What Is Spring Skiing During COVID Like? - My Family Travels

What will spring skiing during COVID be like in 2021? Many families are asking the same question as they plan a spring break family getaway.

For answers, we asked skiers who’ve been out on the slopes this season experiencing a variety of restrictions to stop the spread of COVID-19. Their answers explain how public health measures will affect the 2021 spring skiing experience… and maybe future seasons as well.

Two families sit in front of a firepit on the patio of YotelPAD Park City in Utah.
Two families meet up for apres ski fun in front of a firepit on the patio of YotelPAD Park City in Utah. Photo c. YotelPAD Park City

Q1. If no one’s traveling, do I have to plan for skiing during COVID now?

A1. Yes. Demand is the first reason to plan ahead. A recent IPX 1031 survey found that 58% of Americans plan to travel in 2021 and one-third of those plan to vacation as early as spring break. 

Supply is the second reason. The hotel industry has reduced inventory to slow pandemic losses. At vacation home rental specialist, Vacasa, bookings are up year-over-year in Steamboat Springs and Lake Tahoe despite fewer offerings. There’s also been a recent surge in interest in Wyoming resorts like Jackson Hole and Grand Targhee.

Q2. Does it feel safe to be on the slopes?

Couple in goggles on chairlift at Squaw Valley in Lake Tahoe.
Rennie Brown and friend enjoy a day on the slopes at Palisades Tahoe in Lake Tahoe, California.

A2. Yes. “Skiing during COVID feels very safe,” says Rennie Brown., a consultant in the cryptocurrency field based in San Francisco. He says snow sports enthusiasts naturally spread out across the slopes and commonly wear face coverings against the cold.

Josh Reynolds, a software engineer and surfer who works remotely in Southern California, has a share in the same ski house at Paliades Tahoe (the former Squaw Valley Alpine Meadows) in Lake Tahoe. “I’m already accepting some risk by leaving the house,” he says. “I really don’t think being outside on the slopes increases my risk much more than that baseline.”   

Q3. Should older, more vulnerable skiers and riders be concerned about skiing during COVID?

A3. Yes. The views of these young men, who requested their names be changed in case they were breaking state stay-at-home orders, don’t reflect everyone’s experience.

Eileen Ogintz, travel expert at Taking the Kids, cautions older adults and those with pre-existing conditions to keep destination in mind. While California resorts may be strictly regulated, some Colorado resorts report that guests traveling in from surrounding states ignore mask-wearing requirements, making it less safe for other guests to enjoy their day on mountain.

Q4. Do we really need to make reservations?

two women skiers post for selfie in goggles and face masks
Gretchen Pusch, at left, enjoys skiing during COVID at Hunter Mountain in the Catskills.

A4. Maybe. “Luckily, not all the areas impose reservations,” Brad Davis, a retired software engineer from Georgetown, Colorado who favors Loveland and A-Basin, told us. “I found the reservation process very tedious, annoying and error prone on their part.”  

Gretchen Pusch, a New York musician, found it “easy-peasy” to make advance reservations for Hunter Mountain in the Catskills.  She felt safe in the very controlled environment at this Vail-owned resort, where guests also need a reservation (made same day by QR code) to dine at generously spaced tables in the main lodge. Like other Vail resorts, Hunter is operating at limited capacity, selling lift tickets booked online in advance using their Epic Pass technology.

Q5. How do we make advance reservations for skiing during COVID?

A5. It’s complicated. Most reservations are keyed to a mountain’s annual pass system. Following years of consolidation in the snow sports industry, Vail and Alterra Mountain Resorts have scooped up most of the majors through purchase or partnership. Vail’s Epic Pass currently covers 37 North American resorts and Alterra’s IKON Pass another 17 resorts.

For information on each company’s safety protocols for skiing during COVID (in addition to local government regulations), read this blog at Ski.com.

Q6. Are the mountain resorts taking safety seriously?

Snowboarder at Snow Basin in deep powder, photo by Brooks Roe for Snowbasin.
The deep powder at Utah resorts like Snowbasin continues to attract skiers and riders. Photo by Brooks Roe for Snowbasin.

