Vail Resorts Announces Summer Operations

 

SUMMER 2020

Vail Resorts has announced summer opening dates and operating plans at its North American resorts.  We also remain committed to safety amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

The first set of resorts will open June 26, including Keystone, Crested Butte, Okemo and Mount Snow. Additional resorts are scheduled to open shortly thereafter, including Whistler Blackcomb (June 29, subject to provincial alignment), Vail and Beaver Creek (July 1), Park City (July 2); Heavenly (July 3); and Breckenridge (July 4).

All resorts will open with a limited summer footprint focusing on mountain access and scenic lift rides. Lodging, restaurants, retail, biking and other activities will vary by location.

SCHEDULED OPENING DATES AND ACTIVITIES BY RESORT

Weekly operating days vary by resort. Additional activities may open as summer progresses and restrictions ease.

Attitash (July 18): Scenic chairlift and alpine slide.

Beaver Creek (July 1): Scenic chairlift and gondola rides; hiking; bike haul; Spruce Saddle to offer grab ‘n go food.

Breckenridge (July 4): BreckConnect Gondola; scenic chairlift rides; hiking; alpine slide and alpine coaster; Ski Hill Grill to offer grab 'n go food.

Crested Butte (June 26): Scenic chairlift rides; hiking; Butte 66 to offer grab ‘n go food.

Heavenly (July 3):
Scenic gondola rides; hiking; Tamarack Lodge and Café Blue to offer grab ‘n go food. Mountain coaster opening date to be determined.

Hunter (July 4): Scenic chairlift rides and hiking.

Keystone (June 26): River Run Gondola; hiking; Summit House to offer grab ‘n go food. Golf opened June 5 at the River Course.

Liberty (June 17): Golf

Mount Snow (June 26): Scenic chairlift rides; hiking; Bullwheel to offer grab ‘n go food. Golf and Fairways (grab ‘n go) opened June 17.

Northstar (July 15): Golf to open July 15. Additional activities to be announced later.

Okemo (June 26): Scenic chairlift rides; hiking; mountain coaster; golf and disc golf.

Park City (July 2): Scenic chairlift rides; hiking; bike haul; alpine slide and mountain coaster; Jupiter Java to offer grab ‘n go food. Canyons Golf is scheduled to open June 26.

Stowe (June 27): Auto Toll Road opens June 27. Scenic gondola rides and Waffle to offer grab ‘n go food on July 18.

Vail (July 1): Gondola One scenic rides; hiking; grab ‘n go food at Mid-Vail. Mid-July, Gondola 19 is scheduled to open with hiking, Epic Discovery interpretive trails, alpine coaster and grab ‘n go food at Eagle’s Nest.

Wildcat (August 1): Wildcat Express scenic chairlift rides; hiking; cafeteria to offer grab n’ go food.

Whistler Blackcomb (June 29, subject to provincial alignment): Whistler Village Gondola, PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola and Blackcomb Gondola scenic rides; hiking; bike park (Fitz Zone and Garbanzo chair). Rendezvous, Garbanzo Bike and Bean, and Roundhouse to offer grab 'n go food.

Whitetail (June 17): Golf

WINTER 2020/21 SKI & RIDE SEASON

We are confident we will enjoy a great upcoming ski and ride season next winter, but we also understand that during these uncertain times, you may have concerns about next season. As a result, we have introduced new Epic Coverage, which comes free with every 2020/21 pass.  Epic Coverage will provide refunds for certain resort closures (e.g. COVID-19), as well as refunds for eligible job loss, illness, injury and other personal events. We understand that times have changed so Epic Coverage completely redefines your pass protection. For more information on Epic Coverage, click here.

Pass Holder Credits: We are providing our 2019/20 season pass holders a credit of 20%-80% of the purchase price of their 2019/20 pass, to apply toward a 2020/21 season pass of equal or greater value. Credits are based on the number of days you were able to ski or ride last season. If you had remaining days on your Epic Day Pass, Edge Card or one of our other multi-pack season pass products, you’ll receive a credit for each unused day, up to 80% of the price paid for your pass.  Pass Holders will receive a personalized email on May 13 with their specific details. For full details on Pass Holder Credits, click here.

