Bromley Mountain. Courtesy photo.
Vermont Business Magazine Most Vermont ski resorts have suspended operations because of the novel coronavirus COVID-19. Some have just suspended operations for this week through March 22 while others have cancelled the rest of the ski season. In Governor Scott's state emergency declaration Friday, he did not order the ski resorts to close. As of Sunday morning, Smugglers' Notch is still open.
Bromley issued this statement: "In light of this very fast moving and unprecedented situation we have made the difficult decision to suspend operations immediately. We will re-evaluate operating status again at the end of the week. We step back out of concern and safety for everyone and thank each and every one of you for your support this winter season – it has truly been a fun one and we are sad to see it wrap up in this way. We apologize for the ambiguity around firm closing dates in this message, but at this time, we feel it best to play it safe first and foremost. We hope you understand.
"Please note, suspended operations includes all trail and facility access at this time by the public, including uphill travel. For questions about upcoming reservations, please give us a call.
"Stay sunny, stay tuned and stay safe."
Rusty Gregory, Chief Executive Officer of Alterra Mountain Company (Stratton, Sugarbush) in Denver said: "After careful thought and deliberation of our duty in the face of the COVID-19 (Coronavirus) outbreak, and in what I believe is in the best interest of our guests, employees and local communities, Alterra Mountain Company will suspend operations at our 15 North American ski resorts, starting the morning of Sunday, March 15, until further notice. All lift operations, food and beverage, retail and rental services will be closed until further notice.
"Alterra Mountain Company destinations are Steamboat and Winter Park in Colorado; Squaw Valley Alpine Meadows, Mammoth Mountain, June Mountain and Big Bear Mountain Resort in California; Stratton and Sugarbush Resort in Vermont; Snowshoe in West Virginia; Tremblant in Quebec, Blue Mountain in Ontario; Crystal Mountain in Washington; Deer Valley Resort and Solitude Mountain Resort in Utah; and CMH Heli-Skiing & Summer Adventures in British Columbia. (CMH Heli-Skiing & Summer Adventures will continue to operate through Tuesday, March 17.)
"Each resort will work directly with guests in canceling their visit and will provide refunds to those who have hotel and other bookings during this closure period. We anticipate heavy call volume over the next several days and appreciate guests’ patience as we work hard to respond to all inquiries.
"I sincerely apologize for the inconvenience this short notice will undoubtedly create. We look forward to welcoming you back to the mountains as circumstances improve."
Vail (Mount Snow, Okemo Stowe) CEO Rob Katz said: "This has no doubt been an incredibly challenging time. With 37 resorts spread across 15 states and three countries, we – like the rest of the world – have been closely tracking every new development related to coronavirus (COVID-19) and have been in constant contact with local health officials for guidance. Without question, our top priority has been the health and wellbeing of our guests and employees – and to no lesser extent the health and wellbeing of the communities where we operate. We know each decision we make has a broad impact far beyond our operations.
With each of those stakeholders in mind and with the most updated information from local health officials, we have made the difficult decision to suspend the operations of all our North American mountain resorts and retail stores beginning Sunday, March 15, 2020 through Sunday, March 22, 2020 and will use that time to reassess our approach for the rest of the season. Our lodging and property management operations will remain open to service the guests we have on location or those with existing reservations, but we will not be taking new reservations for this upcoming week. Epic Mountain Express, our Colorado shuttle service, will also continue operations to support the travel needs of our guests. We will be closing our corporate offices and apart from essential personnel, we will be asking other employees to work from home, where possible.
All our scheduled employees, both seasonal and year-round, will be paid during this upcoming eight-day period, without needing to use any vacation or sick time. Their commitment to our company and guests during this uncertain time has been unwavering and I am personally grateful beyond words.
