COVID Guidance for CO Ski Resorts: State Proposal and Feedback

[Vitamin I]

Looks like the state of Colorado released a draft of a proposal for COVID guidelines for ski resorts.
See https://drive.google.com/file/d/1k58...6kockwXV5/view

And you can submit feedback on that proposal for the next ~2 days.
See https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1F...O7GlQ/viewform

--- UPDATE: ---
Final draft was approved by State of Colorado at https://covid19.colorado.gov/safer-a...as-and-resorts

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[iriponsnow]

Ski area guests will not be required to ride on a chairlift or gondola with people
outside of their party. Individuals who are not from the same party may ride a chairlift
together with a minimum of one seat separating the unrelated individuals or parties;
however, ski areas should generally encourage more space between different parties
when possible.
● Gondolas should keep windows open, even in inclement weather. Gondolas should be
limited to no more than two separate parties with adequate spacing, and not more
than 50% capacity if more than one party rides a gondola together (single parties may
reach full capacity). Specific spacing configurations and requirements should be
addressed with the LPHA in the ski area plan. Consider posting reminders of these
requirements within gondola cabins.
● Ensure 6-foot spacing between separate parties, in all directions, in chairlift and
gondola lines by employing tactics such as extending staging areas and marking 6-foot
increments for suggested standing. Instances where this requirement is unworkable
should be addressed in the ski area’s plan and discussed

[Vitamin I]

"Require instructors and students 11 years of age and older to wear masks in
accordance with the ski area’s plan, encouraging mask-wearing at all times while
recognizing exceptions for safety, dining, or while individuals are actively engaged in
skiing, riding, or other distanced outdoor activities."

What's up with age 11 in there?
From my California bubble, I've never heard of any place defining 11-years-old to be the cut-off for mask exemption. Documents by local govt of Summit County, CO say 2-years-old is their cut-off for masks, so why would it be 11-years-old at the state level?

Also, IMO, the state guidelines for instructors/lessons/ski schools seem to leave plenty of wiggle room for ski areas to forsake risk management in favor of profit (and in favor of parents getting a break from their kids). We'll see if any ski areas abuse that wiggle room and get burned with outbreaks.

Other than that, I'd say the state guidelines seem adequate for steering ski areas to create decent detailed policies together with local public health departments, etc.

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[ski_adk]

Damn, so much for the singles line.

[not that guy]

The State of Colorado has adapted a baseline for guidance. Counties can do what they want as long as they adhere to the state guidelines or are stricter. So yes the state can say 11 but any county can make it an age younger than that.

[schindlerpiste]

Restrooms: Increase ventilation [by peeing outside when possible].

[2FUNKY]

I have no doubt the amount of yellow snow will increase by a factor of 10.

[schindlerpiste]

I was very surprised to read that one of the guidelines “encourages” patrons to bring their own meals to the hill whenever possible

[snowaddict91]

I was very surprised to read that one of the guidelines “encourages” patrons to bring their own meals to the hill whenever possible

Well, Vail will never put that in writing lol.

[Leshphilling77]

I am trying to imagine what these lift lines are going to look like with people all spread out.

[pfluffenmeister]

Damn, so much for the singles line.

Didn't read the doc yet.
No singles?!?

I'm almost always lone wolf.

[adrenalated]

Didn't read the doc yet.
No singles?!?

I'm almost always lone wolf.

Not quite but close.

Parties can request to not ride with other parties.

Different parties must have an empty seat in between them.

That means as a single you could request to ride the lift solo, or you could ride a quad with a double. In practice, I bet they just get rid of the singles line.

[Core Shot]

Damn, so much for the singles line.

I predict hookups with strangers outside the maze.

Invent a ski tinder app. Make millions.

[MakersTeleMark]

Well, Vail will never put that in writing lol.

I am fully intending to reinstate grills at locations I haven't kept there in decades.

[MakersTeleMark]

Not quite but close.

Parties can request to not ride with other parties.

Different parties must have an empty seat in between them.

That means as a single you could request to ride the lift solo, or you could ride a quad with a double. In practice, I bet they just get rid of the singles line.

Singles lines are completely out.