SALT LAKE CITY — Utah’s ski resorts are preparing to open with precautions aimed to keep guests safe amid the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
When they open is still a question for many resorts.
According to “Ski Utah,” six resorts list their opening date as “to be announced.”
Monday, Solitude Mountain Resort announced it will not open on November 20 as originally planned.
In a press release the resort said, “a lack of early season snowfall has presented a challenge as the resort works to prepare enough terrain for skiers and snowboarders to spread out and enjoy.”
The move is aimed at making sure enough space exists for visitors to be able to practice social distancing and avoid the potential for large crowds. This type of delay could be common as resorts navigate opening during a global pandemic.
“I think it was a great call,” said Anelise Bergin of Ski Utah. “When opening day comes, you’ll actually see more terrain open than we typically would on an opening day.”
A spokesperson with Brighton Resort tells FOX13, the resort hopes to open three or four chair lifts by Thanksgiving but will only do so in a way that prevents people from gathering in lines.
With other safety precautions like prepackaged meals being served at restaurants and online ticket sales, this ski season will look different than what most people are used to experiencing.
“I don’t think it will be a surprise to anyone that this season will look different,” Bergin said. “If anything, they [ski resorts] have probably over-prepared for any sort of limitations.”
When resorts finally open, local guests are encouraged to visit during the week to avoid weekend and holiday crowds.