COVID Transmission Linked to Après — Not to Lift Lines, Chairlifts, or Skiing

Colorado’s ski towns and counties have some of the highest rates of COVID in the country. In San Miguel County, epidemiologists have not linked any outbreaks to chairlifts, skiing, or lift lines in Telluride. Although, they have contact-traced many cases to après and the lifestyle surrounding skiing. The same results have shown up in eight other ski and tourism counties in Colorado.

Après is part of the ski culture. Multiple outbreaks have been linked to indoor après ski activities in private residences. People often let their guard down when alcohol is involved. Some hotels have closed hot tubs and common areas popular for après, although private residences have no regulation.

This finding makes it increasingly difficult to add regulations to limit case numbers. Public health officials are still struggling to keep the post-holiday surge under control. Many businesses have already been increasingly regulated. It is good to know the measures taken in lift lines, on-mountain dining, and chairlifts are helping limit virus numbers. Help keep it safe during après and stay with your immediate friends and family!