This decision provides a pause for the entire ecosystem of our mountain resort communities. It gives everyone the time to assess the situation, respond to ever-changing developments, and evaluate the approach for the rest of season, if we believe it is advisable or feasible to re-open. This was not an easy decision to make, as we deeply considered the impact it will have on our guests, employees, and the people and businesses in our communities. We understand this change may be confusing given our communications of operational changes over the past week, and as late as last night. Please know that this has been a fast-moving, constantly developing situation with new information from our communities coming to us by the day, if not by the hour, and we are trying to react as quickly as we can. People may also wonder why we are not giving more notice ahead of this closure. We understand the challenges this creates, but our priority is to minimize any additional issues from operating in further uncertainty and to avoid potential crowding.
We sincerely apologize to guests who are currently at our resorts – and those who were planning to come during this time. We have information on cancellations, refunds and travel credits on our websites. Many things like ski school, lift tickets, equipment rentals, and transportation can be fully refunded, and we have new credit policies in place for our owned and operated lodging properties. Please know that we will get to everyone and appreciate your patience as our most immediate priority must be the health and welfare of our resorts and communities. I know there are a lot of questions about our season pass products and Epic Day Passes. Those products are non-refundable and not transferable to another season, however, we will be reviewing those policies and providing any updated guidance on that in the coming weeks. Again, we very much appreciate your patience with this as well.
We will be providing updated information on the remainder of the season by Friday, March 20, 2020.
These are unprecedented, challenging times for everyone. We will continue to navigate these unchartered waters with our guests, our employees and our communities remaining our highest priority. I am certain that there have been, and will be, moments where we will miss the mark and potentially disappoint. However, rest assured that we will continue to listen to your feedback – and continue to make the best decisions we can for everyone’s wellbeing.
Guest FAQs
SEASON PASS
How does the closure impact my season pass or Epic Day Pass?
To the extent that any of our resorts re-open during the season, your pass will be valid.
Pursuant to the terms of all season pass and Epic Day Pass products, they are non-refundable and non-transferable to another season. We will be reviewing these policies and providing any updated guidance in the coming weeks. We appreciate your patience during this unprecedented time.
LIFT TICKETS
May I get a refund on my lift tickets that are pre-purchased and valid for 3/15/20-3/22/20?
Yes pursuant to the terms of Lift TicketsOur teams are currently focused on assisting our guests in resort. Please check back here for more information on how to request your refund. We are working to make this process as easy as possible with an online form. Thank you for your patience.
I have pre-purchased lift tickets for dates after 3/22/20. Can I get a refund?
Yes. Our teams are currently focused on assisting our guests in resort. Please check back here for more information on how to request your refund. We are working to make this process as easy as possible with an online form. Thank you for your patience.
What are my refund options for other mountain products?
We have information on cancellations, refunds and travel credits on our resort websites. Many activities – such as ski school, equipment rentals, and transportation – can be fully refunded. Please check back here for more information on how to request your refund. We are working to make this process as easy as possible with an online form. Thank you for your patience.
LODGING
I’m currently staying at a hotel. How long can I stay here?
You can remain at the hotel through the end of your reservation. If you would like to extend your stay or make any revisions to your stay, please talk to your front desk.
What is your rebook and refund policy for lodging?
For lodging owned and operated by Vail Resorts, you can receive a full refund for any bookings made for dates during the resort closure period..
For reservations due to arrive between 3/22/2020-5/31/2020, guests can apply the dollar amount of their deposit to a future stay at the same property for up to 365 days from the date of arrival. You can also rebook the same dates at another resort based on availability and at the applicable rate.
We are waiving cancellation fees for hotel stays through May 31, 2020 for guests traveling from international locations to Vail Resorts destinations.
Cancellation and date change policies through third party lodging and booking partners will vary by property. Guests should reach out to their reserved lodging property or reserved booking source if they need to discuss changes.
Are existing reservations beyond 3/22/20 still valid?
Yes, at this time our lodging properties will remain open.
Can I make reservations beyond 3/22/20 at your properties?
Yes, we will not be taking new reservations for stays between 3/15/20-3/22/20, but we are still taking reservations beyond that time frame.
DINING
Will your village and fine dine restaurants be open?
