The COVID-19 pandemic isn’t the only troubling sign for Colorado’s ski country in 2020. The lack of early snowfall this year has forced multiple resorts to push back their opening dates for the 2020-21 ski season.
Winter Park Resort made the decision to delay opening to “allow more time to expand on-mountain terrain openings and limit crowding,” pushing back its original opening date of November 18th. While a fresh dose of powder could change the course of reopening plans, the resort is anticipating an opening date “no earlier” than November 30th.
“We can’t wait to welcome you when the time is right,” Winter Park Resort tweeted.
After careful consideration, we have decided to push back the opening of our 20/21 winter season originally set for 11/18. Based on current information we anticipate opening no earlier than 11/30, but that is subject to change. We can’t wait to welcome you when the time is right. pic.twitter.com/9ewbLpMrRw
— Winter Park Resort (@WinterPark)
Steamboat Resort is also in the same boat, forced to push back its original opening date of November 25th to December 1st due to “limited snowmaking and little early season snow.”
With limited snowmaking and little early season snow, we have made the decision to move our Opening Day to December 1. Current conditions do not provide adequate acreage for the resort to open and comply with mitigation plans. pic.twitter.com/vmIoMO1oQb
— #SteamboatResort (@skisteamboat)
Keep your fingers crossed! The next big storm is set to bring around a foot of fresh powder to the mountains, likely to help with early season snowpack.
There’s no doubt the pandemic has been devastating to the ski industry. From capacity limits and reservation requirements to social distancing and local curfews, this season on the slopes is sure to feel a bit different.
Editor’s Note: Opening dates are subject to change without notice due to changes in weather or public health orders.
This content was originally published here.