After the spring and summer we had this year, just about everyone feels like they can’t get back on the snow soon enough. Unfortunately, we know that COVID-19 will still be here when the 20/21 winter season rolls around. The only question is, how will popular ski mountains like Mammoth Mountain operate safely?
To help you plan out your trips and powder days, the team at ASO has listed everything we know about how COVID-19 will affect Mammoth Mountain for the 20/21 winter season. Check it out below, and make sure to stop by ASO Mammoth before you head to the mountain for the best ski and snowboard rentals in Mammoth Lakes!
Please remember that these policies may change, so check with Mammoth Mountain or any mountain to make sure you have the most up-to-date information before you plan your visit!
How Mammoth Mountain is Handling COVID-19
You’ll see many common COVID-19 safety measures such as plexiglass in transaction areas and social distancing during your visit to Mammoth Mountain, but there are other important changes specific to ski mountains. A few of the most important you can expect are:
- All lift tickets will be sold online.
- Ticket availability may be limited by mountain capacity. You can also expect capacity limits for indoor areas such as restaurants and shuttles.
- Masks will be required in lift lines as well as on lifts, indoors, in gondolas, and on shuttles.
- Visitors will not have to load lifts or gondolas to capacity and will be allowed to ride with only members of their party.
- Special cancellation policies have been created for this season.
This information is only a summary of the on-mountain changes, so click here for more details about what to expect when you’re on the slopes, eating, or lodging at Mammoth Mountain.
How Other Ski Mountains Are Handling COVID-19
Each ski mountain and their owners will handle COVID-19 safety procedures differently, and it’s possible that their strategies will change based on what works, what doesn’t, and what else we learn about COVID-19. However, we do have a good idea of how some of the largest mountains are planning for the season.
On August 27th , Vail Resorts, who operates 34 ski mountains in North America, released details about their plan to operate safely. A few of the most important details were:
- Pass holders must make a reservation for the day before arriving at the mountain.
- All lift tickets will be sold online.
- Only season pass holders will be allowed to ride or ski at any Vail Mountain until December 8th.
- Face coverings will be required everywhere on the mountain.
- Chair lifts and gondolas will be sat with people who are from the same party. If you’re skiing or snowboarding alone then you will be paired with another solo skier and placed on a lift or gondola with proper distancing.
- All transactions on the mountain will be cashless.
- All employees and participants at ski schools will be required to fill out an online self-health screening before the class, and classes will be limited to six participants.
If you’re freaked out by the thought of a reservation system interfering with your trip, then you should know that Vail is allowing season pass holders seven priority reservation days for booking as well as refund coverage for those days.
Remember, these rules could change, so stay up-to-date by visiting Mammoth Mountain’s website for changes to COVID-19 policies! We’ll see you on opening day!