Vermont Unveils Rigid Covid Guidelines for Ski Resorts

If you are planning a ski or snowboard trip to Vermont this winter, be advised that the state has some of the most strict Covid guidelines in the country. They were developed by the state’s Agency of Commerce and Community Development in cooperation with the Vermont Department of Health, Vermont Department of Public Safety and the Vermont Ski Areas Association.

The guidelines state that ski resorts need to build customized pandemic operating plans that are in line with multiple state and federal regulations covering all aspects of business, from lodging capacity to lift queues, according to an article on the saminfo.com web site. The Ski Vermont web site provides details of how to prepare for a visit and encourages prospective skiers and snowboarders to do some research before arrival. Other state resort associations are doing the same as are individual resorts.

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In Vermont, ski areas must collect the name, phone number, and email of every guest to the resort each day for contact tracing purposes. Similar guidelines are also in place for ski areas in New York. Guests must also attest that they are in compliance with the state’s travel and quarantine policies. Information can be collected in advance online or on site.

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According to the guidelines, resorts must be able to demonstrate to state authorities that each guest completed an attestation. An attestation is evidence or proof of something. In the Vermont guidelines, attestations must include a warning that failure to comply with the state’s travel and quarantine policy may result in the loss of future skiing and riding privileges.

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Additional guidelines are in place to address riding open and closed lifts. Full details are available at saminfo.com.

In regard to staffing, Vermont ski areas must also put in place a quarantine process that aligns with the state’s strict travel guidelines for long-term seasonal workers traveling to Vermont, to restrict them from interacting with other employees or guests for the 14-day quarantine period, or seven days with a negative test, according to the saminfo.com article. The state is also encouraging a decrease in out-of-state staff and volunteers who come only on weekends.

For its part, the National Ski Areas Association is advocating its Ski Well, Be Well program that is being adapted by resorts throughout the country.