2021 - 2022 Far West Skier's Guide - 42

Resort Safety Operations Continue
Resorts are welcoming their guests back this winter with similar
safety protocols from the prior season, and some newer and updated
procedures across their operations, to ensure guests can enjoy their
winter snowsports activities in the safest possible environment. They
will be following all mandates and guidelines as handed down from
the federal, state/province and local authorities, so protocols will be
modified as necessary as the season progresses. Plan ahead, and
check the resort's website for safety protocols and procedures before
heading to the mountains. If you have any questions, contact them
for more details!
Big White Ski Resort has an excellent synopsis of what to expect
for the upcoming ski season with their COVID-19 Safety Plan
located on their website. (https://www.bigwhite.com/). The resort is
working towards certainty and are planning that their guidelines will
be extended well into the upcoming winter season. Outdoor activities
will not require proof of vaccination. Wearing a mask will still be
recommended when physically distancing of at least six feet cannot
be maintained in an outdoor setting. Visiting restaurants, pubs, bars
and day lodges (indoors or outdoors) will require proof of vaccination
for those over the age of 12. Face coverings will be required for all
activities, such as the horse sleigh, dog sled, snowmobile and fat bike.
You can save with early purchase pricing at Aspen Snowmass,
site for the annual North American Far West Ski Week (January 29February
5, 2022). There are discounts on lift tickets, Max 5 lessons,
and equipment rentals until October 15, saving 10% off already-discounted
pricing (valid all season with blackout dates Dec 18-Feb 2). The
Aspen Card is also offered, which is more than just a pass. It replaces
a credit card for on-mountain purchases through Resort Charge,
holds ski school and rental information, plus more.
Air Travel
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is continuing
its " Stay Healthy. Stay Secure " Campaign initiated when the
pandemic began. It details proactive and protective measures the
TSA has implemented at security checkpoints to make the screening
process safer for passengers and their workforce by reducing the potential
of exposure to the coronavirus. It includes guidance and resources
to help passengers prepare for the security screening process
in the COVID environment.
Travelers need to follow the Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention (CDC) travel guidance, as well as, local and state advisories
regarding COVID-19. Back on February 2, 2021, a mandate
was issued that all airline travelers must wear a face mask throughout
the travel experience when indoors, and this requirement is still
in effect until further notice. Masks will have to be adjusted for ID
verification, or if it sets off the security screen equipment alarm.
The following are some updates on security protocols:
n Social distancing has been increased between passengers
as they enter the security checkpoint queue and through
out the screening process.
n A phased installation of acrylic barriers has been
mplemented at various points throughout the checkpoint
that requires interaction between passengers and TSA
officers.
n Personal Protective Equipment of face masks and gloves is
required for TSA officers, and they may choose to wear
eye protection or clear plastic face shields.
42 Far West Skier's Guide 2O21 - 2O22
n The frequency and intensity of cleaning and disinfecting of
touched surfaces has increased throughout the checkpoint.
n A temporary exemption from the 3-1-1 rule, allowing up to
12 ounces per passenger of hand sanitizer in carry-on bags.
All other liquids, gels and aerosols continue to be limited to
3.4 ounces.
n Touchless Technology continues to be improved, and
includes Computed Tomography (CT) Images, Enhanced
Advanced Imaging Technology (eAIT), and Credential
Authentication Technology (CAT).
n You may now use your driver's license or state-issued ID
expired on or after March 1, 2020 for a year after expiration,
if you were unable to renew at your state driver's license
agency. The REAL ID enforcement deadline has been
extended to May 3, 2023.
If you are interested, the TSA site now includes the number of
TSA employees and screening contractors who were diagnosed with
COVID and may have come in contact with the public at each airport
location. (https://www.tsa.gov/coronavirus)
International Travel
One thing is for sure, it is quite difficult to predict how travel regulations
are going to progress as we approach the upcoming ski season,
due to the pandemic.
At press time, the US Department of Homeland Security cited the
Delta Variant and case counts as the reason to keep the land border
with Canada closed until at least September 21. Just the land border
is closed, but Canadian citizens can fly into the US. However, Canada
is allowing fully vaccinated Americans to cross the border. Hopefully,
by the time Canadians need to plan their winter vacations at American
ski resorts, the land border will be back open.
The vast majority of European countries are now open to American
travelers, but with a wide variety of entry requirements and
changing COVID restrictions. On May 20, European Union leaders
agreed on measures to allow fully vaccinated visitors to enter the 27nation
bloc. This was certainly a boon to the summer tourist season.
Hopefully, it will remain in place for the upcoming ski season. However,
the United States currently is not allowing Europeans to enter
the United States. The ban was briefly removed and then re-instated.
Resorts Are Ready (Again!)
For those that didn't ski or board last winter, we hope to see you
back on the slopes this winter. What was missing for those that did
ski, was no après ski parties or socializing in a way that winter enthusiasts
enjoy, and is a big part of the ambiance of our sport. We look
forward to the opportunity to socialize to the fullest extent once again
in the mountains, with our friends and families. Clubs and councils
are actively planning for their 2021 - 2022 ski trips.
Aspen Snowmass stated what is probably applicable to all resorts,
" Approaching the 2021-22 winter season, health and safety are a priority
for our guests, our employees and our community. The Covid pandemic is
still with us and things change rapidly. We will remain flexible and nimble
and follow the official local and state health guidelines. It is still too early to
know exactly what measures might be in place for the coming winter, however
we learned a great deal last year and will be able to meet the needs of our
guests in any situation. " ss
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2021 - 2022 Far West Skier's Guide

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