This may not be the winter for flights to far-off destinations, but that doesn鈥檛 mean good skiing is out of the question. With resorts adjusting to make in-bounds activity as safe as possible, your best bets are staying local or stringing together a low-contact road trip. We called up some experts for tips on how to ride consciously this season.
Wear a Face Covering
Masks can prevent COVID-infected droplets from traveling far when we cough, sneeze, or yell to our friends. Most resorts, including all those on the Epic Pass, will require a mask in common spaces and lift lines, as well as on lifts. Your simple neck tube is not ideal, but it may be more effective if doubled up. 鈥淚f you can blow out a candle through your face covering,鈥 says Daniel Pastula, an expert in 颅neuro-infectious diseases at Colorado鈥檚 UCHealth, 鈥渢hat鈥檚 probably not enough fabric or material to be protective.鈥
Stay 国产吃瓜黑料
鈥淭he biggest risk to skiers isn鈥檛 riding lifts,鈥 says Brent Russell, an 颅emergency-room doctor and COVID survivor from Ketchum, Idaho. 鈥淚t鈥檚 indoor dining. People take off their masks to eat and drink.鈥 For lunch, sit outside or go back to your condo. For apr猫s, tailgate or go somewhere with outdoor space. Layering up your clothing with the intention of being out all day will keep your options open. Resorts like Steamboat and Mammoth Mountain鈥攂oth Ikon Pass destinations鈥攁re beefing up outdoor decks with fire pits, heat lamps, and open-air tents.
Space Out Six Feet
鈥淚deally, people should only ride chairlifts with those in their group,鈥 Russell says. 鈥淪trangers would need at least one space in between.鈥 Aspen Snowmass, among other resorts, will allow only existing groups to load the gondola together. (Jackson Hole will do so upon request.) Even then, keep the windows open for airflow.
Skip the Bus
This is the year to splurge on slopeside lodging for easy lift access. 鈥淏uses could be OK as long as the windows are open, there are six-foot barriers and everyone is masked,鈥 Russell says. But ideally, you should walk or drive your own car.聽
Use the Apps
Many resorts are moving to improved apps, so you can sign waivers, buy passes, 颅order food, and reserve lessons 颅without any 颅face-to-face contact.