A6. Yes. We asked an industry expert with boots on the snow in six states how the resorts were doing at following safety protocols during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Mike Cremeno is CEO at SkiButlers.com, the premier concierge ski rental service in operation at 50 resorts worldwide, including several in California, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Utah and Wyoming. “Hearing feedback from our customers and team members,” Cremeno says, “everyone feels the resorts are doing a great job managing capacity and keeping their employees and guests safe.”

Q7. Do Resort staff really enforce the rules?

Man hikes through deep snow by himself in the backcountry of Alpine Meadows at Lake Tahoe.
Josh Reynolds find social distancing easy to maintain in the backcountry of Alpine Meadows, an Alterra resort at Lake Tahoe.

A7. Yes. Ms. Pusch praised the Hunter team’s diligence. “I saw one lift operator threatening a group of non-compliant boarders that he would take their passes away if he had to remind them again to wear their masks.”

The downside of social distancing is that fewer guests can ride each lift and distanced lift lines can snake across slopes on busy weekends.

“Lines have taken on a more menacing/annoying vibe in general,” explains Reynolds. “At Alpine Meadows, the lift attendants are doing a great job of separating people. Those who are uncomfortable with strangers can request their own ride.”

Davis notes Colorado resorts were having a bad 2020-21 ski season from lack of snow as much as bar and restaurant closures. “Locals actually give the resorts credit for working at this as hard as they have, because it’s obvious to everyone they’re not making their usual money.”

Q8. Which destinations are keeping visitors safe?

A8. Many. Public health guidelines are issued on a state and local level. A large part of planning your trip should be checking the official tourist office site for current pandemic safety rules.

Most towns which rely on winter sports revenues have exceeded local guidelines to protect residents from visitors. “The ingenuity of everyone in Park City,” Brandon Tyler, general manager of the new all-“pad” YOTELPAD Park City in Utah, “is making our hotels full, mountain skiing rewarding and dining more normal than it has been in months.

When you do it right, people respond because everyone wants to enjoy more experiences when they know we’re being responsible by keeping everyone safe.”

Three girls sit on bunk beds in their room at YotelPAD Park City in Utah.
Compact, apartment style pads at YotelPAD have bunk beds that fold into the wall to provide work from home space when you need it. Photo c. YotelPAD Park City

Q9. Besides reservations, how do we prepare for skiing during COVID?

A9. Our tips. Families have to come prepared. Book accommodations with kitchen facilities in case on-mountain and local restaurants close. Stay in the resort’s base village if possible so kids can take frequent breaks.

Book limited capacity group classes in advance or, if you can afford it, a private family skiing or snowboarding class. Many resorts have substantially discounted rates.

Mountain resorts are using technology to anticipate the needs of their customers. Social media and digital signage warn of parking shortages, lift line waits and dining queues. A few resorts have established slopeside warming tents for use when base lodges and indoor dining are closed.

Audition new face coverings to be sure they’re breathable, water-repellent and comfortable. HALOmasks use superfine nanotechnology fabrics and filters plus foam spacers around the cheekbones to prevent goggles and glasses from fogging.

Q10. What will make our ski days easier?

A10. More tips. Use weather apps to anticipate storms that may impact your experience. Dress all ages in more layers to better regulate body temperature. Wear a backpack with extra mittens, masks, lip balm, water and a thermos of hot chocolate.

The biggest challenge of skiing during COVID may be dining, because indoor facilities can close with little notice. Families should start the day early and ski straight through, planning a late lunch at home to avoid exposure to strangers without masks at meal time. Those staying outside the resort should treat their vehicle like a heated picnic spot, locker room and après-ski bar.

Avoid crowded shops and locker rooms on weekends and holidays. Many families now consider what SkiButlers.com and other companies do – arranging for top quality, sanitized rental gear to be delivered and fitted at home — more of a necessity than a luxury.

Q11. Is spring skiing the right choice for my family? We think so.

A11. We think so. Ms. Pusch enjoyed her day at Hunter Mountain so much she’s planned a week’s vacation at Alta Lodge in Utah. “I’ve now had both vaccinations and wouldn’t be making the trip without,” she says excitedly.

Reynolds is staying full time in Lake Tahoe. “Bring patience and be grateful we still have access to the slopes,” he advises, “while so many other activities are closed to us.”

