As the winter season nears, uncertainty about the upcoming ski season remains. With many students and teachers participating in winter activities, the COVID-19 pandemic will bring noticeable changes throughout Park City’s ski resorts. 

Since the abrupt closing of the resorts earlier this year, resort leadership has been tasked with the complex challenges of safely reopening. With Park City Mountain Resort scheduled to open late November, the pressure is on.

In a press release, Vail CEO Rob Katz addressed concerns in a detailed list of new procedures that will be implemented this year throughout all Vail resorts.

Key Changes will include all guests now being required to wear face coverings throughout “all parts of resort operations,” as well as physically distancing 6 feet in lines, and on lifts.

The new plan will also require that mountain access be managed through a reservation system, prioritizing season pass holders. 

The hope is that limiting the number of guests will promote social distancing and keep guests as well as employees safe. 

“We believe this approach will help ensure a safe experience for everyone while prioritizing access for our pass holders,” said Katz in a recent Vail press release.

With the limitations on the lift capacity and only related parties allowed on lifts, Senior Liam Wallis, who bought a ski pass at PCMR, is concerned about long lift lines.

“I got a pass, and I’m hoping there won’t be long lines with the new limits,” said Wallis

Other local resorts are also making preparations for the upcoming ski season.

Abbey Railton, a communications administrator at Deer Valley Resort, was unable to provide a specific master plan but expected a comprehensive plan to be released in mid-October. 

“Safety continues to remain of utmost importance to us” said Railton

Along with the local economy relying on tourism revenue, this year may look very different from the years past. 

Many will be waiting and watching to see what this ski season will look like with the numerous changes this year.