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Physical Distancing:

  • On mountain, our vast outdoor setting makes physical distancing easy. But in the base areas and other locations where it is more difficult to do so, we will have signage and decals to ensure guests remain six feet (two meters) apart.
  • Guests will be required to wear face coverings in certain areas. This includes in lines, when loading and unloading chairlifts, when loading and riding in gondolas or bubble chairs, in indoor resort facilities, and for activities such as alpine slides and mountain coasters. Guests are strongly encouraged to bring their own face coverings, but resorts will have them available upon request, subject to availability. Employees will be required to wear face coverings at all times.
  • Plexiglass barriers have been installed in areas where physical distancing measures are not possible, including at points of purchase.
  • Capacity of lifts and gondolas will be reduced to allow for physical distancing. Guests will only be allowed on lifts with travelers in their party.
  • Employees may limit the number of guests in any area of the resort to ensure proper physical distancing (e.g. parking lots, indoor facilities, common spaces, etc.).

 

Employee Protocols and Training:

  • All employees are required to wear a face covering and follow the company’s safety protocols and procedures at all times, including regular hand washing and the use of PPE and PPG.
  • Employees will undergo daily health screenings and receive appropriate training to ensure safety.
  • Employees are required to stay at home if sick.

 

Enhanced Cleaning and Sanitization:

  • High-touch surfaces will be frequently cleaned and disinfected with EPA-approved products that kill the COVID-19 virus.
  • Enhanced cleaning and disinfecting will take place daily in our gondola cabins, frequently throughout the day in our public restrooms and after each use on our alpine slide and mountain coaster carts.
  • Hand sanitizing stations will be provided throughout the resort. Frequent handwashing is required of employees.
  • All transactions will be cashless for lift and gondola rides, mountain activities, on-mountain dining as well as at the Company’s retail outlets will be cashless.

We'll continue to review and update our policies to adhere to the most up-to-date practices to keep employees and guests safe.

* Including in lines, when loading and unloading chairlifts, when loading and riding in gondolas or bubble chairs, on activities such as an alpine slide or mountain coaster, in indoor resort facilities, and whenever it is not possible to maintain a six-foot distance from unknown parties. You are strongly encouraged to bring your own face coverings, but resorts will have them available upon request, subject to availability. Guests who are unwilling to comply with this safety requirement will not be permitted to participate in the experience. 

    Gondolas and Chairlifts

  • Lift Lines: Guests are asked to maintain physical distance from those not in their party. Markers will be placed six feet apart to assist guests while in line. Guests must wear a face covering while in line and when loading and unloading lifts, as well as when riding a gondola cabin or bubble chair.
  • Loading & Unloading: Guests will only be allowed to ride with travelers in their parties. Guests will not be paired up or asked to ride the chairlift with others. If six-foot (2 meter) distance can be maintained, then two people may ride the chairlift seated on opposite sides.
  • Gondolas will be cleaned daily.

    Lodging

  • Guests will be asked to maintain physical distancing guidelines and use face coverings when in common areas.
  • One guest per family will be allowed to enter the lobby for check-in/out.
  • Credit/debit card transactions will be encouraged.
  • Room keys will be cleaned and disinfected before they are placed into guest packets.

    Dining

  • To ensure physical distancing, dining operations will run at reduced capacity with updated floor plans in common areas. Outdoor seating will be available.
  • On-mountain dining will be grab n' go only and all transactions will be cashless.

    Rental and Retail Shops

  • High touch surfaces will be cleaned and disinfected frequently, and hand sanitizing stations will be available.
  • Updated floor plans and signage will help guests maintain physical distancing and direct the flow of traffic.
  • All transactions will be cashless
  • Plexiglass barriers will be installed in areas where physical distancing measures are not possible.

