State of 2021-22 Ski Resort Operating Plans, Opening Dates, and Updates
UPDATE 12/28/2021
In the wake of the rapidly spreading COVID-19 Omicron variant, several resorts have added mask mandates. Vail Resorts has reinstated its mask requirement in gondolas at all North American ski resorts, effective 12/29.
11/17/2021
Several resorts across the country pushed back their opening dates in the wake of higher-than-ideal temperatures for snowmaking.
10/16/2021
With winter fast approaching, we’re seeing several resorts announce opening dates, operational guidelines, and other updates for the coming season. With COVID-19 still a factor, many resorts are continuing to mandate some special guidelines. Others have undertaken major projects or policy changes that may reshape their on-mountain experiences next season. 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.
California/Nevada Resorts
Currently, there are no statewide travel restrictions or quarantine requirements in California or Nevada.
Diamond Peak
The resort opened for the season on December 16, 2021. The resort is requiring double-layered face masks for the 2021-22 season, but no capacity restrictions have been instated. The resort is not requiring reservations for access, parking, or dining.
Heavenly
The resort opened for the season on December 11, 2021.
All lifts will be operated at normal capacity. There are no restrictions for outdoor resort access, but face coverings will be required indoors. Face coverings are also required in gondolas as of December 29, 2021. Guests 12 and over will be required to provide proof of vaccination for indoor dining. In addition, reservations will be required for some on-mountain restaurants.
Homewood
The resort opened for the season on December 16, 2021.
Homewood has not released updated COVID policies for the 2021-22 season thus far, but the resort says it will institute guidelines that align with those from public health officials. After being suspended last season, full-group buyout snowcat tours will be available on exclusive upper-mountain terrain.
Kirkwood
The resort opened for the season on December 11, 2021.
All lifts will be operated at normal capacity. There are no restrictions for outdoor resort access, but face coverings will be required indoors. Guests 12 and over will be required to provide proof of vaccination for indoor dining. In addition, reservations will be required for some on-mountain restaurants.
Mammoth
The resort opened for the season on October 29, 2021.
Thus far, Mammoth has not instituted any access, parking, or capacity restrictions at the mountain. As per Mono County’s public health order, all guests must wear face coverings in public, indoor spaces, including gondolas. The resort has adjusted its cancellation policies to allow guests more flexibility in the event their plans change.
At this point, it is unclear whether the Panorama Gondola mid-station load will reopen for the 2021-22 season.
Mount Rose
The resort opened for the season on December 9, 2021.
Mount Rose will require face coverings that align with CDC recommendations in all indoor areas. The resort is not requiring reservations for access, parking, or dining.
Northstar
The resort opened for the season on December 12, 2021.
All lifts will be operated at normal capacity. There are no restrictions for outdoor resort access, but face coverings will be required indoors. Face coverings are also required in gondolas as of December 29, 2021. Guests 12 and over will be required to provide proof of vaccination for indoor dining. In addition, reservations will be required for some on-mountain restaurants.
Palisades Tahoe (Squaw Valley/Alpine Meadows)
The newly christened Palisades Tahoe opened for the season on October 29, 2021 thanks to considerable early-season snowfall, but it closed again a few days later due to rain and melting snowpack. Daily operations began on December 15, 2021.
Face coverings will be required for unvaccinated guests in gondolas, trams, and indoor spaces, but not outdoors. No face coverings will be required for vaccinated guests. All lifts will operate at normal capacity.
Palisades Tahoe’s new base-to-base gondola, which will connect the Olympic Valley and Alpine Meadows sides by lift for the first time, will not operate this season. The resort has received a few minor upgrades this season, including a new magic carpet at the upper-mountain High Camp beginner area, a new health-centric base area eatery, and the return of preferred parking for carpools. The full statement can be found here.
Sierra-at-Tahoe
Sierra-at-Tahoe has not announced 2021-22 opening date after incurring heavy damage from the Caldor Fire this summer, and will not open until at least early 2022. The Sierra team is working to open safely and plans to offer updates as the situation progresses. However, the resort has made clear that the entire West Bowl zone and many tree areas will remain closed for the entire season. In addition, the Grandview Express lift’s opening will be delayed by an uncertain amount of time due to a needed haul rope replacement.
