RESORTS ACROSS NORTH AMERICA CLOSE

15th March 2020

Last modified on May 21st, 2021

UPDATE

NEWS FROM BIG3 IN BANFF, CANADA

Mt. Norquay has made the difficult decision to close operations until further notice.

Banff Sunshine and Lake Louise Ski Resort have met with the Alberta Health team yesterday to review the actions being taken to ensure the health and safety of employees and guests.

Both Resorts are currently fully operational and taking extreme measures to ensure a safe experience for guests.

It has been confirmed that international travel has been suspended to help prevent the spread of the virus.

Canada is barring entry to all travelers who are not Canadian citizens, permanent residents or Americans.

SkiBig3 has implemented a flexible cancellation policy and will work with our partners to ensure that current and future bookings are cancelled without charge or change booking to the 2020/21 season where possible.

I just ask that you are patient in this process as we are receiving many inquiries/requests at this time.

The risk level to our community remains low; we are monitoring the situation as it evolves.

Please refer to our COVID-19 webpage for all SkiBig3 and resort updates – this is updated as new information comes..

UPDATE…

Since receiving the above information and posting PlanetSKI readers have been in contact to say Sunshine and Lake Louise are now closed.

Canada. Image © PlanetSKI.

VAIL RESORTS TO CLOSE ALL SKI AREAS FOR REST OF SEASON

Its initial closures were until March 22nd but now all the resorts will shut for the remainder of the winter season.

“Our decision to end the season now is evidence of the fast-moving situation involving COVID-19, and it was not an easy one to make as we deeply considered the extended impact it will have on our guests, employees and communities,” Rob Katz, chairman and chief executive officer of Vail Resorts, said in a statement.

“While it is incredibly disappointing for our company to mark the end of the season so early, we know it is the most responsible path forward.”

The company says that guests can get refunds or credits on pre-purchased lift tickets, lodging, ski and ride school lessons, equipment rentals and more, subject to applicable terms and conditions, using an online form on resort websites.

The form is set to be made available Tuesday (17th).

LOVELAND IN USA CLOSES FOR SEASON

Loveland Ski Area has become the fourth Colorado ski area to close for the season as a result of COVID-19.

Every Colorado resort is closed for at least this week by order of Gov. Jared Polis, but most are listing their operational status as suspended through March 22.

Telluride, Monarch and Ski Sunlight have said they will not reopen this season, and Loveland joined them Monday afternoon.

Before COVID-19, Loveland was expected to be open into May.

“In order to keep all our guests and employees safe and healthy, we have made the incredibly difficult decision to close for the 2019/20 season,” said a statement from Loveland.

REVELSTOKE IN CANADA ANNOUNCES CLOSURE

Here is a statement from the resort:

After careful consideration of the rapidly changing circumstances around Coronavirus (COVID-19), effective Tuesday March 17, 2020, Revelstoke Mountain Resort will suspend all operations.

Access to the mountain will be prohibited.

Our top priority at Revelstoke Mountain Resort has always been the health and safety of our guests and employees.

While we had hoped that we could continue to offer our guests a safe, outdoor place of escape, this will no longer be possible. In light of the growing need to limit large gatherings of people we have made the difficult decision to suspend resort operations until further notice.

We know that this is disappointing news and we did not take the decision lightly.

We thank you for your support during these challenging times.

We look forward to welcoming you back to Revelstoke Mountain Resort as soon as possible.

Revelstoke, Canada

Vail Resorts have said they will remain closed for at least a week, while Alterra said its resorts were closing indefinitely

Vail Resorts include:

• Vail, Keystone, Beaver Creek and Breckenridge in Colorado,
• Park City Mountain Resort in Utah.
• Heavenly, Northstar and Kirkwood in California.
• Stowe Mountain in Vermont
• Whistler in  Canada.

One of our regular reader, Katie Francis, is in Breckenridge.

“This beautiful resort is now closed.

“We had one day skiing, now heading back to the UK as other resorts also closed and planes being cancelled.

“However we are fine where others aren’t so I’m not complaining. Will try again next year.”

Alterra’s resorts include:

• Steamboat and Winter Park in Colorado.
• Squaw Valley, Mammoth and Big Bear Mountain in California.
• Crystal Mountain in Washington.
• Stratton and Sugarbush in Vermont
• Deer Valley and Solitude in Utah.

UPDATE

Alterra statement:

We continue to track COVID-19 updates and directives from federal and local officials and medical experts and will continue to follow their guidance in the days and weeks ahead.

Please understand that we are in a very fluid and dynamic environment with major changes occurring by the hour.

Our teams are doing their best to minimize confusion and take care of your needs as quickly as possible.

If you have a current reservation at any of our destinations, each resort will work with you directly in canceling or rescheduling your visit and will provide refunds or credits to those who have lodging and other activity bookings through the resort during this closure.

We are experiencing heavy call, email and social media volume and appreciate your patience and understanding as we work hard to respond to all inquiries.