    Ticket Windows

  • High touch surfaces will be cleaned and disinfected frequently, and hand sanitizing stations will be available.
  • Updated floor plans and signage will help guests maintain physical distancing and direct the flow of traffic.
  • All transactions will be cashless
  • Plexiglass barriers will be installed in areas where physical distancing measures are not possible.

    Restrooms

  • Public restroom spaces will be cleaned and disinfected frequently throughout the day.
  • Capacity limits may be in place.

    Activities

  • Guest capacity may be limited when partaking in certain activities.
  • For the alpine slide and mountain coaster (where available), carts will be disinfected after each use. Riders will be required to wear face coverings.
  • Limited activities will be offered during the initial phase of reopening, and we will continue to assess whether additional activities can be safely provided as the summer progresses and restrictions ease.

Guest FAQs

What on-mountain restaurants are open? 

Limited, grab 'n go dining outlets will be open on mountain to provide pre-packaged snacks and beverages. Please visit the resort website for more information on which locations are open. All locations will have cashless transactions.  

Why are you only offering grab-and-go for on-mountain dining? 

Due to the impacts of COVID-19, we have had to reimagine the resort experience and our operations for this summer, including mountain dining. At this time, we are limiting our on-mountain dining options to grab go to limit touch points for employees and guests and will continue to assess our ability to expand operations over the course of the summer.  

What on-mountain activities are open? 

To ensure we provide the safest experience, we will open with limited summer activities, focused first and foremost on getting you on the mountain. We will continue to assess expanding our operations once we are open and as soon as it is safe to do so. Please visit the resort website for more information on available activities.
 
Will your retail stores offer bike rentals this summer? 

Each resort has its own plan for bike rentals.  Please visit the resort website for more information.

Where can I purchase tickets for lift rides and summer activities? Do I need to make a reservation? 

You do not need to make a reservation for scenic lift rides and summer activities. Tickets will be available to purchase onsite at the ticket office. All transactions will be cashless.  

Can I use my 20-21 Epic Pass for summer access?  

Summer benefits for the 2020-21 Epic Pass include free lift access for scenic rides (varies by pass type and region), as well as select lodging, food and beverage, and activity discounts. Full details here.

When will lodging reopen?  

Vail Resorts owned and operated hotels are accepting reservations beginning June 19, 2020. We are offering free cancellations and full refunds for reservations made between now and Dec. 17, 2020. More information on our current booking and cancellation policies is available here

What safety precautions are lodging properties taking?  Are any special cleaning procedures being taken? 

The safety of our employees and our guests has always been a top priority. To ensure our properties are prepared to address the realities of COVID-19, we have rolled out enhanced safety protocols at all of our owned and operated lodging properties designed to provide both guests and employees with a safe and enjoyable experience. Our new safety guidelines include limited touchpoints at check in, property-wide enhanced cleaning measures, shared space guidelines in elevators and physical distancing policies. While our protocols may vary by property, our teams will continue to follow CDC and WHO guidance, aligning our robust plan to ever-evolving industry best practices. 

How are you dealing with common areas? 

Our new safety guidelines include limited touchpoints at check in, property-wide enhanced cleaning measures, shared space guidelines in elevators and physical distancing policies. While our protocols may vary by property, our teams will continue to follow CDC and WHO guidance, aligning our robust plan to ever-evolving industry best practices. As a part of property-wide expanded safety guidelines, certain amenities/common areas may not be available at this time. Please contact the property directly for the most up-to-date information. 
 
Will the pool/spa/gym be open?  

As a part of property-wide expanded safety guidelines, certain amenities may not be available at this time. Please contact the property directly for the most up-to-date information. 
 
Can I valet my car?  

As a part of property-wide expanded safety guidelines, certain amenities may not be available at this time. Please contact the property directly for the most up-to-date information. 
 
Will hotel restaurants be open for business?  

As a part of property-wide expanded safety guidelines, certain dining areas may not be available at this time. Please contact the property directly for the most up-to-date information on grab-and-go and in-room dining options. 

How are you keeping guests safe this summer? 

