First and foremost: Before visiting a ski area, check its most up-to-date uphill travel policy. A number of Vermont ski areas have disallowed uphill travel and all use of their trails for the remainder of the season.
Anyone planning to travel from outside of Vermont should be aware of Governor Phil Scott’s order placing mandatory self-quarantine restrictions on anyone traveling into Vermont for non-essential purposes.
Regardless of their uphill travel policies, alpine ski areas in Vermont have closed operations. This means that in addition to no lodge, restaurant, rest room or other guest services, there are no ski patrol personnel on the mountain. Accidents can happen to skiers and riders with all levels of experience and ability. Emergencies should be reported directly by calling 9-1-1 and any necessary emergency response/rescue services must come from outside agencies already dealing with the current health crisis. Response to on-hill situations puts EMS personnel at additional, unnecessary risk at this critical time.
Trails at closed ski areas are NOT GROOMED, and as a result may present variable surfaces that could be challenging and potentially hazardous to skiers and riders – especially during thaw/freeze cycles common this time of year. Skiers and riders choosing to recreate at closed alpine ski areas do so completely at their own risk.
Anyone who chooses to go must follow Vermont Governor Phil Scott’s Stay Home, Stay Safe order which states, in part, that “if leaving home, Vermonters (and everyone) should adhere to social distancing policies including remaining six feet from others…” This means not carpooling, not congregating on lodge decks or anywhere else on the mountain, and not tailgating.
“We understand that the early end to the season is disappointing, and we certainly share that sentiment, however it is important that all of us continue to do our part in preventing the spread of COVID-19, and not put others at any unnecessary additional risk,” said Molly Mahar, president of Ski Vermont. Understanding of, and adherence to, these measures is critical to mitigating risk during this ongoing global health crisis.
Updated uphill policies for Vermont alpine ski areas can be found here:
UPDATE: (Updated 04/01/20) Given the current situation with all Vermont alpine ski areas closed in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, skiers and riders should be aware of several important factors when making the decision to participate in uphill travel to "earn your turns."
Alpine ski areas in Vermont are CLOSED. That means that in addition to no lodge, restaurant or other customer services, there are no ski patrol personnel conducting operations on the mountain. Any necessary emergency response/rescue services must come from outside agencies already dealing with the current health crisis; this could equate to delays and/or reduced capabilties from responding personnel. Those faced with emergency situations should dial 9-1-1 to initiate assistance.
Trails at closed ski areas are NOT GROOMED, and as a result may present variable surfaces that could be challenging and potentially hazardous to skiers and riders.
SKIERS AND RIDERS CHOOSING TO RECREATE AT CLOSED ALPINE SKI AREAS DO SO COMPLETELY AT THEIR OWN RISK AND RESPONSIBILITY. BEFORE VISITING A CLOSED SKI AREA, CHECK ITS WEBSITE FOR THE MOST UP-TO-DATE POLICIES AND REGULATIONS FOR UPHILL TRAVEL AND TRAIL USAGE.
If you do go, be sure to follow Governor Phil Scott’s Stay Home, Stay Safe order which includes if leaving home, Vermonters (and everyone) should adhere to social distancing policies, including remaining six feet from others. This means not carpooling, congregating in parking areas, lodge decks or anywhere on the mountain.
Below are the updated policies for uphill travel and backcountry/sidecountry access at Vermont alpine ski areas:
Bolton Valley Resort
"Bolton Valley is closed for the winter season. This includes resort wide operations, services and our designated uphill routes and backcountry terrain - it is all closed at this time due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. We can't wait to see you all around the mountain again soon, but for now, are following the guidance of state and local health officials who do recommend you continue to get outside and exercise, but do so as close to your homes as possible. Thank you for your understanding and support."
https://www.boltonvalley.com/nbu
Bromley Mountain
"Due to the COVID-19 Pandemic, Bromley Mountain is currently closed to all activity. No uphill travel, skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing or sledding is allowed. Equipment and environmental hazards exist. There are no services available. Any injury will further tax a system that relies on a small group of dedicated rescue personnel serving not only the mountain but all its neighbors. Please be safe, for yourself and for the community."
