Denver ‘Stay at Home’ Order FAQ: Can I Still Go Skiing?

The city of Denver along with the rest of Colorado is asking residents to stay at home and physically distance themselves from others in order to stop the spread of the virus. Denver is enforcing the ‘stay at home’ order with city staff like park rangers, safety officers and public health officials who will be patrolling parks and recreation areas, businesses and neighborhoods to prevent gatherings and further spread of the virus.

• RELATED: Colorado Governor Orders Entire State Must ‘Stay at Home’ as Coronavirus Death Toll Jumps Dramatically

So what does this mean for us skiers? Can we still go out and ski? Simply put, no. Because although the ‘stay-at-home’ order allows for outside exercise — and even encourages it — it still doesn’t let you go to neighboring communities. Travel is prohibited under the order. In order to travel, it must be considered essential. This is what determines essential travel according to the City of Denver website:

• To conduct one of the Essential Activities listed above.
• To work at one of the Essential Businesses or Operations listed below, including if the essential business is outside of Denver
• To care for the elderly, minors, dependents, or other persons with disabilities or other vulnerable persons
• Travel to an educational institution for the purpose of receiving materials for distance learning, receiving meals, or other related services.
• To conduct an action or attend a place required by law enforcement or a court order.
• To return to their place of residence outside of Denver.

Essential activities include “anything that is critical to protecting an individual’s health and safety, or the health and safety of their family or household members (including pets),” according to the order. Now, it’s a bit confusing because you are still allowed to exercise outside like go for hikes and runs and all that. However, you just can’t go very far to do them.

The order prohibits all forms of travel besides walking and maintaining at least 6 feet apart from other people, meaning you can’t get in your car and drive to go ski. For the time being, mountain recreation is prohibited if it is not directly near your home. This means the end of ski season for a lot of Denverites. However, general forms of outdoor exercise — like walking, running and biking — are still allowed near your home.

To read the official statement regarding Denver’s ‘stay at home’ order, click here.