We have developed new processes and procedures for the safety of our guests and employees, taking into account local government guidelines, industry best practices and our unique knowledge and insight about our operations. You can find more information on some of our safety procedures and guest expectations above. 

What are you doing to protect your staff? 

We have developed a robust return to work and training process for all resort employees to ensure safety. All our employees are required to wear a face covering and follow the company’s safety protocols and procedures at all times, including regular hand washing and the use of PPG. Employees will undergo daily health screenings and are required to stay home if sick. We’ll continue to review and update our policies to adhere to the most up-to-date practices to keep employees and guests safe. 

Do I need to wear a face covering? 

Guests are required to wear face coverings in certain areas, including in lines, when loading and unloading chairlifts, when loading and riding in gondolas and bubble chairs, in indoor resort facilities, on activities such as an alpine slide or mountain coaster, and whenever it is not possible to maintain a six-foot distance from unknown parties. We require this because face coverings are most likely to reduce the spread of COVID-19 when they are widely used by people in public settings, according to the CDC. Guests are encouraged to bring their own face coverings, but resorts will have them available upon request, subject to availability. When physical distancing is possible, such as hiking on trails, guests may remove their face coverings.  

Do I need to bring my own face covering?  

Yes, guests are strongly encouraged to bring their own face covering. We will have some available upon request, subject to availability. Guests without a face covering will not be allowed to load chairlifts or gondolas, inside resort facilities, on activities such as an alpine slide or mountain coaster or other areas where physical distancing is not possible.  

How will you be enforcing face coverings for guests? 

Guests who are not able to follow the safety protocols that are put in place to protect our guests, employees and communities will not be able to participate in our on-mountain experience and asked to leave if necessary. It will take the compassion, care and personal responsibility of everyone to help us ensure a safe mountain experience for all. 

What is your child age requirement for face coverings? 

In line with local and CDC guidelines, we are asking that children older than 2 years of age wear face coverings in lift lines, loading and unloading lifts, when riding a gondola and bubble chairs, in indoor spaces, and wherever physical distancing of six feet cannot be achieved. 

What are the rules on who can load together on gondolas and lifts? 

To minimize safety risks, guests will only be able to ride gondolas and lifts with travelers in their parties. 

Are you capping the number of people who can visit the resort? 

We will be closely monitoring capacity at our resorts, but we will not be capping our daily visitors. Thanks to our expansive outdoor setting, we are confident we can accommodate all visitors this summer, but are asking for guests' cooperation complying with physical distancing protocols in base areas, lift lines and indoor spaces.   

What equipment are you providing guests: sanitizer, masks, etc.?  

Hand sanitizing stations will be available throughout the resort. Frequent handwashing is encouraged. While we ask guests to bring their own face coverings, we will have masks available upon request, subject to availability. 

What changes have been made to cleaning procedures?  

High-touch surfaces will be frequently cleaned and disinfected with EPA-approved products that kill the COVID-19 virus. In addition, enhanced cleaning and disinfecting will take place daily in our gondola cabins, frequently throughout the day in our public restrooms and after each use on our alpine slide and mountain coaster carts. 

Will all transactions be cashless?  

Yes, all mountain transactions (e.g. lift tickets, dining facilities) will be cashless as well as transactions at the Company’s lodging, retail and rental locations. 

What happens if inclement weather forces a lift evacuation or other quick response which hampers physical distancing requirements? 

While we do our best to anticipate weather events to minimize impacts to our guests, it is very important to have face coverings for each member of your party easily accessible. If response to weather, or an environmental threat, forces a rapid response from mountain operations, we will prioritize guests’ immediate safety over standard health guidelines to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Please do your part to help us operate safely and keep your face covering on hand at all times. 

Are you doing contact tracing? 

We will continue to work with local health officials to minimize the impact and spread of COVID-19 in our resort communities. While we don’t have a comprehensive contact system, we will work with local officials and endeavor to notify any guest or employee who we have knowledge came in contact with someone who has tested positive for COVID-19.