Ski resorts across the country are rolling out their plans for the winter season, which will begin during the COVID-19 pandemic that forced most mountains to shut their lifts early in March.
Since Vail Resorts announced in August that visitors will need to make reservations to access the more than 30 resorts it owns, as a COVID-19 precaution, skiers and snowboarders have been eyeing updates from other mountains.
Sun Valley unveiled its plan last week. The resort's general manager Tim Silva said Sun Valley does not plan on implementing a reservation system for season or Epic pass holders.
"We are fortunate to be somewhat off the beaten path, and to have significant slope and lift capacities contributing to a relatively uncrowded resort," Silva wrote.
If capacity becomes an issue, Sun Valley will start day-ticket reservations.
More resorts, like Brundage Mountain in McCall and Silver Mountain in Kellogg, are taking a similar approach by not limiting skier access.
A note from Bogus Basin General Manager Brad Wilson says the nonprofit ski area could limit capacity to indoor spaces or the mountain during "times of high demand."
Some ski resorts are also announcing COVID-19-specific safety measures for on- and off-mountain operations. Sun Valley will limit seating in indoor lodges and will handle equipment rentals through an online system.
The resort says it assumes local COVID-19 restrictions will likely be in effect through the winter, which includes the requirement for face coverings in public spaces and indoors. However, it does not specify when face coverings will be mandatory on the mountain.
Vail Resorts, on the other hand, will require people wear face coverings when loading and riding in chairlifts and during ski and snowboard lessons. Brundage will require face coverings in lift lines, too.
Find reporter Rachel Cohen on Twitter @racheld_cohen
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