Rennie Brown anticipates cancelling his annual Park City trip due to California travel restrictions. The upside of this season? “There’s a lot of tailgating in the parking lot. People bring grills to have lunch and warm up -– everyone is trying to make the best of it.”

Dear Reader: This page may contain affiliate links which may earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase. Our independent journalism is not influenced by any advertiser or commercial initiative unless it is clearly marked as sponsored content. As travel products change, please be sure to reconfirm all details and stay up to date with current events to ensure a safe and successful trip.

1 Reply to “What Is Spring Skiing During COVID Like?”

  • yaz

    The content here is well-researched and very informative, making it a valuable read. This site continues to be a great source of useful and engaging articles.

  • Abdullah Ibna Jafar

    This blog does a great job of highlighting the rich Black history in St. Augustine. It’s informative and well-structured, making it easy to follow the timeline of events. The details about Fort Mose and the Civil Rights Movement are especially powerful. A must-read for anyone interested in history and culture!

  • Chithra K B

    These holiday light displays look absolutely magical! I’m especially drawn to the ‘Las Noches de Las Luminarias’ in Phoenix with all those glowing cacti and lanterns – what a unique and beautiful way to celebrate the season. I also love the idea of the Enchanted Forest in Pine Mountain with its millions of lights. It’s amazing how many incredible places there are to enjoy the festive spirit! I’ll definitely be adding a few of these to my holiday bucket list. Happy holidays to all!

  • Adaline J

    I did a fall road trip through New England, and having a Zetexa eSIM was a lifesaver—no dropped signals, even in remote areas! It made navigating scenic routes so much easier. What’s your favorite fall foliage spot?

  • hotel

    Hi, just wanted to say, I enjoyed this post. It was practical.
    Keep on posting!

  • namakepcib

    Very nice post. I definitely love this website.

    Keep it up!

  • Social

    I must thank you for the efforts you have put in writing this blog.

    I really hope to view the same high-grade blog posts by you in the future as well. In fact, your creative writing abilities has inspired me to get my own site now 😉

  • tlov

    Just wish to say your article is as astonishing. The clarity in your post is simply spectacular and i can assume you are an expert on this subject. Well with your permission allow me to grab your RSS feed to keep updated with forthcoming post. Thanks a million and please keep up the enjoyable work.

  • tlove

    I appreciate, cause I found exactly what I was looking for. You’ve ended my 4 day long hunt! God Bless you man. Have a nice day. Bye

  • JUDI ONLINE

    Heya i am for the first time here. I found this board and I find It really useful & it helped me out a lot.
    I hope to give something back and help others like you aided me.

  • Dream

    I really like what you guys are up too. This kind of clever work and reporting! Keep up the very good works guys I’ve you guys to blogroll.

  • news

    For most recent information you have to pay a quick visit world wide web and on web I found this web site as a best website for latest updates. https://www.traillink.com/stateactivity/nv-hiking-trails/

  • anna

    thank you for sharing with us

  • Raymond

    Fantastic blog!

  • Damon

    We offer pick up at Washougal port and drop off at Portland Airport, with a private tour of the city to fill your time until your flight! See our website for more information.
    https://www.peaktoursandtransit.com/americancruiselines

  • h

    Yourr style is really unique compared to other folks I have read stuff from. Many thanks for posting when you’ve got the opportunity, Guess I will just bookmark this site.

  • Travel Agency in India

    Starting the New Year with such vibrant celebrations sounds like a fantastic idea! This guide offers great inspiration for planning a memorable First Night. For anyone looking to experience similar festivities abroad or even within India, the Best Travel Agency in India can make your travel dreams come true. Cheers to a year full of exciting journeys!

  • polygon

    Nice i really enjoyed reading your blogs. Keep on posting. Thanks

  • Nicolas Baillieu

    Would you like this New Year to be the year you let go of your hurtful past? Make the resolution to make the change to become your Best Self.

  • dro

    I am impressed with this website , really I am a fan.

  • atomic

    This excellent website truly has all of the information I wanted about this subject and didn’t know who to ask.

