BOISE, Idaho — Winter is right around the corner, and for many Treasure Valley residents, winter means digging the skis and snowboards out of storage and hitting the slopes.
This season, however, ski resorts may have new precautionary measures and guidelines for visitors to follow as COVID-19 remains present in Idaho.
Each ski resort's precautionary measures will look different. Being informed on what is expected of guests while visiting is the best way to ensure you can still enjoy a beloved Treasure Valley winter activity.
Here's what we know about each ski resort in the Treasure Valley.
Bogus Basin- Boise, Idaho
The winter season at Bogus Basin is set to begin on November 27, 2020, but could begin earlier if snow conditions allow for it. Tickets went on sale on Oct. 7 but guests are encouraged to call or visit the Bogus Basin website to purchase tickets when possible.
The sales office, located in Downtown Boise, will be open Wednesday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Capacity in the office is limited and guests will be required to wear a face-covering when inside the building.
In order to limit the number of people on the hills during peak hours, Bogus Basin has expanded their night skiing hours. Night skiing will now take place from 3 to 10 p.m.
On peak business days, such as weekends and holidays, lift ticket sales will be limited until 3 p.m. when night skiing begins. This will be done to limit the number of people on the hill.
Lift attendants will be instructed to refrain from loading visitors with people they did not come to the resort with. They will also use every other lift to send visitors to the top of the hill.
While at Bogus Basin, face masks will be required when riding the lift, skiing, or snowboarding. Exceptions will be made when eating or sitting down at a table.
Read the full Winter 2020/21 plan here.
Brundage Mountain Resort- McCall, Idaho
As of September 10, Brundage Mountain Resort does not have any plans to change the reservation system for season pass holders, Select Cardholders, or daily ticket purchasers, but will assess the need for a reservation system as the season continues.
Face coverings will be required inside the lodge, in the lift line, and while being loaded into the lift. Lift attendants will be instructed to load different groups of people together but will accommodate those who prefer to ride alone and couples who prefer not to ride with people they do not know.
Personal belongings will not be allowed in the lodge but 150 new lockers have been added to accommodate visitors.
Learn more about food and beverage, ski lessons, overnight camping, and retail rental here.
Tamarack Resort- Tamarack, Idaho
Since April, Tamarack has limited capacity of indoor spaces to maintain distance between guests and comply with Central District Health (CDH) guidelines.
New policies regarding rollover credits for 2020-2021 season pass holders have been implemented in the event of a government-mandated closure before the end of the winter season.
Should the resort be unable to open or be required to suspend operations, holders of Tamarack's year-round pass will receive the following rollover credit for the 2021-2022 season based on the date of closure:
- Prior to Dec. 15, 2020: 100% credit
- Dec. 16-Jan. 15: 75% credit
- Jan. 16-Feb. 15: 50% credit
- Feb. 16-March 15: 25% credit
- March 16 or later: 0% credit
“Tamarack is focused on providing a safe, memorable experience for our guests,” says Scott Turlington, president of Tamarack Resort. “That’s why we are taking extra precautions, such as offering touchless ticket- and pass-pickup boxes as well as noncontact, pay-as-you-go, direct-lift access.”
Sun Valley Resort- Sun Valley, Idaho
Sun Valley Resort has adopted a number of new protocols to ensure guests are safe while visiting and employees are safe while working. The resort says it will implement these protocols under guidance from the Center for Disease Control (CDC) and Idaho Dept. of Health and Welfare.
The resort has added hand-sanitizing stations across the resort. They are also asking guests to maintain physical distance and have rearranged restaurant tables, pool seating, and retail outlets to ensure distance can be kept.
Cleaning and sanitizing procedures have been increased throughout the resort.
Sun Valley issued a mask ordinance early in the pandemic, therefore guests will be required to wear a mask in public resort spaces. Guests will also be asked to wash their hands, avoid touching their faces and high contact areas, and to refrain from visiting the resort if they are sick.
For resort specifics and more information on safety protocols, click here.
Soldier Mountain Ski Area- Fairfield, Idaho
Soldier Mountain Ski Area is "closely monitoring any and all policy changes in order to continue to do our part during the global pandemic." They also said ski areas are relatively low-risk outdoor recreation areas.
Soldier Mountain's winter plan discusses the safety of participating in skiing and snowboarding but does not specifically say what protocols will be adopted for the upcoming winter season.
Read more here.
Pomerelle Mountain Resort- Albion, Idaho
Similar to Soldier Mountain, Pomerelle Mountain Resort does not have specific safety protocols laid out on their website. However, they want to ensure their guests that skiing is a fairly safe outdoor recreation because skiers already cover their faces with gear and are able to maintain distance from others.
Read more here.
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