The answer is yes, itโs safe to ski during a pandemic, however, your winter wonderland vacation may look a bit different than previous years. That shouldnโt surprise anyone since 2020 has been all about adjustments.
The great news is the slopes wonโt be as crowded. The bad news? It wonโt equate to shorter lines for all aspects of your ski experience. Why?
One reason according to Fodors is the new lift rules. โResorts are only loading members from the same party onto one lift. For a four-person lift, two singles are being seated on opposite sides, and on a six-person lift, two singles or two doubles are being seated on opposite sides.โย
At least the lines for lift tickets and ski equipment will be non-existent as many resorts are requiring all transactions to be completed in advance online.ย
Itโs not skiing down the slopes thatโs going to put you in danger. Skiing is considered a low-risk outdoor activity which means COVID isnโt going to ruin your winter break, however, you still need to wear masks and maintain a six-foot distance from those around you that donโt live with you.ย
Unless you often wipe out in a crowd of people and humiliate yourself like someone I may or may not know, youโre typically not on top of others or standing idle next to them. If you think about it, ski attire is perfect for COVID. You wear a face mask, gaiters, gloves, and try to cover up any skin exposure.ย
Is It All Downhill From Here?
If youโre flying to get to your destination, youโll come in contact with many people from the airport to the plane. If you can drive, drive. It may make sense to skip the hotel and rent a condo or house for this trip, where youโll only be exposed to your family and close friends youโre traveling with.
While skiing is an outdoor sport, a ski trip is so much more. This year, you may be dining outside under heat lamps and your aprรจs ski vision of cocktails and some time to unwind may be limited to your hotel minibar. Unfortunately, aprรฉs ski activities will have to wait until aprรฉs COVID.
If you love your kids but love the fact theyโre in ski school all day more, check to see what safety protocols are put into place or if lessons are canceled.
This ski vacation will need a little more attention and planning than usual to ensure everyoneโs health and safety. While itโs not what youโre used to and love about your annual ski trips, COVID is still hanginโ around and while he isnโt a welcome travel partner, he demands respect.ย
Discover New Opportunitiesย
COVID is constantly reminding us to switch gears and alter our lives with little time to plan. Itโs a great opportunity to change up your annual ski trip activities and try something different, which as we all know is not always a bad thing.
Since as mentioned, new rules will be in place at the slopes, from renting equipment to the chair lift, give your skis a break and use this chance to discover activities you never considered before, like snowshoeing. What is snowshoeing you ask? Think of it as hiking in the snow. Itโs great exercise, much less crowded than the ski slopes, and less expensive.ย
Thereโs also cross-country skiing and while your need for speed wonโt be fulfilled, youโll check off other items on your list like being closer to nature and fulfilling a more serene experience. These days, we can all use activities to calm our nerves.
Jet skiing and dog sledding donโt involve large groups of tourists and are super fun. Your inner speed demon will be happy.ย
Mug Half Full
Instead of focusing on what youโll be missing out on, focus on your hot chocolate mug being half full. We have to remember that COVID forced many of us to slow down, smell the roses, and spend more time with our immediate family. You can still have an amazing ski trip at COVID mountain.
If you’re the kind of person who makes the best of every situation, take this time to try new adventures and make different memories. A place youโve skied at multiple times may have some hidden treasures youโve been missing out on.ย
If youโre beyond disappointed with your new ski itinerary, cancel your trip. Ski vacations arenโt cheap and they take a lot of planning. You worked hard for this trip so if itโs not going to be what you envisioned, take your time off and spend it closer to home and discover whatโs in your own backyard.ย
Either way, positivity always leads to great things so enjoy that half a mug of delicious hot chocolate.ย
Remember Your Priorities
A ski trip is a luxury, as is any vacation. That means itโs not a necessity and therefore, not worth risking your health. Consider all aspects of your travel including airports, the plane, transportation from the airport to your hotel, restaurants, and the risks of exposure they present.ย
Remember that youโre not just putting yourself at risk, but others as well. A canceled trip and disappointment are things you can get over. COVID, on the other hand, may not yield the same results.ย ย
At the end of the day, do what works best for you whether thatโs dusting off your ski pants or leaving them in hibernation. Remember not to let othersโ judgment of your choices impact you. Everyone needs to respect each otherโs handling of COVID and as long as youโre following the rules, it doesnโt matter what others think.ย
If you do end up flying in the sky and down the slopes, enjoy every second, be patient with necessary changes, stay safe, wear a mask, and have a blast!ย
Hope You Enjoyed the Read!
