Summit County Colorado Order Includes Lodging Restrictions, $5,000 Fine, and Jail Time

The holidays are approaching, and the CDC has officially recommended against large family gatherings and unnecessary travel. The United States is continuing to see record covid-19 cases daily. Many states are starting to implement a second wave of restrictions to help control the spread of the virus. Mask mandates, school closures, and the closing of non-essential businesses are starting to pop up again in various states in anticipation of holiday gatherings and winter activities. 

Summit County, Colorado has followed suit, placing restrictions on winter lodging. The order stated, “No more than 10 individuals indoors and/or outdoors from no more than 2 households at short term lodging operations.”. This order applies but is not limited to lodges, campgrounds, AirBnbs, timeshares, hotels, motels, and other retreats. The owners and operators of these spaces are responsible for confirming that the order is being followed by checking guests’ identification. Failure to comply with the order could lead to a fine of up to $5,000 or up to 18 months in jail. 

The penalty of $5,000 or up to 18 months in jail is not limited to lodging but applies to compliance with the entire Summit County order. The order also includes regulations for restaurants, retail businesses, and the “Six Commandments of Containment,” which includes maintaining a 6-foot distance from those outside your household and staying home when you’re sick.

Ski resorts like Breckenridge, Arapahoe Basin, Keystone, and Copper Mountain are all popular resorts that Summit County relies on to bring tourism. As the county with the third-highest rate of infection in the state of Colorado, these new guidelines are hoped to control the spread of Covid without having to shut down the area during the winter season completely.

Ski areas are preparing for the 2020-2021 winter season. This year’s preparations include adhering to Public Health orders and putting protocols in place to ensure their visitors and employees remain safe. So if you plan on traveling this winter season, be sure to look into the area’s restrictions to avoid issues at check-in or hefty fines.