For a list of resort contact information, check https://www.alterramtnco.com/contact-us/.

While our mountain operations are closed to guests, each resort is still staffed to service guests on site.

Our lodging properties will remain open to service in-resort guests with current reservations throughout their scheduled stay.

Due to the evolving situation, if you are interested in visiting one of our resorts, please contact the resort directly.

On behalf of the entire team at Alterra Mountain Company, I sincerely apologize for the inconvenience and disappointment these changes may have caused you and your family.

We very much appreciate and thank you for your patience and understanding.

We look forward to inviting you back to the mountains as soon as possible.

Rusty Gregory

Chief Executive Officer

Alterra Mountain Company

Alterra

“The Park City community is working hard to slow the spread of COVID-19. Our local resorts & community attractions joined local government and announced temporary closures,” said Park City on Sunday.

“Additional steps are underway for some of our food and beverage, lodging, and entertainment venues.”

We have just heard that Sundance in Utah is closing.

“After considerable thought and careful deliberation, Sundance Mountain Resort has made the difficult decision to close operations effective Monday, March 16 in response to the evolving COVID-19 health crisis,” it said in a statement.

“The health of our employees, guests and community are our top priority in this uncertain time.

“The closure includes all lift operations, ski school, food and beverage, rentals and activities. Lodging and limited F&B options will temporarily remain open for those guests currently lodging at Sundance Mountain Resort.

“All day lift tickets, lessons, rentals or activities that were purchased online will be refunded to our guests.”

Other resorts closed include Taos Ski Valley, Jay Peak Resort and Shanty Creek Resort.

In Wyoming Jackson Hole is shut.

“We will keep you informed regarding further updates to our operations,” said the resort.

“We apologise for any inconvenience and appreciate your understanding.”

Snowbird in Utah has also closed its cable car.

The resort, though, is open saying skiing is “beneficial for the soul to live and enjoy the adventure lifestyle—and this is particularly the case in times like this, when anxiety and stress are high.”

Powder Mountain in Utah has closed its snowcat operation, but the resort remains open

Mammoth Mountain is sending up gondolas half full and re-arranged the tables in its restaurants so people are a safe distance from each other.

US Ski and Snowboard has cancelled all competitions.

CANADA

Sun Peaks Resort remains open for business.

Here is a statement from the resort:

“Select Canadian resorts have announced closures today due to decisions made south of the border in the United States.

“However, at this time, British Columbia remains one of the safest places in the world and our guests are having a great time on the slopes.

“Precautions definitely need to be taken and adjustments need to be made, but Sun Peaks Resort will continue to operate unless we receive new information from the relevant authorities with whom we are in regular contact.

“Obviously, this is a very fluid situation and we will continue to do our best to keep everyone updated.

“While we are continuing to stay open, we do have some information and adjustments to inform all of our guests and community about:

“At this time, we are recommending and strongly encouraging all of our international guests not yet in resort to change their travel plans.

“With the large number of travel restrictions now in place on a global scale, we feel it is important to respect these directives.

“Those guests over 70 years of age or with underlying health issues should refrain from visiting the resort at this time.

“We will be making operational changes where required to certain areas including ski lifts and food and beverage operations to encourage what is now being referred to as social distancing.

Ski Lifts:

“We will be eliminating singles lines on all chairlifts and encouraging reduced capacities for all lifts.

“It is recommended to not load unrelated groups on the same chairlift.

Food and Beverage:

“We will be reducing the number of seats in those outlets with capacities over 250 people and will also be making changes to our food offerings in the short term to ensure a continued safe environment for all.

All Outlets and Establishments:

“Effective immediately, we are asking all guests in all facilities to not pay for any purchases with cash.

“Preferred payment options include debit, credit, and gift cards.

“We thank everyone in advance for assisting with this request.”

REVELSTOKE STATEMENT

“With the ongoing attention on the COVID-19 virus, we want to let you know that Revelstoke Mountain Resort remains open and is committed to delivering a world class ski/snowboard experience.

“We look forward to welcoming all guests to the mountain for Spring Break. In her March 13th statement, BC’s Provincial Health Officer, Dr. Bonnie Henry, encouraged British Columbians to “go outside and play with your family, go up to our ski hills”, and to “go out and experience what we have here in British Columbia right now.”

“The resort has introduced extra measure to battle the virus:

• Changing lift loading procedures to allow for social distancing and for guests to choose their own groupings
• Single lines will be removed from the Stoke, Ripper and Stellar Chair to prevent group mixing
• Gondola cabins are being disinfected twice daily
• More frequent cleanings of guest and staff bathrooms
• Installation of additional hand sanitizing units around the Resort
• Addition of signs in all bathrooms reminding guests to wash their hands and practice good cough and sneeze etiquette
• Regular deep cleaning and sanitization for all Resort and hotel facilities

“We have also reinforced with all of our employees the importance that we all work together to prevent the spread of illness in the workplace.

“We continue to monitor the situation and follow the advice of WorkSafeBC and the BC Centre for Disease Control.”