Ski resorts reopening with virus precautions

Good news for outdoor enthusiasts: Skiing is back for the 2020-21 season.

Many resorts closed early last spring as the coronavirus pandemic began its firstwave of infections, but as the medical community has learnedmore about the virus, outdoor activities have been seen as safe and that means skiing, snowboarding and other snow sports are opening up this winter.

While mountain resorts are opening up, this winter sports season may look a little different than in the past. Most mountains will require visitors towear face coverings. There will be a lot more outdoor dining spaces, and there will be regular cleaning and disinfecting at resorts.

One of the biggest changes to the resort experience is the introduction of reservation systems for everything fromdining to lift lines to purchasing passes themselves. Resorts will be closely monitoring crowds to combat the spread ofCOVID-19.

VailResorts, which operates severalmountain resorts around the country and theworld, is focused on safety. AllVailResorts properties will require face coverings. Physical distancing will be promoted, and there will be anewreservations system.

The reservation system is the biggest change. Pass holders will need tomake a reservation before arriving at themountain and the early season will be reserved for pass holders only. Lift tickets will need to be purchased online or through a call center.

Idaho’s SunValleyResort will open with even more space with the addition of more than 380 acres of newhigh-intermediate to expert terrain onBald Mountain and a brandnew high-speed quad chairlift to take guests there.

MADDIEMEYER/GETTY This winter sports season is a little different than before the coronavirus hit.