Sugar Bowl
The resort opened for the season on December 15, 2021.
Sugar Bowl has released a detailed operating plan for the 2021-22 season. No outdoor restrictions will be instituted this winter; the resort is requiring guests to wear masks indoors while still mandated by California and the CDC. The resort plans to match on-mountain services to demand levels, and fewer food and guest services will be available during the mid-week.
Colorado Resorts
Currently, there are no statewide travel restrictions or quarantine requirements in Colorado.
Arapahoe Basin
The resort opened for the season on October 17.
There are no resort-imposed capacity restrictions for the 2021-22 season, including for resort access, dining, and parking. In the wake of continuing COVID cases, the resort is asking that guests wear masks in all indoor spaces, and is requiring them in retail outlets, rental shops, and the Kids Center. The latest Summit County ordinance continues to require masks indoors for those aged 2-11.
Aspen/Snowmass
The four mountains in the Aspen/Snowmass complex opened for the season across various dates this fall. Snowmass and Aspen Mountain opened on November 25, while Aspen Highlands and Buttermilk opened on December 11.
All lifts will be operated at normal capacity, but the resort will make separate gondolas and lifts available to those who don’t feel comfortable riding with other groups. The resort will follow existing Pitkin County Public Health regulations, requiring face coverings in public indoor settings. The mountains will require proof of vaccination at full-service restaurants and hotels, but not cafeteria-style restaurants, lifts, and lessons.
Beaver Creek
The resort opened for the season on November 29, 2021.
All lifts will be operated at normal capacity. There are no restrictions for outdoor resort access, but face coverings will be required indoors. Face coverings are also required in gondolas as of December 29, 2021. Guests 12 and over will be required to provide proof of vaccination for indoor dining. In addition, reservations will be required for some on-mountain restaurants.
Beaver Creek’s McCoy Park project is set to bring 250 new acres of beginner and intermediate terrain to the ski area. We’ve written about the project in detail here.
Breckenridge
The resort opened for the season on November 12, 2021.
All lifts will be operated at normal capacity. There are no restrictions for outdoor resort access, but face coverings will be required indoors. Face coverings are also required in gondolas as of December 29, 2021. Guests 12 and over will be required to provide proof of vaccination for indoor dining. In addition, reservations will be required for some on-mountain restaurants.
Breckenridge’s Freedom SuperChair is set to bring crowding relief to the popular Peak 7 zone. We’ve detailed the background and implications of this project here.
Copper
The resort opened for the season on November 22, 2021.
There are no resort-imposed capacity restrictions for the 2021-22 season, including for resort access, dining, and parking; for those 12 and older, masks are only required on shuttle buses. The latest Summit County ordinance continues to require masks indoors for those aged 2-11.
The resort is reinstituting its Fast Tracks program this winter and has added three new beginner and intermediate trails for 2021-22.
Crested Butte
The resort plans to open for the season on November 24, 2021, weather permitting.
All lifts will be operated at normal capacity. There are no restrictions for outdoor resort access, but face coverings will be required indoors. Guests 12 and over will be required to provide proof of vaccination for cafeteria-style indoor dining, but not other restaurants. Reservations will be required for some on-mountain restaurants with waiter service.
The resort has upgraded its Peachtree bunny hill lift for the 2021-22 season, replacing the old double chair with a fixed-grip triple.
Keystone
The resort opened for the season October 22.
All lifts will be operated at normal capacity. There are no restrictions for outdoor resort access, but face coverings will be required indoors. Face coverings are also required in gondolas as of December 29, 2021. Guests 12 and over will be required to provide proof of vaccination for indoor dining. In addition, reservations will be required for some on-mountain restaurants.
After deferring the project from 2020-21 due to COVID, the resort has upgraded its Peru Express lift from a high-speed quad to a six-pack. The resort has also removed the neighboring Argentine lift. We’ve analyzed this investment in detail here.
Loveland
The resort opened for the season on October 30, 2021.