https://www.bromley.com/the-mountain/policies/uphill-travel-policy/
Jay Peak Resort
"We are in the business of creating experiences, and like nothing better than to be out recreating with all of our friends. Fresh air and exercise are essential components to remaining healthy during this time of healing and self-isolation, but we encourage everyone to do so in a conservative manner. Our healthcare system will be under pressure this spring, and this is not the time to be taking risks. Due to these reasons, and in response to the Stay-at-Home order from the governor, Jay Peak has closed all access to ski trails and uphill travel is prohibited until further notice."
https://jaypeakresort.com/skiing-riding/mountain/safety#paragraph-1903
Killington Resort/Pico Mountain
"Uphill Travel at Killington and Pico is closed for the season. Thank you for your understanding."
https://www.killington.com/the-mountain/mountain-info/uphill-travel
Mad River Glen
"Over the last few difficult weeks we know that many of you have enjoyed skinning, hiking, skiing, and riding at our mountains. While we fully embrace outdoor recreation, we have reluctantly made the decision to end uphill travel for the rest of this season at both Sugarbush and Mad River Glen, effective immediately. As we have become two of the last resorts permitting this activity, we are concerned that this will now bring even more people into our community at a time when it is not in anyone’s best interest. Last weekend both Sugarbush and Mad River Glen saw a large volume of visitors traveling here from around the state and beyond. Though many were practicing social distancing, many others were not following the proper guidelines. Given the favorable weather this weekend, we would anticipate even larger numbers if we don’t close uphill travel.
We know that outdoor exercise is something that we all enjoy and what is strongly recommended by the medical community and exempted under the Stay at Home order by Governor Scott. However, as the worst of the Coronavirus is still in front of us, we believe that this is the most appropriate action to take at this time. Being good community members and looking out for the best interests of the community is a core value that we both hold. We thank you for your understanding and ask that you help us spread the word and keep people safe. We look forward to the return of normalcy. In the meantime, stay healthy."
https://www.madriverglen.com/uphill-policy/
Magic Mountain
"Uphill hiking/skinning, while allowed per our long-standing policy when we are closed, has been adjusted for the latest CORVID-19 pandemic response to only be allowed for local residents in the immediate area as a means to get outside for exercise per the Governor’s 3/25 order to stay at home other than leaving for “…personal safety; groceries or medicine; curbside pick-up of goods, meals, or beverages; medical care; exercise; care of others; …”. Additionally, uphill is generally discouraged and very dangerous at this time of season with no grooming of course and freeze/thaw/freeze conditions. Even if it snows, the non-snowmaking trails will have zero base and are very dangerous and should not be skied. Main snowmaking trails have ice underneath. If you are new to Alpine Touring or unfamiliar with Magic and its trails, you should not be going uphill here even when there is fresh snow due to the dangers. There is no one to help you if you get injured as patrol staff is no longer at the mountain, nor any other employees per the Govenor’s shutdown order. You will have to get yourself down off the mountain if injured. Also, there are social distancing rules in place by the state of Vermont. You must follow those guidelines to be on the mountain. Act responsibly. Proceed uphill at your own risk and do not put others in danger such as 1st responders."
https://www.Magicmtn.com/snow-report
Middlebury Snow Bowl
"Due to concerns about visitor volume and the 250-person mandated maximum capacity, the Snow Bowl has closed."
https://www.middleburysnowbowl.com/
Mount Snow Resort
https://www.mountsnow.com/ski-ride/snow-report/ (scroll to bottom and click "more info")
Okemo Mountain Resort
https://www.okemo.com/the-mountain/about-the-mountain/mountain-safety.aspx
Smugglers' Notch Resort
"As you know, change is coming at a rapid rate. Tuesday, March 24, Vermont’s Governor announced that as of Wednesday at 5:00 pm, all Vermonters are to stay at home, leaving only for essential reasons critical to health and safety. With this, Smugglers’ strongly encourages uphillers to avoid the mountain at this time. Additionally, eliminating risk is crucial to keeping our local rescue agencies available and safe during this crisis.
