Vail Resorts to require masks indoors for employees, guests
Several Vermont ski resorts owned by the group
Several Vermont ski resorts owned by the group
One of the nation's largest mountain resort companies has announced it will reintroduce some mask requirements ahead of the upcoming winter season.
In an email to passholders Monday, Vail Resorts leadership announced face coverings will be required indoors for guests at all North American resorts regardless of their COVID-19 vaccination status. The guidelines will be enforced at three of Vermont's largest ski destinations — Stowe, Okemo and Mount Snow.
The email clarified that masks or other facial coverings will not be required on chairlifts or gondolas unless required by local health authorities.
It marks a notable easement on restrictions from the previous winter season, when masks were required at all times on resort property.
Other pandemic safety measures include having people 12 or older show proof of COVID-19 vaccination to dine at indoor, on-mountain cafeteria restaurants, some of which may also require a reservation. Resorts will once again favor cashless transactions, with the group recommending payments be made in advance if possible.
A similar reservation system previously used to "book" days on the mountain with an occupancy cap will not return, according to Vail.
Leadership is also introducing a mandatory COVID-19 vaccine policy for all employees. Vaccines were "strongly encouraged" by the group during the most recent summer season, but not required. Employees will also be subject to daily health screenings, regardless of their vaccination status or role at a resort.
Rob Katz, the group's CEO, said the changes are being made in an effort "to keep our guests, employees and communities safe and to keep our mountains open for a long, successful ski and ride season."
All three Vermont mountains observed a full season last winter — though not without some confusion over travel restrictions and refunds — following a 2019-20 year cut short by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Officials with Stowe Mountain Resort were not immediately available for comment on the announced changes.
Stowe plans to hold its opening day on Nov. 19, dependent on weather. The resort, which operates under Vail's "Epic Pass," features trails on Mount Mansfield and the adjacent Spruce Peak.
Neither of Vail's other Vermont locations have announced planned opening days at the time of this report.