All on-mountain dining, including quick serve and fine dining, will be closed. Limited dining will be available in our lodging properties.
RENTAL
Will your rental and retail stores be open?
All Vail Resorts Rental and Retail stores at the resorts will be closed. We will have some limited openings within lodging.
EVENTS
Are resort events cancelled as well?
Check our website, or the event-specific website for all event information. Events at our resorts between 3/15/20-3/22/20 are cancelled.
FUTURE OPERATIONS
What are the chances you will open after 3/22/2020?
We will be providing updated information on the remainder of the season by Friday, March 20, 2020.
JAY PEAK CLOSING WINTER OPERATIONS | REOPENING FOR SUMMER MAY 1ST, 2020
Steve Wright President/General Manager Jay Peak Resort said:
"Dear Jay Peakers I want to personally give you an update regarding operations, forward looking plans and an update regarding our staff and team-members. Effective the end of business operations, 4p, on Saturday March 14th, we will be closing winter operations for the 2019-2020 season.
Operations on the 14th will be limited to skiing and snowboarding via our entire lift system (so long as the wind allows for it, minus our Aerial Tram which has shut down for the season), and limited food and beverage operations.
Our Pumphouse Indoor Waterpark, Clips and Reels indoor Climbing Gym, Taiga Spa, Jay Peak Ski and Ride School and all regularly scheduled après ski and concert events will close at the end of business operations this evening, March 13th.
This is obviously a difficult decision for us and one that we have not made without hours and days of deliberation and predicated on hourly updates from federal agencies, state offices and international health organizations.
At our core, and despite all that we’ve built in and around us over the past decade, we are a mountain community. And we all cherish that unchangeable part of us-both in serving that index of our guests and enjoying the mountain ourselves. But, even before that, we are an employer and a member of both a closer-in and much broader community of friends, neighbors, family and guests. And we have an obligation to those segments, and their safety, above anything else.
The most recent tipping point for us was the announcement by the Quebec government to limit entry into the United States and similar restrictions placed on travelers from our Ontario markets. Given that we are about to welcome thousands of Ontario guests onto our campus, most of them returning friends and repeat vacationers, saying we are disappointed feels like the understatement of the century.
It goes without saying that we will be offering either full refunds or we will push vacations to next year and lock in this year’s rate so there is no additional cost to come and visit us next season. Our Reservation line at 800-451-4449 will be available 12 hours a day, 7 days a week to assist you. We will do everything in our power to leave you as happy as possible given the circumstances.
Our current plan is to keep our entire Jay Peak Housekeeping and Janitorial Teams here on campus through the shutdown to deep clean the entire campus including all 850 of our rooms, condos and hotels. A deep cleaning of our Pumphouse Indoor Waterpark. And all indoor attractions, common areas, base lodges and restaurants. Our intention is to reopen for the summer season on Friday May 1st with the reopening of our Pumphouse Indoor Waterpark.
On May 16th we’ll be celebrating the opening of our Jay Peak Championship Golf Course. And other attractions, restaurants and facilities will have staggered openings between the 1st and 16th that you can see online at jaypeakresort.com when the dates become more definitive. As to our staff which has worked tirelessly both long-term to deliver a great season despite the difficulties, and short term to try and provide what product we could, we will be integrating the following:
• Allowing hourly year-round employees to file for short term unemployment and then making up the difference between the State compensation and their total rate of pay to keep them whole through this shut down period.
• Any members of our team who are in long-term employee housing will have their rent forgiven throughout this temporary shutdown.
• Employees receiving standard benefits including the accrual of vacation time will continue to do so throughout the period regardless of employment status.
• For those participating in the resort’s 401k program, we will continue with our resort match throughout the temporary shutdown.
