Well, it’s pretty official now. Following in the footsteps of Vail Resorts, Alterra Mountain Company, owner of Alpine Meadows, Squaw Valley and 14 other resorts will suspend operations beginning tomorrow due to risks related to COVID-19. Operations are suspended “until further notice.”
Vail Resorts announced a similar closure shortly before the Alterra announcement. Vail will be suspending operations for one week while it evaluates options. I would guess that Alterra will be matching whatever Vail does. Vail Resorts typically close earlier rather than later, generally in early to mid April. We can see where this is headed.
There’s a lot of Monday morning quarterbacking that we could be doing regarding the decision, which couldn’t have been an easy one to make. I know I wish we could keep the less risky parts of sliding down the mountain, accept some limitations on the uphill transportation portions, and eliminate the indoor risks related to overcrowding of the lodge. For many of us, it’s skiing that keeps us alive and healthy. Last week, it would have been easy to replace skiing with biking. But this return to a stormy pattern will require some new thinking…and maybe some backcountry gear.
We will stand by for more updates…but I am not expecting any miracles.
It was the right thing to do. We will all get through this…and look forward to magnificent winters in the future.
I do understand the concerns about risk….I think. But all this new snow FINALLY falling, and a sport that essentially takes place outdoor where the risk is low. If you can just remove the parts that require direct contact (ticket sellers, lodge information, food services…. Well I guess you can’t remove those, but BUMMER that we can’t go up to play in all that new snow for unknown period of time. And the staff – what will they do?
It’s disappointing, but not surprising
So sad. I think the contact risk is so low, if one just skis or rides, compared even with grocery shopping. Very little interface happens with people one doesn’t know unless one chooses it, particularly midweek.
And yes—it’s what keeps me and us healthy. And finally—beautiful, abundant snow!
Vail resorts will be paying its employees for the week, I would hope Alterra will follows suit.
I hope that squawalpine stands by their employees, and doesn’t just cut them loose without pay
Thanks for reviving UA and providing excellent daily reports this season. Sad to see it end just as winter returns.
I will be skiing the local backcountry – if anyone wants to join, let me know.
Sounds like Mad River’s single chair is looking pretty good now.
I hope our AM employees will remain on the payroll.
Wow! Lemmings!?!? Being a fresh air outdoor sport, I think it could be reasonably mitigated with some rational and sensible measures, and certainly be better and safer than shopping for groceries…
For those of us in locker room 3, I believe we have herd immunity and should be allowed unlimited lift served access to the mountain.
The only way out of this pandemic is herd immunity, barring a miracle vaccine.
Can we access the locker rooms.
Good question. It seems people are going to be around for a while…
Yes, so we can wax sympathetic.