"Anyone who chooses to access terrain at Smugglers’ Notch does so at their own risk at this time. Currently, there are no on-mountain services, rescue, or grooming operations. Surface conditions may change at any time. Sledding and motorized vehicles (including snowmobiles) are not permitted on any trails at Smugglers’ Notch Resort. Thank you for understanding."
Website: smuggs.com/pages/winter/winter-closing.php
Stowe Mountain Resort
Uphill access is currently CLOSED on all portions of Stowe Mountain Resort until further notice.
These closures mitigate the risk to our first responders and protect our local resources. Your safety and the safety of our community is our top priority.
WITHOUT SKI PATROL AND TERRAIN MAINTENANCE IT IS UNSAFE FOR SKIERS, RIDERS, THOSE SLEDDING AND FIRST RESPONDERS. THANK YOU FOR RESPECTING ALL POSTED CLOSURES.
https://www.stowe.com/the-mountain/about-the-mountain/mountain-safety.aspx
Stratton Mountain Resort
"The mountain is currently closed. There are no services available. Equipment and environmental hazards exist. Please be safe, for yourself and for the community that relies on a small group of dedicated rescue personnel serving not only the mountain but all our neighbors. We rely on your cooperation and appreciate your understanding."
Sugarbush Resort
"Over the last few difficult weeks we know that many of you have enjoyed skinning, hiking, skiing, and riding at our mountains. While we fully embrace outdoor recreation, we have reluctantly made the decision to end uphill travel for the rest of this season at both Sugarbush and Mad River Glen, effective immediately. As we have become two of the last resorts permitting this activity, we are concerned that this will now bring even more people into our community at a time when it is not in anyone’s best interest. Last weekend both Sugarbush and Mad River Glen saw a large volume of visitors traveling here from around the state and beyond. Though many were practicing social distancing, many others were not following the proper guidelines. Given the favorable weather this weekend, we would anticipate even larger numbers if we don’t close uphill travel.
"We know that outdoor exercise is something that we all enjoy and what is strongly recommended by the medical community and exempted under the Stay at Home order by Governor Scott. However, as the worst of the Coronavirus is still in front of us, we believe that this is the most appropriate action to take at this time. Being good community members and looking out for the best interests of the community is a core value that we both hold. We thank you for your understanding and ask that you help us spread the word and keep people safe. We look forward to the return of normalcy. In the meantime, stay healthy."
Suicide Six Recreation Area
"We are currently closed for the season for all recreational activities including uphill travel until further notice. We encourage everyone to do their part to reduce the impacts of COVID-19 by following the state and federal government recommendations. Stay safe and healthy, and we hope to see you next year."
Updated uphill policies for Vermont alpine ski areas also can be found here:
https://skivermont.com/update-uphill-travel-policies-at-vermont-ski-areas-04-01-20
Gov. Scott’s Stay Home, Stay Safe order can be found here:
Gov. Scott’s Quarantine Restrictions for Travelers Arriving in Vermont can be found here:https://governor.vermont.gov/sites/scott/files/documents/ADDENDUM%207%20TO%20EXECUTIVE%20ORDER%2001-20.pdf
Ski Vermont (Vermont Ski Areas Association) is a proud ambassador of the thriving winter tourism industry in Vermont, where the legislature has designated skiing and snowboarding as the official state sports. Vermont is not only the #1 ski state in the east and fourth in the US, but also reigns supreme in snowmaking quality and coverage, variety of terrain and historical impact on the sports of skiing and snowboarding - making it one of the most significant ski and ride destinations in the world. Ski Vermont’s mission is to help create a legislative, economic and social environment in which the state's ski areas can grow and prosper. It serves its 20 Alpine and 30 Nordic member resorts in three major areas: Governmental Affairs, Marketing and Public Affairs.
Ski Vermont 26 State Street, PO Box 368 Montpelier, VT 05601 Phone: 802-223-2439 www.skivermont.com