• We will be operating our outdoor pizza oven intermittently throughout the shutdown period to feed our team members to-go pizzas as well as provide them with cleaning and disinfectant products for their homes. While this is certainly a difficult time within the Jay Peak family of employees, community members and guests, we felt it was the most prudent thing to do given the evolving climate and the changing protocols and restrictions relating to travel. Added to the reality that the virus, even as unsure as we are about its net total impact, is likely not done expanding, we needed to act in the best interests of the people that have long supported our business. We strongly believe that this, too, shall pass and when it does, we will be here to provide the backdrop for future vacations and experiences. We are sincerely sorry for this and we will be, without question, looking forward to seeing you on campus this summer. Thank you Steve Wright President/General Manager Jay Peak Resort."
Killington Resort issued this statement: "Our top priority—the health and safety of our staff, guests and local community—remains at the forefront for us and, with this in mind, we are suspending all resort operations starting March 15, 2020, through March 22, 2020. We will continue to monitor the dynamic COVID-19 situation and reassess our approach for the rest of the season.
The suspension will include all mountain operations, food and beverage and skier services. Our Killington Resort lodging, ticket operations and central reservation department will remain open to service guests we have on site, but we will not be taking new reservations for the remainder of March, 2020.
Suspending our operations is an important step for us to take in support of the nation’s efforts to limit the spread and risks associated with COVID-19. This is a dynamic situation and we continue to believe outdoor mountain recreation provides a meaningful escape to nature, which is what made this a difficult decision but this is the right thing to do.
Given the extenuating circumstances related to COVID-19, Killington has modified our cancellation policies. Please contact us at 800-621-6867 if you need to shift your plans or if you are interested in booking for a future visit with enhanced flexibility to make changes without penalty down the road. We anticipate heavy call volume over the next several days and appreciate guests’ patience as we work hard to respond to all inquiries. If you're experiencing a long hold to reach our call center, you may submit a request for a call back rather than waiting to speak to an agent.
From those of us at Killington who love to live the adventure lifestyle, to those of you who share our passion, we sincerely apologize for the inconvenience this short notice will undoubtedly create. We look forward to welcoming you back to Killington as circumstances improve."
Geoff Hatheway, Magic Mountain, March 15 Update
I will make this short, but not so sweet.
Magic will have its last ski area operating day for this season on Sunday March 15th. Reality is overcoming our desires.
The ski industry is shutting down. Our employees have done everything they can and we thank them for all they do in very tough circumstances these last few days. It's been extremely tough on our small, independent work force and they have given their all to make Magic a second home for every one--an escape from the hustle and bustle of every day life. But now our lives are changing for the short term and we must deal with it.
And, as always, we will make the best of this one last day and enjoy being outdoors together on this great mountain as only Magic skiers, riders and families do. For those that can't be with us, you will be in our hearts and we will ski one for you.
Our desire is to stay open, but the consensus is to close. So that's what we will do. Any guests for next weekend will be refunded.
On Monday, we will get working on next season right away with expanding our snowmaking pond, pipe repair and finishing the Quad. So much to look forward to and so much to be thankful for--especially our employees, neighbors, and customers--our community. These are difficult times to navigate, but let's rely on each other. We can overcome any obstacles. We've proven that together in the past and we need each other now more than ever.
Our collective soul is what will stand the test of today and will be celebrated for years to come."
-Geoff
Magic Mountain. Where skiing still has its soul.
Middlebury Snow Bowl
DUE TO CONCERNS ABOUT VISITOR VOLUME AND THE 250 PERSON MANDATED MAXIMUM CAPACITY THE SNOW BOWL HAS CLOSED.
Snow School Spring Series Participants – please email [email protected] for more information.
Dear Skiers and Snowboarders,
Middlebury College has taken measures in response to current health events. Due to these restrictions on visitors and gatherings, the Middlebury College Snow Bowl and Rikert Nordic Center will close for the season at 4 p.m., Sunday, March 15, 2020. Ski School will continue through 4 p.m., Sunday, March 15.
Additionally, all events scheduled at the Snow Bowl and Rikert are canceled immediately.
Thank you for your understanding.
Most of all, thank you for spending a great 2019-2020 season with us. We look forward to seeing you in the fall
Best,
Michael Hussey, General Manager
Middlebury Snow Bowl and Rikert Nordic Center
Middlebury College