 5, 2020.
Visitors are required to wear select face coverings indoors and around most highly trafficked places. Capacity on lifts has been substantially reduced—guests in separate parties won’t have to ride together, and with the exception of two willing visitors seated on opposite sides of quad chairs, singles will ride lifts, including the Jordanelle Gondola, alone. The resort requires reservations to dine at any on-mountain restaurant, but grab-and-go food options are available at some lodges.
Like in previous years, full season passholders will not need to make reservations to access the mountain. Ikon says that their passholders do not need to make reservations to access the resort. Deer Valley multi-day pass products and walk-up tickets won’t be offered this winter. Limited pre-purchase lift tickets are now on sale.
Park City
The resort opened for the season on November 20, 2020.
Park City is running all of its lifts this season, but with capacity restrictions to maintain social distancing. With the exception of parties skiing or riding together, the following seating operations will be in effect: two singles on opposite sides of a four-person lift; two singles or two doubles on opposite sides of a six-person lift; or two singles on opposite sides of larger gondola cabins. There's no mention of physical distancing plans for lower-capacity chairs and surface lifts, but it’s unlikely that these lifts will carry more than one single at a time.
The number of guests at each resort is limited, and visitors—including all Epic passholders—are required to make reservations before going. The overwhelming majority of reservations will need to be made week-of; Friday-Thursday reservations become available each prior Wednesday at 2pm MT and can be booked here.
In addition to week-of spots, season and day passholders have the opportunity to book up to seven Priority Reservation Days for the core season. After priority days have been used up, passholders can book a new set of advance reservation days, holding up to seven days (or however many days of access are remaining on day passes) at a given time.
Early season days were exclusive to day and season passholders only. Lift tickets are on sale as of December 8.
The resort has opened all of its on-mountain restaurants this season, with reduced seating in sit-down facilities and limited, cafeteria-style operations with no food customization options in quick-service lodges. Some indoor facilities must be accessed via reservation. Full-service bars will remain closed. Rental shops are open with limited capacity as well.
Snowbird
The resort opened for the season on November 30, 2020.
Snowbird is operating all of its lifts this season with additional spacing measures to manage physical distancing in lift lines. With the exception of the aerial tram, which is operating at 25% capacity, no guests will be required to board with visitors outside their traveling party. Dining facilities will be open with social distancing measures in place and expanded grab-and-go options, and conference centers will provide additional indoor seating.
To limit crowds, parking is by reservation only, including for season passholders. Reservations can be made here. Lift tickets are now on sale for all 2020-21 season dates, but many days, including all weekends through late March, no longer have available parking.
Vermont Resorts
Anyone traveling to Vermont is currently required to quarantine for 14 days before hitting the ski slopes (or 7 days followed by a negative COVID test). If you’re traveling to the state by personal car, the quarantine and test can be done in your home state.
The state has mandated that all lifts must operate at a maximum of 50% capacity, with the exception of individuals in the same party. In addition, on-mountain facilities must reduce their occupancy to a maximum of 50% capacity or 75 people.
Resorts must collect contact tracing information on each visitor, and all guests are required to complete an attestation confirming compliance with travel quarantine requirements. More information on these guidelines can be found here.
Bromley
Bromley opened for the season on November 29, 2020. The resort says they will not require reservations to access the mountain.
With the exception of parties skiing or riding together, the following seating operations are in effect: two singles on opposite sides of a quad lift, and one single on a double lift. Bromley is limiting indoor spaces to a capacity of 75 people, and reservations must be made online to sit and eat at the Wild Boar and Marketplace. However, some outdoor dining options are available without reservations. The resort strongly encourages guests not to bring ski bags inside but hasn’t strictly banned them.
Tickets are only available online this season. Full-day prices are $85 for all days and ages, while half day tickets are $75. Multi-day tickets come with slight discounts.
Killington
Killington opened for the season on November 20, 2020.
Killington is requiring visitors to wear face masks at all times except when seated to eat or drink. The mountain is utilizing additional spacing measures to manage physical distancing in lift lines, and lifts will either be loaded at reduced capacity or only with members of the same traveling party.