All lifts will operate at normal capacity for the 2021-22 season, and no reservations will be required—although the mountain strongly recommends them for rentals and ski lessons. After being suspended last winter, the ridge cat—and the new, recently approved Dry Gulch snowcat expansion—will run this season; however, masks will be required inside all snow cats. Additionally, masks will be required inside all Loveland facilities.
Steamboat
Steamboat opened for the season on November 27, 2021.
All lifts will be operated at normal capacity, and the resort will not impose any restrictions for vaccinated individuals. However, the resort will require non-vaccinated individuals to wear a mask. The resort has relocated the gondola terminal for this winter in preparation for a series of transformative upgrades in future seasons.
Steamboat’s virtual gondola line will return with a few tweaks next season, while the Priest Creek double has been removed. We’ve written about the impacts from these developments here.
Telluride
The resort opened for the season on December 3, 2021.
The resort has released a set of COVID-19 protocols here. As of today, it does not look like the page has been updated for the 2021-22 season.
Vail
The resort opened for the season on November 12, 2021.
All lifts will be operated at normal capacity. There are no restrictions for outdoor resort access, but face coverings will be required indoors. Face coverings are also required in gondolas as of December 29, 2021. Guests 12 and over will be required to provide proof of vaccination for indoor dining. In addition, reservations will be required for some on-mountain restaurants.
Winter Park
Winter Park opened for the season on November 17, 2021.
The resort has released a winter operating plan, and masks are still required in indoor settings. Guests can cancel all lift tickets, activities, lessons, and rentals penalty-free up to 7 days in advance of arrival or rebook for later in the season. It is unclear whether Cirque Sled service will return this winter, and there is currently no mention of the program on the website.
Northern Rockies Resorts
Currently, there are no statewide travel restrictions or quarantine requirements in Idaho, Montana, or Wyoming.
Big Sky
The massive Montana resort opened for the season on November 25, 2021. Face masks are required in indoor settings, but no other COVID-related restrictions have been announced.
For the 2021-22 season, the resort has completely cut tram access from base ticket and season pass products, now requiring guests to purchase an extra-cost add-on. We’ve detailed the implications from this policy change here. The resort has also upgraded its Swift Current high-speed quad to a six-pack bubble chair, which should bring about notable resort impacts that we’ve discussed here.
Jackson Hole
The resort opened for the season on November 25, 2021. The mountain is currently planning to run all lifts at full capacity, although in the event of a COVID outbreak, capacity restrictions may be reinstated. As per current county guidelines, the resort will require face masks in all indoor spaces—including the aerial tram, but not gondolas—through at least December 31.
The resort has extended operating hours this winter and will now start spinning the Teewinot, Après Vous, and Sweetwater Gondola lifts at 8:30am each morning. However, the Rendezvous Bowl bootpack has been removed; we’ve discussed the implications of this decision here.
As with last season, Ikon and Mountain Collective passholders will need to make reservations to use their days at Jackson Hole this winter. Regular season passholders do not need to make reservations.
Snow King
Snow King opened for the season on December 4, 2021. As per Teton County guidelines, the resort is mandating face masks indoors; there are no mask requirements outdoors. No capacity restrictions have been announced at the resort.
Snow King’s overall mountain experience is on track to radically transform for the 2021-22 season, with a series of upgrades, including a new gondola, chairlift, and terrain expansion. We’ve detailed these changes in our Snow King Master Plan Deep Dive here.
Sun Valley
Sun Valley's season began on November 25, 2021 at both Bald and Dollar mountains.
Sun Valley plans to follow all state and local health orders, and as such, currently requires face coverings to be worn in all indoor public spaces. Thus far, the resort has not announced any capacity restrictions on lifts but plans to adhere by local/state mandated occupancy limits in its buildings.
New York Resorts
Currently, there are no statewide travel restrictions or quarantine requirements in New York.
Whiteface
The resort opened for the season on November 26, 2021.
