The Register Citizen (Torrington, CT)
New Hartford’s Ski Sundown opens for season
NEW HARTFORD — Ski Sundown has opened for the season.
Nine of its 16 trails were available as of Tuesday, and lifts are running on a holiday operating schedule from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. at 126 Ratlum Road, according to a release.
Ski Sundown’s snowmaking team will be taking advantage of any cold temperatures in the next weeks to make snow, staff said in the release. The open trails will be: Little Joe, Big Bend, Sensation, Canyon Run, Nor’Easter, Exhibition, S’no Way, Temptor and Stinger.
Ski Sundown will be operating at 100 percent business capacity at the start of this season. The plan is to follow all state and federal COVID-19 guidelines and to adapt operating procedures if these recommendations change, the mountain resort said in the release.
“Ski Sundown asks that all customers review its COVID-19 policy, which is available on their website,” according to the release. “All Ski Sundown staff will be required to wear masks. Customers are also required to wear masks inside buildings and facilities, but unvaccinated guests are required to wear masks both indoors and outdoors.”
COVID-19 guidelines may change, so Ski Sundown asks that customers check back regularly to stay informed of adjustments to current policies if/when they become necessary, the ski area staff said.
Ski Sundown also recommends that customers buy their tickets, lessons and packages in advance online as quantities may be limited. Guests should bring their purchase confirmation to one of the ticket windows upon arrival.
Season pass holders do not need to make online reservations and are free to go directly to the lift line.
The staff also reminds guests to limit their time inside the lodge and to store all bags inside cubbies and lockers.
“We need to share the space inside the lodge in a respectful way,” Ski Sundown owner Bob Switzgable said in the release. “Keeping your belongings inside your car is still the best way to go this season. It keeps the seating areas clear and allows for more guests to enjoy the lodge for quick visits.”
Lift lines will not require enforced social distancing, but will accommodate the preferences of guests who prefer to ride in related parties or alone, according to the release.
YOUR GUIDE TO CONNECTICUT SKI AREAS
Ski Sundown, New Hartford
Open now Activites: Snowboarding, skiing
Rentals: Yes
Adult season pass price: $675
Adult one-day price: $64 for eight hours or $58 for four hours (weekdays, weekends, holidays)
COVID precautions: Ski Sundown will follow “all state and federal COVID-19 guidelines.” An updated COVID-19 Responsibility Code states that masks are “highly recommended” indoors and guests are asked not to congregate at the resort.
Mohawk Mountain Ski Area, Cornwall
Open now Activities: Snowboarding, skiing, snow tubing Rentals: Yes
Adult season pass price: $679
Adult one-day price: $70 for unlimited or $65 for four hours (weekends, holidays), $35 for unlimited (weekdays)
COVID precautions: Use of the lodge at Mohawk Mountain Ski Area will be limited to 30 minutes for warming and 45 minutes for eating. Masks are required indoors for all unvacccinated guests. Guests are asked to not bring food from home or leave belongings unattended. A new RFID system will be used for entrance this season.
Mount Southington Ski Area, Plantsville
Open now Activities: Snowboarding, skiing
Rentals: Yes
Adult season pass price: $675
Adult one-day price: $64 for eight hours or $59 for four hours (weekends), $40 between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. (weekdays)
COVID precautions: Mount Southington Ski Area will “follow all state and federal guidelines related to COVID-19.” Masks are not required outdoors but are highly recommended indoors. Advanced online ticketing and outdoor food services willbe available this season.
Powder Ridge Mountain Park & Resort, Middlefield
Open now Activities: Snowboarding, sking, snow tubing, snow biking Rentals: Yes
Adult season pass price: $570
Adult one-day price: $57 for eight hours or $54 for four hours (weekends), $49 for four hours (weekdays)
COVID precautions: Powder Ridge Mountain Park & Resort will follow state and federal guidelines for COVID-19.