Lodges have been limited to 50% capacity, and indoor facilities will act chiefly as “warming huts” with limited grab-and-go food options. Bag check services will be suspended. To address these limitations, Killington is expanding the hours at outdoor dining facilities and adding food trucks. Most bars will stay open, but with alcoholic drinks only available at physically distanced tables. The small, on-mountain Ledgewood Yurt and Motor Room Bar will stay closed for the season.
To limit crowds, weekend and holiday parking is by reservation only, including for season passholders. Weekday reservations are no longer required as of January 19th. Reservations can be made here. Lift tickets are now on sale.
Mount Snow
The resort opened for the season on November 25, 2020.
Mount Snow is running all of its lifts this season, but with capacity restrictions to maintain social distancing. With the exception of parties skiing or riding together, the following seating operations will be in effect: two singles on opposite sides of a four-person lift; two singles or two doubles on opposite sides of a six-person lift; or two singles on opposite sides of larger gondola cabins. There's no mention of physical distancing plans for lower-capacity chairs and surface lifts, but it’s unlikely that these lifts will carry more than one single at a time.
The number of guests at each resort is limited, and visitors—including all Epic passholders—are required to make reservations before going. The overwhelming majority of reservations will need to be made week-of; Friday-Thursday reservations become available each prior Wednesday at 2pm MT and can be booked here.
In addition to week-of spots, season and day passholders have the opportunity to book up to seven Priority Reservation Days for the core season. After priority days have been used up, passholders can book a new set of advance reservation days, holding up to seven days (or however many days of access are remaining on day passes) at a given time.
Early season days were exclusive to day and season passholders only. Lift tickets are on sale as of December 8.
The resort opened all of its on-mountain restaurants this season, with reduced seating in sit-down facilities and limited, cafeteria-style operations with no food customization options in quick-service lodges. Full-service bars will remain closed. Rental shops are open with limited capacity as well.
Okemo
The resort opened for the season on November 25, 2020.
Okemo is running all of its lifts this season, but with capacity restrictions to maintain social distancing. With the exception of parties skiing or riding together, the following seating operations will be in effect: two singles on opposite sides of a four-person lift; two singles or two doubles on opposite sides of a six-person lift; or two singles on opposite sides of larger gondola cabins. There's no mention of physical distancing plans for lower-capacity chairs and surface lifts, but it’s unlikely that these lifts will carry more than one single at a time.
The number of guests at each resort is limited, and visitors—including all Epic passholders—are required to make reservations before going. The overwhelming majority of reservations will need to be made week-of; Friday-Thursday reservations become available each prior Wednesday at 2pm MT and can be booked here.
In addition to week-of spots, season and day passholders have the opportunity to book up to seven Priority Reservation Days for the core season. After priority days have been used up, passholders can book a new set of advance reservation days, holding up to seven days (or however many days of access are remaining on day passes) at a given time.
Early season days were exclusive to day and season passholders only. Lift tickets are on sale as of December 8.
The resort opened all of its on-mountain restaurants this season, with reduced seating in sit-down facilities and limited, cafeteria-style operations with no food customization options in quick-service lodges. Full-service bars will remain closed. Rental shops are open with limited capacity as well.
Stowe
The resort opened for the season on November 25, 2020.
Stowe is running all of its lifts this season, but with capacity restrictions to maintain social distancing. With the exception of parties skiing or riding together, the following seating operations will be in effect: two singles on opposite sides of a four-person lift; two singles or two doubles on opposite sides of a six-person lift; or two singles on opposite sides of larger gondola cabins. There's no mention of physical distancing plans for lower-capacity chairs and surface lifts, but it’s unlikely that these lifts will carry more than one single at a time.
The number of guests at each resort is limited, and visitors—including all Epic passholders—are required to make reservations before going. The overwhelming majority of reservations will need to be made week-of; Friday-Thursday reservations become available each prior Wednesday at 2pm MT and can be booked here.
In addition to week-of spots, season and day passholders have the opportunity to book up to seven Priority Reservation Days for the core season. After priority days have been used up, passholders can book a new set of advance reservation days, holding up to seven days (or however many days of access are remaining on day passes) at a given time.
Early season days were exclusive to day and season passholders only. Lift tickets are on sale as of December 8.
The resort opened all of its on-mountain restaurants this season, with reduced seating in sit-down facilities and limited, cafeteria-style operations with no food customization options in quick-service lodges. Full-service bars will remain closed. Rental shops are open with limited capacity as well.
