The number one question we have been asked recently has been, “What is this ski season going to look like with the COVID pandemic still raging?”

It’s anyone’s guess, but given we are constantly talking with industry insiders we have some ideas of what struggles and changes might be in store for the 2020/21 ski season.

Predictions on how COVID will effect the 2020 – 2021 ski season in North America.

#1. Crowds: This will not be the case for all ski resorts since many are capping the number of skiers who will be allowed on the hill in a given day, but the ski areas that are not requiring a reservation are likely to see big skier numbers. We believe this will be the case since we have been getting reports of much better than expected pass sales. There has also been a huge uptick in the number of people participating in outdoor recreation over the past few months.

#2. Lodge Restrictions: One of the biggest issues facing ski resorts this ski season will be where skiers and snowboarders can warm up, eat, and relax. With social distancing likely lasting well into the ski season, ski resorts will need to cap the lodge capacity.

#3. Tailgating: With lodge restrictions likely being the norm, parking lots from Maine to Californa are gonna look a lot like the beach at A-basin on a spring weekend.

#4. Out of Town License Plates: Don’t be surprised this season if you see a huge number of out of towners and rental RV’s. There has never been a ski season like the one we are about to experience and there has never been a better time to go on a ski safari. People who are able to work from home are now realizing they can also work from an RV or sprinter van in a mountain town near you.

#5. Long Lift Lines: Wait times at many ski lifts will likely be longer than normal due to a policy of only loading members of the same group on a lift. Wait times will be particularly long at gondolas and funitels that have enclosed spaces.

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