Ski Federation Posts for 09/29/20

Next winter will be unlike any that has gone before it. Or any that will follow.

Over the last couple of weeks, we have seen many resorts release their ‘operating policies’ for the upcoming season. From face-covering requirements and social distancing measures to ticket reservations, skier limits, and parking reservations, it’s fair to say that next season will be unlike any other.

But once the lifts start turning, what are skiers and riders expecting? How, if at all, will their behaviors change on the mountain this year? We endeavored to find out…

The results are in and the votes have been counted. Out of 1,100 participants, this is just some of what we learned…

more people will frequent the smaller resorts
more people will head into the backcountry, many without avalanche training
most people are ok with mandatory masks and social distancing measures
four people said only a zombie apocalypse would stop them from skiing

Click here to see the in-depth results

Posted from SnowBrains

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Alterra Mountain Company: Ikon Pass holders will not need reservations at most destinations this winter

September 16, 2020

by FREESKIER

On September 14, Alterra Mountain Company officials provided a statement outlining basic winter protocols for the upcoming ski season. The Denver-based holding company, which owns and operates 15 resort destinations across North America, stated that in most scenarios Ikon Pass holders will not need to make reservations to ski this season, a plan that contrasts Vail Resort’s booking requirements. Alterra will provide Ikon Pass holders priority access to its mountains and, instead, will “temporarily regulate or eliminate a number of day ticket products,” to help avoid overcrowding.

In a letter complementing the announcement, Alterra CEO Rusty Gregory noted, “walk-up window sales will be eliminated, and the sale of some undated lift ticket products will be discontinued until further notice.” Effectively eliminating day-of ticket sales and avoiding undated passes, Alterra hopes to better control on-mountain capacity at its resorts.

To better understand the evolving situation, you can visit the Prep for Adventure page on the Ikon Pass website that outlines, resort by resort, which destinations will require reservations. Reservations for Ikon Pass holders will go live on November 9th, and guests are encouraged to book dates before capacity is reached.