For the second straight year, the North Carolina Ski Areas Association (NCSAA) is participating in the national Ski Well, Be Well initiative to promote COVID-safe skiing during the winter of 2021-22.
All six NC ski resorts have implemented operational best practices. In the Banner Elk area, this includes Beech Mountain Resort and Sugar Mountain Resort.
Sugar Mountain vice president Kim Jochl and Beech Mountain general manager Ryan Costin are members of the board of directors of the NC Ski Areas Association and are leading the effort to keep North Carolina’s ski slopes and snowboarding areas as safe as possible for the winter of 2021-22.
Both resorts have increased contact-less online options for buying lift tickets and renting ski and snowboard equipment. Both have also enlarged and modified their equipment rental facilities to allow for more distancing.
Foundational Covid protocols of the Ski Well, Be Well initiative in North Carolina are as follows:
Outdoor Ski Protocols
Factoring in the success of last ski season with the availability of vaccines and current state of the pandemic, outdoor operations this ski season will look much like they did prior to the pandemic:
- Chairlifts will most likely be loaded to capacity
- Unrelated parties will be able to ride the lifts together
- Masks will most likely be optional outside
- Expect standard organization of lift lines, with no “ghost lanes”
- Please wear a mask if you are high-risk or feel uncomfortable without one
Indoor Ski Protocols
This season, indoor operations will vary depending on the ski area:
- Ski areas will follow all state and local public health regulations
- In some cases, ski areas may have stronger indoor protocols in place
- Please follow all signage and requirements at the ski areas
- Protocols are subject to change throughout the season
MASKS
- Ski areas may ask guests to wear masks indoors
- Masks may be required for children who are too young to be vaccinated
- If you wear a mask, be sure it is two layers and fits over your nose and mouth
PRO TIPS
- KNOW BEFORE YOU GO. Staying informed & being flexible are key: Beech Mountain Resort and Sugar Mountain Resort
- Keep a mask in your pocket – you will always be prepared if you need one
- Throw a mask in your kid’s pocket, too
- If you wear a mask, be sure it is two layers and fits over your nose and mouth
- Carry proof of vaccination in case a business, event or venue requires it
In general, the North Carolina Ski Areas Association believes skiing and snowboarding are uniquely positioned for safety during a pandemic. This is because resorts encompass dozens of acres of outdoor space, the majority of time is spent outdoors and cruising down the slopes, face coverings and helmets are standard gear for skiers and snowboarders, and general etiquette calls for allowing ample space between yourself and fellow skiers and boarders.
Do Your Part for a Successful Ski Experience
- Know before you go. Make sure to do research so you know what to expect when you arrive. Ski areas will keep their websites and other communications channels updated with info about parking, reservations, lessons, available amenities and mask requirements.
- Stay home if you are or could be sick — even if it is a powder day. It stinks to miss a day of skiing, but it’s worse to miss an entire season. Assess your health before going to the mountain. We all need to be healthy to keep skiing and riding.
- Ski or ride mid-week. Weekends and holidays are generally the busiest times. Try skiing mid-week for a more distanced experience with fewer people.
- Be flexible. Local and state public health regulations can change rapidly, and ski areas will comply with those regulations.
- Consider a mask and physical distancing. We can all take responsibility to help protect ourselves and others every ski season. Bringing a mask and social distancing whenever you can are two ways to ensure a safer experience. Don’t forget hand sanitizer, too.
North Carolina’s Ski Town of Banner Elk invites you to ski or snowboard all day at Beech Mountain and Sugar Mountain, then enjoy lodging, restaurants and nightlife in Banner Elk. To learn more about the top ski town in North Carolina, click here.
