TIPS FOR SKIING & BOARDING IN 2021

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NEW YORK TIMES TIPS FOR SKIING IN THE NEW YEAR:  For those of us wanting to ski this season, the New York Times offered some helpful hints in their Nov. 25th issue. A number of our industry partners are mentioned in these articles.  Here’s a summary, some of which you may already know.

“8 Rules for Skiing This Season” by Elisabeth Vincentelli:

  1. Think ahead. Many resorts aren’t offering walk-up ticket sales. Food may be available on a limited basis or you may have to bring your own. Access to such amenities as parking, rentals, and locker rooms may also be limited or require reservations.

  2. Make the most of newly flexible policies. Many airlines and lodging properties are altering or eliminating their change and cancellation fees. Being a member of a ski club helps since they work closely with the airlines and lodging properties.

  3. Check the state’s restrictions. Check the state’s official website since restrictions have been changing over time.

  4. Think small. Brad Wilson, Bogus Basin’s General Manager, was quoted as saying, “nationally, there is a sense that small resorts will get a bump in business this year. It’s the soul of skiing.”

  5. Bring your own. This includes gear, lunch, sunscreen, water, etc., as you may have no or limited access to a resort’s food and shops.

  6. Plan for lunch al fresco. Expect to eat outside or in your vehicle whether you bring your own or take advantage of food trucks on the mountain.

  7. Book a lesson. This could help secure access during busy times. Check with the resort to find out what kind of lessons are available.

  8. If all else fails . . . Book an entire resort. Utah’s Eagle Point can be rented for $15,000 per day for those days it’s not “open to the public”. This includes lift tickets, rentals and staff for up to 200 people.

 Check out some of the “under-the-radar resorts” which offer plenty of room to turn, and plenty of challenge amid a winter of social distancing.   Some of these include: Sugar Bowl, California; Monarch Mountain, Colorado; Schweitzer Mountain Resort, Idaho; Whitefish Mountain Resort, Montana; Mission Ridge, Mt. Baker, and 49 Degrees North, Washington; and Brian Head Resort, Utah.