Steamboat Implements Virtual Gondola Line to Mitigate On-Site Crowding
This past weekend, Steamboat introduced a virtual waiting room that allows ticket and pass holders to join the Steamboat Gondola line remotely. This virtual line will exist alongside the lift’s normal, physical line.
Squaw Valley and Alpine Meadows Employ New COVID Protocols for Post-Storm Operations, Delaying Openings
For the first time since COVID became a factor, Squaw Valley and Alpine Meadows have rolled out major weather-mitigation operations this morning. Due to the need for social distancing among staff, the two mountains anticipate that avalanche mitigation and lift de-icing will take longer than usual this year.
Arapahoe Basin’s New Pallavicini Lift Opens to Guests
This past Saturday, Arapahoe Basin opened its new Pallavicini chair to resort visitors. This new Leitner-Poma fixed-grip double chair, which replaced another fixed-grip double built in 1978, follows the same line as the old Pali lift and now boasts safety bars.
Homewood’s Ellis Chair Reopens for First Time Since January
After sitting idle for the final two months of last season due to mechanical issues, Homewood’s Ellis chair returned to service today. The triple lift received the first of two scheduled refurbishments in time for the upcoming season; the resort says the chair’s ride time has decreased by nearly four minutes.
Killington, Snowbird, Copper, and Others Now Penalizing Parking Reservation “No Shows”
Guests who fail to use their parking reservation on any given day may now face the loss of future bookings. These resorts have implemented a tiered penalization system, with repeat offenders facing the most serious repercussions.
Winter Park to Implement 2020-21 Reservation System After Extraordinary Early Season Lines
Following two weeks of substantial resort demand, Winter Park announced a new lift-access reservation policy for all Ikon and season passholders. Starting December 19, passholders will need reservations to ski at this Colorado resort.
Sugarbush and Stratton Open for the Season Today, Homewood Opens Tomorrow
Vermont’s Sugarbush and Stratton opened today, December 10, after several delays amidst unfavorable weather. Tahoe’s Homewood opens tomorrow, December 11. At this point, the North American ski areas that haven’t opened yet are mainly local, regional hills.
California Ski Regions Mandated to Suspend All Overnight Stays, Non-Takeout Dining Starting Tonight
California ski regions must suspend all non-essential overnight stays and non-takeout dining starting tonight at 11:59pm. Only one mountain in the state is unaffected by the order.
Liftopia Apparently Sold to Skitude, Transferring Assets to Liquidator to Settle with Partners
Evidently, Liftopia has been acquired by Skitude, a self-professed “worldwide community of snow and outdoor activities enthusiasts.”
UDOT Adds New Alternatives to Little Cottonwood Canyon EIS
UDOT has proposed new gondola and cog rail options to relieve traffic along Little Cottonwood Canyon. Unlike the original gondola proposal, both of these alternatives would offer base station parking.