Wyoming’s mountain ranges provide plenty of pristine powder, giving ample opportunity for skiers and riders of all levels to get out and enjoy the season. The same holds true this year, with resorts taking extra care to make sure their lodges and slopes are safe for skiing during the COVID-19 pandemic. Here’s what you can expect at Wyoming’s ski resorts during the 2020/2021 season.
Lift Tickets & Passes – Purchase online in advance.
During a time when online orders have become standard, it’s no surprise that many of Wyoming ski resorts are following suit. Be sure to order tickets online in advance, keeping in mind that resorts are also limiting the number of tickets sold each day. Some ski resorts, like Jackson Hole Mountain Resort, are offering discounts to those who purchase one or two weeks prior to when they plan to arrive. With the requirement of advanced purchases, many ski resorts are offering flexible cancellation policies.
Rentals – Expect options to pre-order gear or have reserved times.
If you plan to rent gear at any of Wyoming’s ski resorts this season, mountains are offering different options to keep you safe. For example, Snowy Range Ski Resort near Laramie is requiring the pre-purchase of rental gear 48 hours in advance. Other resorts, such as Jackson Hole Mountain Resort and Casper’s Hogadon Basin, are working to implement digital waitlist tools or enhanced reservation systems to limit the number of people inside the shop while also limiting wait times. Checking for symptoms, such as temperature scans, should also be expected at some facilities.
Lifts, Gondolas and Trams – Stick with your crew and space out.
For the safety of guests, most ski resorts plan to restructure lift lines to ensure safe distances. The good news? When you’re wearing skis or a board, it’s easy to maintain a safe distance by making sure the tip of your skis or board is behind the tail of the person’s gear in front of you. Some resorts are only seating guests on lifts with their travel group. For added safety, Jackson Hole Mountain Resort’s Aerial Tram may reduce capacity, run at a higher speed and run with open windows to limit exposure.
Lodges – Expect increased cleaning and smaller crowds.
This season, resorts are encouraging guests to get back to the grassroots of skiing and opt for using their car in place of a lodge for getting geared up and taking lunch breaks. For those who don’t have that option or prefer the warmth of a ski lodge, you might notice increased wait times since most resorts are limiting capacity. To help with the impact of lodge wait times, some ski resorts are also limiting the amount of time groups spend within the lodge. You can also expect to see more frequent cleaning and sanitizing within lodges for added safety.
Masks – You’ll be wearing one anyway, right?
Most skiers and riders already have a face mask of some sort stashed in their gear bag to protect them from Wyoming’s crisp, winter air. So why not keep it on when around other guests? Masks are highly recommended at all Wyoming ski resorts, however not every resort will require they be worn at all times. As part of skiing during COVID-19, guests can expect to see resort staff wearing masks for the safety of their guests and for their own well-being.
Ski Schools – Most remain open with limited capacity.
If you were hoping to enroll yourself or your littlest skiers and riders into classes, this is still an option at most Wyoming ski resorts. Classes for your tiny shredders will likely have limited capacities and implement other safety precautions. Some will require reservations. For example, at Jackson Hole Mountain Resort, Mountain Sports School reservations are required at least 24 hours in advance.
Wyoming’s vast outdoor spaces make it easy to spread out. Skiing and snowboarding are inherently safe options when it comes to enjoying winter in the Cowboy State, as they take place outside and allow for people to physically distance naturally. We hope you make it out to ski or ride at one of Wyoming’s nine ski resorts this year. Stay safe, be kind and enjoy your visit.