Whiteface has released a series of operational guidelines for 2021-22, which may be subject to change. Face coverings are required for all guests indoors, including in gondola cabins and locker areas, except while eating and drinking. Outside, vaccinated guests do not need to wear a face covering, but are recommended when near unknown guests, riding lifts with unknown guests, or when unable to socially distance. Unvaccinated individuals are required to wear face coverings and be socially distanced outside. Indoor dining time will be limited to reduce time indoors, and seating will be adjusted to allow for social distancing.
Whiteface has completed a series of upgrades for the 2021-22 season. The resort has received a new snowmaking facility that should allow for more reliable snowmaking coverage. The Bear and Mixing Bowl beginner chairs have been replaced with a new, realigned quad that will make navigating that terrain much more direct. Additionally, the Cloudsplitter Gondola has received new cabins. The mountain is also putting the final touches on its Legacy Lodge, which takes the place of the former Midstation Lodge that burned down in a fire in 2019.
Oregon Resorts
Currently, there are no statewide travel restrictions or quarantine requirements in Oregon.
Mount Bachelor
The resort opened for the season on November 26, 2021.
Bachelor has abandoned its parking reservation policy for 2021-22, and all parking will now be first-come, first-serve. The resort will require all guests to wear face coverings while indoors, except while eating and drinking, but makes no such ask outdoors.
The resort is instituting the Fast Tracks program this winter, which will allow guests to skip lift lines for a premium. We’ve covered the implications of this program in detail here.
Mount Hood Meadows
The resort opened for the season on December 13, 2021.
The resort is not requiring reservations for access, parking, or dining, but face masks will be required indoors and in shuttles. To address increasing demand, the resort has put a quota on the number of lift tickets it will sell each day.
Mount Hood Skibowl
The resort opened for the season on December 15, 2021.
As per Oregon guidelines, the resort is requiring masks indoors. The resort is not requiring reservations or instituting capacity restrictions for access, parking, or dining.
Timberline Lodge
Timberline opened for the winter season on December 12, 2021. The resort is currently requiring all guests to wear masks while indoors, regardless of vaccination status.
For 2021-22, Timberline Lodge has officially annexed the small Summit Ski Area and unveiled three new trails connecting the main ski area to this beginner hill. However, there is no lift service the other way around. We’ve written about this update in detail here.
Palmer snowcat service is returning this season, but unlike past winters, the cat is now scheduled to run daily until the Palmer chairlift opens. We’ve analyzed this development in detail here.
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 24, 2021.
The resort says that face coverings will be required indoors this season, but no longer required outdoors. Lifts will be loaded at full capacity this winter.
Alta will manage daily capacity this season through available parking on a first-come, first-serve basis, which will be determined by indoor capacity and terrain offerings, among other things. The resort has introduced a new paid parking policy on weekends and holidays, which will go into effect on December 18—we’ve written about this program in detail here. The resort has also made a minor terrain change, merging the Schuss Gully and Nina’s Curve trails near the Wildcat base.
Brighton
The resort opened for the season on November 23, 2021.
Brighton has released a set of operational guidelines for the upcoming winter. The resort will require face coverings in indoor spaces, except while seated to eat or drink, and outdoors when less than six feet of distance can be maintained between guests in separate parties. Lift tickets will not be on sale on premise and must be purchased in advance; guests can pick up their tickets at contactless kiosks at the resort. Rentals must be reserved 24 hours in advance, while lessons must be reserved 48 hours in advance.
The resort has expanded its night skiing footprint for 2021-22, and the Snake Creek area is now open for twilight operations.
Deer Valley
This skiers-only resort opened for the season on December 4, 2021.
Guests will be required to wear face coverings indoors except while eating and drinking, as well as in the Jordanelle Gondola. All lifts will be operated at normal capacity, and there are no restrictions for outdoor resort access. Guests unwilling to comply will be asked to leave the resort.
Park City
The resort opened for the season on November 28, 2021.
All lifts will be operated at normal capacity. There are no restrictions for outdoor resort access, but face coverings will be required indoors. Face coverings are also required in gondolas as of December 29, 2021. Guests 12 and over will be required to provide proof of vaccination for indoor dining. In addition, reservations will be required for some on-mountain restaurants.
