US SKI AREA REOPENS

14th May 2020

Last modified on May 14th, 2021

Timberline Lodge in Oregon has fired up its lifts after the governor allowed resorts to reopen. Other ski resorts in the state remain closed as they prepare for summer.

The ski area on Mt Hood said it would open once Governor Kate Brown gave it the OK.

She now has, along with other outdoor recreational areas.

There are tight restrictions in place for social distancing, hygiene and other measures.

“We’d like to thank everyone who made it up today, we were lucky enough for the sun to peak out and say hello while the snow conditions were typical spring goodness,” said the resort.

“We would ask that if you do get a reservation that you use it, we understand that people are hungry to get on hill and we’d hate to see anyone miss out and a reservation go to waste.

“We have also identified an issue with families struggling to get reservations together and are working on a solution to get that resolved as soon as possible.

“Be sure to stay tuned to our website for further updates and thank you for your support”.

Only two chair lifts were operating with lift lines monitored to ensure people keep 2m apart.

All skiers and snowboarder were required to wear glasses or goggles plus a face covering.

Gloves had to be worn at all times.

Timberline Lodge said skiers and snowboarders “must be prepared for something very different.”

The Lodge itself has just a few rooms open for overnight stays.

See here as we reported last week that the resort was keen to reopen.

US ski resort set to reopen if restrictions are lifted

All visitors must make online reservations in advance, a process that will include a coronavirus questionnaire.
Reservations cannot be made more than 24 hours in advance and will be sold on a first-come, first-served basis.
The ski area will be capped at an unspecified number of reservations per day to control crowds.
Operations on the mountain will be limited to two chairlifts, with lift lines that incorporate six feet of social distance.
Skiers are allowed to ride chairlifts only with people who they came with, or else ride single or double using opposite sides of the chair.
All skiers must wear masks, gloves and goggles or glasses.

“It’s going to be a good experience, but it’s definitely going to be different,” said Timberline spokesman John Burton to local media ahead of the reopening.

The resort says only experienced skiers should come and they should exercise restraint and caution to avoid injury on the slopes.

There is no seating in the Day Lodge.

The rental shop along with most of the bars and restaurants are shut.

The Cascade Dining Room and Y’Bar are open for takeaways.

Anyone who does not adhere to Timberline’s safety guidelines can be ejected from the area for the day or the entire season, or face a notice of trespass.

The ski resort of Arapahoe Basin in Colorado is also looking to reopen, if the Governor allows.

A decision will be made on 23rd of May and the resort says it could reopen shortly after.

In recent years it has been open in June and even into July – A-Basin had planned to close for this season on June 7th.

The Chief Operating Officer of A-Basin, Alan Henceroth, said the resort is now moving snow around in case it gets the chance to reopen.