The early days of skiing. Enjoying powder stashes and solitude on the slopes of Purgatory Resort. photo courtesy of Purgatory Resort
A Return to Simplicity Ski areas shift their strategies heading into a COVID-stricken winter BY TIONA EVERSOLE
The year is 2019. I settle into my seat on the chairlift at Purgatory Resort, my home mountain. My friends all laugh and crack jokes as we decide if we should stay on the front of the mountain, or head to the backside for a few laps. We take a couple of runs and stop for lunch and libations at the Powderhouse, sitting on the outside deck and enjoying the San Juan Mountain views. Live music plays, and others stop to take a break and converse with acquaintances on the deck. On March 14, 2020, Purgatory Resort, along with every other ski area in Colorado, received notice of a government mandated order that would shut down operations for two weeks due to a rise in COVID-19 cases. This order would later be extended through April 6, and again to May 23. By this time, many ski areas are already closed for the season. The only exception to the shortened ski season was Arapahoe Basin, which opened from May 27 to June 9 with restricted capacity limits in place. As ski areas gear up for a season unlike any other, snow sports enthusiasts are left wondering what winter will bring. With opening day comes a lot of updates and changes to existing protocols and procedures. And while every ski area is taking different approaches to comply with both local and state restrictions, one theme is certain: operations will be limited. Limited operations may seem like a negative concept. Yet for those simply wishing to get out on the slopes, this very well could be the silver lining we didn't know we needed.
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