Arapahoe Basin, CO ‘Approved to Open’

Arapahoe Basin, CO COO Alan Henceroth revealed in a blog post on Saturday that the resort had been ‘approved to open’ by the state.

A-Basin started making snow last week and is often the first resort in the country to open (but not this year!). 

• Related: Colorado Health Officials Issue Guidelines for Ski Resorts Operating Amid Covid-19 Pandemic

The state of Colorado issued official guidelines on October 14th for ski resorts operating this season amid the Covid-19 pandemic. Every ski resort was then required to produce their own Covid-19 safety plan in conjunction with the local public health agency, which must be approved by the state before the ski season begins.

Approved To Open
 
Since last Spring, we have worked diligently on our opening plan for the 2020-21 Ski Season. That has involved numerous discussions with all kinds of stakeholders. That means Zoom call after Zoom call after Zoom call. We worked very closely with Summit County and State of Colorado governments to develop a safe and appropriate operating plan. This involved a lot of listening and a lot of exploration as to ways The Basin can be opened. Over the last week, the State has released its guidance for ski area operations. We submitted our proposed operation plan to both the State and the County. I am pleased to say that on Friday, we were notified that our plan meets the Guidance for Colorado Ski Areas. We have received clearance to open the ski area this season.

Details about operations can be found at COVID-19 Operations.  Opening in the COVID-19 era involves a lot work for A-Basin staff. It also involves the need for appropriate behavior by our guests. In essence, we all have to minimize our exposure to others. We need to wear our face coverings, maintain our distances and keep our groups small. At its most basic level, this is not that complicated. If we are all a little more careful and a little conscientious, we can ski and ride with minimal exposure to COVID-19 transmission. Every one of us has to do their part for us to enjoy the ski season.

Friday night Summit County issued a new public health order. The most notable impact to Arapahoe Basin is the reduction of indoor group sizes from 10 people down to 6 people from 2 different households. We will be making this change in our dining and other retail outlets.

With an excellent weekend forecast for snowmaking and natural snowfall, the outlook for opening just got a little brighter. We do not have an opening day set yet, but the outlook is definitely a little brighter.