If we’ve gotten used to anything this year, it’s probably change, consistent change. Ultimately that may not be such a bad thing, but goodness it’s exhausting trying to keep up sometimes, isn’t it?  

Even before 2020 and COVID-19, Aspen Luxury Concierge made it our mission to keep you informed on the upcoming seasons, but this year, it is more important than ever. 

ALC is following every bit of information regarding the health and safety guidelines, lift tickets, ski passes, and what will be open/closed this season. And of course, as we receive updates, we will update this post accordingly. 

COVID-19 HEALTH & SAFETY MEASURES FOR SKI AREAS

Your health and safety is most likely at the top of mind these days, and it is the same here in Colorado. 

The Colorado Department of Public Health & Environment just released its guidance for all Colorado ski areas, and here is what you should know so far: 

• Social distancing and mask-wearing will be required in all public indoor and outdoor areas, with the exception of dining and while you’re actively skiing, riding, or partaking in other distanced activities. 
• Individuals who test positive for COVID-19 or have been exposed to COVID-19 while in Colorado will be required to extend their stay at their own expense to complete isolation or quarantine requirements.

• While in line and riding the gondolas, you will be required to wear a mask and parties will be 6 feet from each other in all directions. Additionally, ski area guests will not be required to share a chairlift or gondola with someone outside their party. (Chairlifts are allowed to have two people from different parties as long as there is a minimum of one seat between, but it is encouraged to separate parties as much as possible.)

• Gondolas will be required to keep windows open, even in inclement weather.

• Mountaintop restaurants will have reduced capacity. 

• Ski school groups will be limited to no more than 10 people, not including instructors, and are not allowed to mix with other cohorts in their free time. 

• Students 11 years of age and older will be required to wear masks and all students will receive symptom and exposure screenings/questionnaires upon arrival for ski school. If symptoms are detected, they will be sent home. 

• For contact tracing purposes, the ski areas will collect and maintain contact information for all students. 

*We will update this information as soon Ski Co (Aspen Snowmass) releases its plan in accordance with the state guidance.

ASPEN SNOWMASS SEASON PASSES & LIFT TICKETS

• Season passes are on sale right now. See below to get a sense of the pricing or click here.

• Unused 2020-202021 season pass refunds are fully refundable through November 20, 2020. However, you may purchase multi-event insurance through Travel Guard.
• If Aspen Snowmass is shut down due to COVID-19 for 10 or more days of the season, you will receive a prorated refund for each day they are fully shut down. (This extends to all Aspen Snowmass passes except the Valley 7-Pack and Classic Pass.) 

• Reservations may be required depending on state and local COVID-19 metrics. If the rate of community spread initiates additional restrictions, you can probably expect reservations to be required across the board, which will not guarantee every passholder the reservations they want. (This is a big reason to pick Aspen Snowmass as most Colorado ski resorts are already requiring reservations.)

• If you would like to uphill on Buttermilk, Snowmass, or Aspen Highlands during operating hours, you will be required to stay on the designated routes. Additionally, there will be no uphilling allowed during Holiday blackout periods and closures on the uphilling routes may be possible due to capacity challenges. *You can check the Aspen Snowmass App before heading out to make sure you’re good to go!

• Lift tickets are currently not available, but according to Aspen Snowmass, they will go on sale “late October”. Of course we will update you as soon as we know the date. Aspen Snowmass is offering a 15% discount to those who plan and purchase lift tickets, group lessons, and equipment rentals before December 4, 2020. (Blackout dates apply.) See below for the most up-to-date pricing. 

MOUNTAIN OPENING DATES

Aspen Mountain: November 26, 2020 (Thanksgiving Day)

Snowmass: November 26, 2020 (Thanksgiving Day)

Aspen Highlands: December 12, 2020

Buttermilk: December 18, 2020

HOW ALC CAN HELP

In terms of your lift tickets, we will book your tickets, pick them up, and have them ready for you on the day of your arrival. Ski rentals? We will schedule your in-home ski and snowboard fitting with our preferred ski valet. That way you don’t have to wait in a socially distant line at the ski shop or be around more people than you have to. (Every vendor we work is complaint with the Colorado state and Pitkin County health guidelines.)

If you’re ready to get started, so are we! Might we suggest thinking about a place to stay first? Click here to learn more about how ALC can arrange your luxury accommodations.