The resort has suspended its Eagle triple chair for the 2021-22 season.
Snowbasin
The resort opened for the season on December 11, 2021.
The resort will not require reservations for access, parking, or dining. All lifts and facilities will be operated at normal capacity. Face coverings will be required in indoor spaces but not outdoor areas, although they will be strongly recommended in gondolas. Lift lines will be designed in ways that encourage social distancing.
Snowbasin is receiving a number of enhancements for the 2021-22 season. The resort will introduce expanded parking this winter and has upgraded the Middle Bowl Triple lift to a high-speed six-pack, which should make lapping a solid chunk of terrain much more desirable; we’ve written about this upgrade in detail here.
Snowbird
The resort opened for the season on December 1, 2021.
Lifts, including the tram, are running at full capacity this season. Face coverings are required while indoors, except while actively eating or drinking, as well as inside the aerial tram.
Snowbird has updated its parking policies for 2021-22, retaining limited free parking but also selling reservations for those who want to secure spots. Most paid parking will need to be reserved in advance, although a limited number of paid and valet spots will be available day-of. We’ve written about the potential impacts from this change here.
The resort is instituting the Fast Tracks program this winter, which will allow guests to skip lift lines for a premium. We’ve covered the implications of this program in detail here.
Solitude
The resort opened for the season on November 23, 2021.
Solitude has released a set of COVID guidelines here. Indoors, masks are required unless stationary and eating or drinking. Outdoors, masks are not required. Guests may request to load a chairlift alone or only with members of their group, although they may have to wait to be accommodated during peak periods.
Solitude has made the decision to now open its Moonbeam, Apex, and Link lifts at 8am each morning. Other lifts will retain their previous 9am opening times.
Vermont Resorts
Currently, there are no statewide travel restrictions or quarantine requirements in Vermont.
Bromley
Bromley opened for the season on November 27, 2021, with seven-day operations in place in mid-December.
Thus far, Bromley has not announced any special COVID policies for the 2021-22 season. The resort has completed a series of major upgrades for the Sun Mountain Express that should improve the lift’s reliability in the years to come.
As with last year, tickets are only available online this season. Multi-day tickets come with slight discounts.
Killington
Killington opened for the season on November 5, 2021.
All lifts will be operated at normal capacity. There are no restrictions for outdoor resort access and for vaccinated guests; face coverings will be required indoors for those vaccinated. Killington has abandoned its parking reservation policy for 2021-22, and all parking will now be first-come, first-serve. While the renovated K1 Base Lodge is still under construction, most services will still be available.
The resort is instituting the Fast Tracks program this winter, which will allow guests to skip lift lines for a premium. We’ve covered the implications of this program in detail here.
Mount Snow
The resort opened for the season on November 26, 2021.
All lifts will be operated at normal capacity. There are no restrictions for outdoor resort access, but face coverings will be required indoors. Guests 12 and over will be required to provide proof of vaccination for cafeteria-style indoor dining, but not other restaurants. Reservations will be required for some on-mountain restaurants with waiter service.
Mount Snow is instituting a new parking policy that will turn certain lots into paid parking depending on the date and time; this policy is discussed in detail here.
Okemo
The resort opened for the season on November 26, 2021.
All lifts will be operated at normal capacity. There are no restrictions for outdoor resort access, but face coverings will be required indoors. Guests 12 and over will be required to provide proof of vaccination for cafeteria-style indoor dining, but not other restaurants. Reservations will be required for some on-mountain restaurants with waiter service.
Okemo has completed two major lift projects for 2021-22: a new six-pack at Jackson Gore, and a high-speed quad bubble chair to replace the Green Ridge Triple. We’ve written about the considerable on-mountain impacts from these investments here.
Stowe
The resort opened for the season on November 26, 2021.
All lifts will be operated at normal capacity. There are no restrictions for outdoor resort access, but face coverings will be required indoors. Face coverings are also required in gondolas as of December 29, 2021. Guests 12 and over will be required to provide proof of vaccination for indoor dining. In addition, reservations will be required for some on-mountain restaurants.
Stratton
The resort opened for the season on November 27, 2021.
