COLORADO EXTENDS BAN ON SKIING IN SKI RESORTS
2nd May 2020
Last modified on May 14th, 2021
The governor, Jared Polis, has banned lift served skiing until at least May 23rd in a new executive order. Some resorts had hoped to re-open this weekend and one is still holding out hope.
The authorities are concerned that any renewal of skiing and snowboarding might help spread the virus and place extra strain n the health services.
Some ski resorts, including Vail, have been seen as hot spots.
THE GOVERNOR’S EXECUTIVE ORDER D 2020 049:
“Mountain communities, where many of Colorado’s premier ski areas are located, have been particularly hard-hit by the COVID-19 outbreak in the State.
“Medical centers in these areas have limited ability to meet the needs of individuals with COVID-19.
“Further strain on their resources creates a risk that medical personnel in the area will be unable to provide needed care to residents and visitors to our mountain communities.”
The Governor gave a virtual news conference to announce the extension.
“It’s not so much the exposure on the slopes. That’s a real thing, but if you keep related parties to a chairlift, that can be minimized. It’s really about whether our communities that are hosts to the ski area are really ready to receive visitors and tourism,” said Governor Polis.
Wolf Creek in Colorado had hopes to open this weekend as we reported earlier.
Another ski resort seeks to open amid pandemic
“Wolf Creek Ski Area is now CLOSED for the Season due to Executive Order D 2020 049,” the resort said on its web site..
“Wolf Creek would like to thank all of our guests, season pass holders and employees for their patience and understanding during this confusing time.
“Wolf Creek will be working diligently to put safeguards in place that should allow for a great season in 2020-2021.
“The Wolf Creek Ski Area will resume summer maintenance with a limited team of employees.
“Have a safe summer!”
Two other resorts in the state, Arapahoe Basin and Aspen, were also looking to open some ski areas.
More resorts in the USA look to reopen
Arapahoe Basin is still holding out hope that it can reopen after May 23rd .
“The governor’s most recent order extending the ski area closure to May 23 does not change anything for Arapahoe Basinm” said the resort in a statement to local media.
“We will continue our efforts to open as soon as it makes sense for our community. Because our season is scheduled to last until June 7, at least, we believe we still have time.”
Mt Baldy in California has re-opened
Mt Baldy ski resort in California re-opens
Skiing in the USA. Image © PlanetSKI.
May 23rd, when the extension ends is the Saturday of Memorial Day Weekend.
In the past Arapahoe Basin has been offering skiing into June and on occasion into July.
On Memorial Day weekends in 2017 and 2019 parts of Aspen were open.
“With the extension of the ski area closures by Governor Polis and the recent warm weather, we will move on from our plans to potentially reopen Aspen Highlands and concentrate on summer operations and construction projects,” said a spokesman for Aspen to The Aspen Times.
“We are disappointed that as America’s greatest ski state we were not able to figure out a way to get skiing reopened with this latest phase of new openings, and are saddened that Aspen Skiing Company will not be able to provide our community with lift served recreational opportunities this month.”
Uphill skiing continues at the resort with grooming continuing on some slopes.