Stratton
Stratton opened for the season on December 10, 2020.
With the exception of guests in the same traveling party, the resort will adhere to the state’s 50% capacity guidelines for all lifts. The resort says that individuals wishing to ride alone may do so, but may have to wait until “demand allows a chair or cabin to be loaded with one person.”
Dining lodges have been reconfigured to allow social distancing, and indoor seating must be reserved through OpenTable. Retail stores must also adhere to strict capacity guidelines.
At this time, Stratton does not require reservations for access. Limited pre-purchase lift tickets are on sale. To manage capacity, the resort will not offer Flex Cards and undated tickets for the 2020-21 season.
Sugarbush
Sugarbush’s opened for the season on December 10, 2020. The resort’s Mount Ellen area opened on December 18.
Sugarbush is operating all of its lifts this winter, but visitors do not have to ride up with guests outside of their group. Singles lines have been suspended. Dining facilities remain open with limited indoor seating, but heaters and furniture have been added for additional outdoor seating. In addition, grab-and-go options have been significantly increased.
At this time, the resort does not require reservations for access. To limit capacity, Sugarbush has severely cut down on its ticket and pass products. Flex Cards and undated tickets are not available this season. Dated lift tickets are now on sale here.
Canadian Resorts
Due to COVID-19, Canada has restricted travel to foreign nationals, including U.S. citizens. For more details, see here.
Tremblant
The resort opened for the season on November 27, 2020.
Operating guidelines differ depending on the region’s COVID status. Under green, yellow, and orange zone circumstances, the resort plans to open all of its lifts and terrain with usual capacity (with the exception of the gondola, which will be run at 50% capacity). Indoor eating spaces will be modified to allow for adequate social distancing, and guests will not be permitted to store their belongings in common areas.
The resort is currently operating under red zone circumstances. In this scenario, lifts are limited to related parties only. In addition, indoor spaces only function as warming lodges, and food/beverage service have been suspended.
At this time, the resort does not require reservations for access. Dated lift tickets went on sale in October and are available here. To control capacity, Tremblant will not be offering undated tickets this season.
Whistler Blackcomb
The resort opened for the season on November 26, 2020.
Whistler is running all of its lifts this season, but with capacity restrictions to maintain social distancing. With the exception of parties skiing or riding together, the following seating operations will be in effect: two singles on opposite sides of a four-person lift; two singles or two doubles on opposite sides of a six-person lift; or two singles on opposite sides of larger gondola cabins. There's no mention of physical distancing plans for lower-capacity chairs and surface lifts, but it’s unlikely that these lifts will carry more than one single at a time.
The number of guests at each resort is limited, and visitors—including all Epic passholders—are required to make reservations before going. The overwhelming majority of reservations will need to be made week-of; Friday-Thursday reservations become available each prior Wednesday at 2pm MT and can be booked here.
In addition to week-of spots, season and day passholders have the opportunity to book up to seven Priority Reservation Days for the core season. After priority days have been used up, passholders can book a new set of advance reservation days, holding up to seven days (or however many days of access are remaining on day passes) at a given time.
Early season days were exclusive to day and season passholders only. Lift tickets are on sale as of December 8.
The resort has opened all of its on-mountain restaurants this season, with reduced seating in sit-down facilities and limited, cafeteria-style operations with no food customization options in quick-service lodges. Full-service bars will remain closed. Rental shops are open with limited capacity as well.
Verdict
Several weeks into the season, it looks like resorts have generally opened all of their terrain and lifts. Most of the changes come in access policies; to limit capacity, destination resorts seem to either be restricting access for season pass holders or tightly clamping down on ticket sales (or substantially increasing ticket prices). Lift throughput has significantly decreased due to social distancing restrictions, and long lines have been reported across resorts this winter.
We’re keeping an eye on COVID-19 number across the United States. As cases have falled over the past few weeks, we’ve seen several states and regions move out from strict social distancing and stay-at-home orders.
Public indoor lodging is all but gone at many resorts this season. Many resorts have provided desirable outdoor alternatives, but if your ideal ski day involves nice, warm indoor breaks, you may be disappointed. On-site lodging will be incredibly desirable next season, so consider booking now if you can find rooms with reasonable COVID assurance policies (as stay-at-home orders in some places could force the cancelation of your trip).
