Industry News
The Vermont government yesterday provided guidance to ski resorts for operating during the pandemic. They aim to achieve the safest ski-and-ride experience in the country, while also protecting employees and the communities, Ted Brady, secretary of the Agency of Commerce and Community Development said.
The 13-page document goes into great detail on the changes ski resorts will have to implement, with some of the policies “the most restrictive in the country”, according to Brady. Grants of up to $200,000 were available to ski resorts to help fund some of these changes.
Some of the highlights:
- Reservations will not be required, although some resorts have already announced they will be implementing such a system
- Liftlines must be spread out, and chairs/gondolas must not exceed 50% capacity (unless it’s one party). Face coverings must be worn in liftlines
- Indoor crowds must stay below 50% of fire occupancy, with a maximum of 75 people in any space. Face coverings must be worn indoors
- Guests must confirm that they have complied with travel and quarantine guidance. The responsibility lies with the guest to know what this entails. Anyone found to be violating this could have their skiing privileges revoked
- Where possible, resorts must employ local staff. Any out-of-state employee must work only, no socializing
- Resorts must collect and retain contact-tracing information for every guest
Ski areas have given their support of the document, and many were involved in some of the decision makings.
Vermont Operations Requirements:
