With the pandemic still looming, will there be a ski season this year?

At a glance

Ski resorts will open but with social distancing protocols

There are discounts designed to incentivize you to buy a pass

If you decide to hit the slopes, it’s possible to have fun responsibly

Be sure to follow the recommendations of the CDC and local health authorities

Snowshoeing, snowmobiling, and tubing also make great alternatives

After a one-of-a-kind year that seemed at times to never end, it’s suddenly November and there’s snow falling in the mountains. In some places, it’s even coming down in the city, and if you’re a skier or snowboarder, you’ve probably started chomping at the bit.

Under normal circumstances (e.g., ones that don't involve a potential apocalypse), this is when you start checking The Weather Channel obsessively and waxing all your gear.

This year, however, instead of trying to figure out what day the ski resorts will open, you’re asking if they will even open at all.

The good news is that the answer is yes. Ski resorts are definitely going to be open this year, pandemic or not. With just a few exceptions, most of the major ski areas have announced they will indeed have their chairlifts running this winter. That said, it’s going to look different than it has in years past.

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Jump to our “Top 20 Ski Resorts Opening Dates and COVID-19 info”

In the best of times, skiing can be a risky sport. Between icy moguls, tree wells, avalanches, and terrain parks, there are plenty of ways to get hurt on the mountain. That said, the act of skiing down the hill itself is not one of the higher-risk activities when it comes to exposure to coronavirus. It takes place outdoors, it’s mostly solitary, and you’re often wearing a face mask and goggles anyway.

The part of skiing that health experts have expressed concern about is the other stuff you do throughout the day—riding chairlifts, waiting in lift lines, sitting on shuttle buses, eating in lodges, drinking at bars, congregating in the parking lot. These are the types of things that can pose a risk of exposure to the coronavirus when you’re at the ski resort.

In response to these potential hazards, each ski resort has come up with its own set of COVID-19 protocols. Many are similar to measures you’ve probably already grown accustomed to—things like mask requirements, 6-foot rules, and hand sanitizer stations. Some ski areas are limiting numbers on the mountain with reservation systems and online booking platforms. Employee health screenings have been ramped up and disinfection procedures have been put into place. Many ski areas are encouraging guests to plan trips with family only and not ski with people outside their group.

We know things are going to be different this year, but it’s hard to say exactly how until the season actually begins. Social distancing will be in place pretty much everywhere so you definitely won’t be sharing nachos in the lodge or clinking glasses over après beverages. Some of the sport’s most beloved rituals will be on pause.

That said, there may be some unexpected perks to pandemic-era skiing, too. For example, the combination of international travel bans and decreased domestic tourism (along with some locals opting out of season passes) may result in more space on the hill. That could mean more powder stashes and fresher lines. Then again, with all of the social distancing that will be necessary on chairlifts and in lift lines, it may feel slower and more crowded than ever. The only way to know is to put on our boots and head up the hill.

Here are some of the common COVID-19 safety measures you can expect:

Passholders may need to use a reservation system, especially on peak days. Some resorts have set these up to reduce numbers on holidays, weekends, and other high-traffic times.

If you’re purchasing a day ticket, you may need to do it online. Many resorts have closed their walk-up ticket booths.

A number of ski areas have created incentives for guests to plan trips on non-peak days, along with new pass structures aimed at spreading people out.

Arrival times for parking may have to be made online or in advance. Once you get there, the cars may be spaced out.

Day-ticket sales may be delayed until December in favor of season passholders.

As weather conditions change, some resorts may decide whether to open the night before (instead of making calls throughout the day). The goal is to minimize people milling around while they wait for chairlifts to open.

There will be increased signage and reminders for guests about the rules.

Mandatory face coverings will be almost everywhere, especially in lodges and in the lift lines.

Ski schools may have limited class sizes. Some will be closed completely or offering private lessons only.

You will likely see expanded outdoor seating. There may be new tents with heaters or other covered spaces outside to eat.

Some resorts will have bans on tailgating or be discouraging folks from congregating in the parking lot.

Chairlift lines will be significantly spaced out.

Seating on chairlifts will likely be limited to your own group. Combining groups of strangers will be rare.

The singles' line will no longer get paired with groups at most resorts. Instead, two singles will be placed on opposite sides of a quad or in another configuration.

When possible, many resorts will be running their chairlifts and gondolas at faster speeds to make the ride up shorter.

You’ll see plexiglass dividers throughout indoor spaces.

There will be spaced-out lines inside restaurants and bars.

Most resorts will have new takeout and grab-n-go options at some of their restaurants. Sit-down options will be limited or non-existent. Some will offer reservation-only seating and the tables will be spaced out.

Some equipment rentals may be closed for the season.

You may see some bars eliminating spirits, offering beer and wine only.

There will be increased use of RFID scannable tickets, touchless pay options, mobile apps, and other COVID-friendly technology.

To help you navigate the new world of skiing in the time of coronavirus, here’s a list of COVID-19 information, opening dates, and other updates for some of your favorite ski resorts in the U.S. and Canada.