Source: www.saminfo.com, August 2022

SAM Magazine—Broomfield, Colo., Aug. 23, 2022—Vail Resorts has updated its Covid protocols, dropping vaccine requirements for guests and staff, and will limit day ticket sales for the upcoming winter season, according to its 2022-23 operating plan.

Covid protocols. Across all its resorts, the company will no longer require face coverings, vaccines, or dining reservations for guests. That policy change parallels a decision earlier this year to drop vaccine requirements for Vail Resorts employees. The move follows on the heels of a challenging 2021-22 season, in which CEO Kirsten Lynch noted “our ancillary businesses continued to be capacity constrained by staffing, and in the case of dining, by operational restrictions associated with Covid-19.”

Vail Resorts employees will continue to complete daily health screenings, and the company said it will still apply enhanced cleaning practices at its facilities.

Limited ticket sales. The company also plans to limit ticket sales for every day of the season at all 37 of its North American resorts. “Limiting lift tickets throughout the season, alongside the big investments we’re making at our resorts and in our team members, will help us provide our guests with an ‘experience of a lifetime’ this winter,” said James O’Donnell, president of Vail Resorts’ Mountain Division.

Last season, Vail Resorts only limited ticket sales at its properties during the three most popular holiday periods: Dec. 25-Jan. 2, Jan. 14-17, and Feb. 18-27. The company faced a deluge of criticism for perceived overcrowding at its resorts last winter.

As with last year, the new policy will not impact passholders (including Epic Day Pass holders), guests who enroll in ski and ride school lessons that include lift access, passholder benefit tickets, or employee and dependent access. Lift ticket availability will become visible on resort websites in the coming weeks. If tickets are sold out online, none will be available at the ticket windows at any of the company’s properties.

Opening dates. In addition to operating changes, Vail Resorts also released provisional winter opening dates for its North American resorts. Keystone, Colo., is expected to open as soon as weather and conditions permit in October. Additionally, 16 resorts plan to turn lifts beginning in November.

As far as closing dates go, Kirkwood, Calif., aims to stay open to the end of April, while Whistler Blackcomb, B.C., and Breckenridge, Colo., plan to operate into May, weather permitting.
Here’s a full list of opening dates:

ROCKIES & WEST REGIONS
● Mid-Oct.: Keystone, Colo.
● Nov. 11: Breckenridge, Colo.; Vail, Colo.
● Nov. 18: Heavenly, Calif.; Northstar, Calif.; Park City, Utah
● Nov. 23: Beaver Creek, Colo.; Crested Butte, Colo.
● Nov. 24: Whistler Blackcomb, B.C.
● Dec. 2: Kirkwood, Calif.; Stevens Pass, Wash.

EAST REGION
● Nov. 11: Mount Snow, Vt.
● Nov. 18: Afton Alps, Minn.; Hunter, N.Y.; Stowe, Vt.; Wildcat, N.H.
● Nov. 19: Okemo, Vt.
● Nov. 23: Mt. Sunapee, N.H.
● Nov. 25: Seven Springs, Pa.
● Dec. 2: Attitash, N.H.; Crotched, N.H.; Jack Frost, Pa.
● Dec. 3: Mt. Brighton, Mich.; Wilmot, Wis.
● Dec. 16: Big Boulder, Liberty, Roundtop, and Whitetail, Pa.
● Dec. 17: Alpine Valley, Ohio; Boston Mills and Brandywine, Ohio; Hidden Valley, Mo.; Mad River, Ohio; Paoli Peaks, Ind.; Snow Creek, Mo.
● Dec. 23: Hidden Valley and Laurel Mountain, Pa.