Guests will be required to wear face masks indoors, including in shuttles and buses, but not gondola cabins. Face coverings will not be required outdoors. The resort will not be employing capacity restrictions in general, although they may reduce indoor seating during peak periods to reduce occupancy. Guests can make reservations on OpenTable to guarantee a spot at an indoor table, although walkups will still be available on a case-by-case basis.
Sugarbush
The resort opened for the season on November 24, 2021.
The resort has not released a full operating plan, but face masks are required when entering buildings on USFS land, specifically Allyn’s Lodge on Lincoln Peak. Masks are recommended but not mandated in other indoor spaces.
Washington Resorts
Currently, there are no statewide travel restrictions or quarantine requirements in Washington.
Crystal
The resort opened for the season on December 4, 2021.
Face masks are required indoors this season regardless of vaccination status and must meet CDC guidelines. Masks are recommended but not required in outdoor spaces, including gondola cabins. No capacity restrictions in lodges or lifts have been announced.
The resort has announced a new paid parking policy on Friday, Saturdays, and Sundays this winter, although some groups are exempt. We’ve conducted an analysis of the updated setup here.
Mount Baker
The ski area opened for the season on December 15, 2021.
Face masks are required indoors this season regardless of vaccination status and are strongly recommended outside. All other operations are planned as normal, but guests may ask to ride lifts solo or with members of their household only.
Stevens Pass
The resort opened for the season on December 15, 2021.
All lifts will be operated at normal capacity. There are no restrictions for outdoor resort access, but face coverings will be required indoors. Guests 12 and over will be required to provide proof of vaccination for cafeteria-style indoor dining, but not other restaurants. Reservations will be required for some on-mountain restaurants with waiter service.
Summit at Snoqualmie/Alpental
Summit at Snoqualmie opened for the season on December 14, 2021. Alpental opened on December 22, 2021.
The areas have not announced any official lift capacity restrictions, but social distancing is encouraged whenever possible. Additionally, face masks are required for all guests indoors, except while actively eating or drinking.
Canadian Resorts
Due to COVID-19, Canada has restricted travel to foreign nationals, including U.S. citizens. For leisure trips, visitors must be fully vaccinated to enter the country and must take a COVID PCR test within 72 hours of the visit. To re-enter the United States, individuals must take an antigen or PCR test within one calendar day of departure. For more details, see here.
Tremblant
The resort opened for the season on November 25, 2021.
As per a Quebec mandate, guests will be required to show vaccine passports to access lifts and facilities. Lifts will be operated at normal capacity; masks will be recommended in open lifts and required in the gondolas. Face coverings will be required in indoor spaces, except when seated.
Whistler Blackcomb
The resort opened for the season on November 25, 2021.
All lifts will be operated at normal capacity. There are no restrictions for outdoor resort access, but face coverings will be required indoors. Face coverings are also required in gondolas as of December 29, 2021. All guests will be required to provide proof of vaccination for indoor dining, as mandated by the British Columbia Provincial Health Authority. In addition, reservations will be required for some on-mountain restaurants.
Final Thoughts
Despite delayed openings at a number of resorts this season, it looks as if every resort we’ve reviewed has now opened for the season. Some regions that were in droughts during the fall have now been furnished with generous snowfall.
Now that the vaccine has been widely distributed and is proven generally effective, it looks like ski resorts across the country have all but lifted their access and outdoor capacity restrictions (with a few exceptions). After less of a consensus on indoor policies earlier this year, it seems that nearly all mountains are requiring mask mandates inside, while a sizable portion are requiring vaccination proof to access indoor facilities. U.S./Canada international travel is now possible, but given the strict testing requirements, may be more of a hassle than it’s worth for some groups.
A few things will remain different at many resorts next season, but importantly, the line-generating capacity restrictions will be a thing of the past. The ski world isn’t completely back to normal yet (like so many other things in the world right now), but it looks like it’ll be a lot more so than last season.
A number of projects are sure to spice up the competitive landscape across the ski resort industry. We look forward to visiting the resorts that received upgrades to comprehensively assess the mountain experience impacts.