  • Emily Williams

    Travel Tuesday is such a great opportunity for families to lock in incredible vacation deals! The Caribbean all-inclusive offers and luxury cruises caught my eye this year. For anyone planning trips in 2025, now’s the time to grab those discounts. I’ve found that setting up airfare alerts and exploring flexible travel tools can help extend the savings even further. What’s your favorite way to find hidden travel deals?

  • MasumINTL

    Bokeo is truly a captivating delight located in Thailand!

    The blend of unspoiled nature, rich culture, and serene landscapes provide an unforgettable trip.
    From hidden waterfalls to genuine experiences, every
    minute in Bokeo will feel like a voyage of discovery.
    You must visit Bokeo if you are looking for authentic Thai appeal and
    undiscovered adventure!

    ADMIN NOTE: The province of Bokeo is actually in Northern Laos.

  • gsc

    Informative article, exactly what I was looking for.

  • cr

    Excellent article. Keep writing such kind of information on your
    site. Im really impressed by your site.
    Hey there, You’ve done a fantastic job. I’ll definitely
    digg it and in my opinion suggest to my friends.

    I’m confident they’ll be benefited from this site.

  • tlo

    Great wordpress blog here.. It’s hard to find quality writing like yours these days. I really appreciate people like you! take care

  • LeeCRORM

    How do family-friendly hotels like the Regency Bar & Grill balance a casual atmosphere with upscale dining experiences? Can such venues successfully cater to both adult tastes and children’s preferences without compromising on quality?”,

  • vor

    I have been exploring for a bit for any high quality articles or blog posts on this sort of area . Exploring in Yahoo I eventually stumbled upon this site. Studying this info So i?¦m glad to convey that I have a very just right uncanny feeling I discovered exactly what I needed. I so much unquestionably will make certain to do not fail to remember this web site and give it a glance on a continuing basis.

  • vor

    I really appreciate this post. I have been looking all over for this! Thank goodness I found it on Bing. You have made my day! Thx again!

  • vor

    Pretty great post. I simply stumbled upon your weblog and wanted to say that I’ve really enjoyed surfing around your weblog posts. In any case I will be subscribing to your feed and I hope you write once more soon!

  • JaninaRuime

    I’ve been really impressed

  • bra

    It’s actually a cool and helpful piece of info. I am happy that you simply shared this helpful info with us. Please keep us up to date like this. Thanks for sharing.

  • LeeCRORM

    Is it possible for a hotel to truly cater to both adults and children without compromising on the dining experience? How can establishments like the Regency Bar & Grill balance sophisticated culinary offerings with kid-friendly options, and do you think this duality enhances or detracts from the overall atmosphere?

  • LeeCRORM

    What unique dining experiences can families expect at hotels in the Upper East Side, and how do these experiences cater to both adults and children? Are there any hidden gems or unconventional menu items that truly set these family-friendly hotels apart from the typical offerings?”,
    “refusal

  • Shayne Dilorenzo

    TY for posting, it was unbelieveably informative and helped me a ton

  • JUDI ONLINE

    Hi there! Would you mind if I share your blog with my zynga group?
    There’s a lot of folks that I think would really appreciate your
    content. Please let me know. Thank you

  • smo

    Very interesting information! Perfect just what I was looking for!
    “The most wasted day of all is that on which we have not laughed.” by Sbastien-Roch Nicolas de Chamfort.

  • smorter

    I was very pleased to find this web-site.I wanted to thanks for your time for this wonderful read!! I definitely enjoying every little bit of it and I have you bookmarked to check out new stuff you blog post.

  • Jhoney Bairstow

    Las Vegas has so much to offer beyond the usual attractions! If you’re looking for a unique experience, consider exploring the local art scene or taking a day trip to the nearby Red Rock Canyon for some beautiful hiking. It’s a great way to balance the excitement of the Strip with some natural beauty!

  • JOHN

    I appreciate the practical advice you’ve given here.

  • GROW

    Thank for your sharing. That’s good to take children to this places.

  • Abde Ljalil

    i like this article , it was useful

  • drovers

    I wanted to thank you for this great read!! I definitely enjoying every little bit of it I have you bookmarked to check out new stuff you post…

  • drover

    I truly appreciate this post. I’ve been looking all over for this! Thank goodness I found it on Bing. You have made my day! Thanks again!