Colorado ski areas opening with new requirements
By Patte Smith
The 2020-21 ski season is a go, and while it will be somewhat different this year, skiers and snowboarders can happily hit the slopes. Planning a ski trip will require research beforehand to be aware of specific information and requirements for each ski area before the season begins. Be sure to visit individual ski area websites for current information.
Colorado ski areas have season passes for purchase online, and a few of the passes include access to other ski areas. Early season access to the slopes is one of the perks of various ski passes. Colorado Ski Country USA (https://www.coloradoski.com/season-passes) has comprehensive information about the 2020-21 ski season passes available at each Colorado ski resort.
Plan in advance to purchase ski tickets online and make reservations for ticket holders and pass holders. Advanced parking reservations are required at several areas. Most areas ask visitors to use their vehicles to store all belongings and to not plan on having lockers or bringing sack lunches into the buildings. Ski schools are open at several resorts with a limited number of attendees and class times.
Ski areas are requiring face coverings in all indoor buildings, except when seated in a dining establishment to eat or drink. Physical distancing in lift lines, riding chairlifts and gondolas, getting on a bus, eating and drinking outdoors and going in and out of buildings will be enforced. Parties traveling together can load on the same chairlift; other individuals will have to load following each ski areas instructions. Capacity on lifts and gondolas will be reduced.
Yes, things have changed a bit, but with a little planning and preparation, skiers can still take to the slopes this season.
Planned 2020-21 Colorado ski area opening dates:
Information compiled from various websites
- Arapahoe Basin: mid-October
- Loveland: Mid to late October
- Keystone: November 6
- Breckenridge: November 13
- Winter Park: November 18
- Monarch: November 20
- Vail: November 20
- Purgatory: November 21
- Steamboat: November 21
- Eldora: November 23
- Beaver Creek: November 25
- Crested Butte: November 25
- Ajax and Snowmass: November 26
- Telluride: November 26
- Aspen Mountain/Snowmass: November 26
- Echo Mountain: November 27
- Copper Mountain: November 30
- Sunlight: December 11
- Aspen Highlands: December 12
- Buttermilk: December 18
- Silverton: December 26
- Kendall Mountain: Mid-December depending on snowfall
- Hesperus: Will open, date TBD
- Howelsen Hill: Will open, date TBD
- Ski Cooper: Will open, date TBD
- Granby Ranch: Unknown
- Wolf Creek: Will open depending on snowfall
