Resorts and recreation areas throughout the U.S. are diligently trying to figure out how to open up safely for tourists and outdoor enthusiasts. Ski area communities are no exception having already lost a significant portion of their winter business due to early resort closings. They now facing a tricky road back with summer offerings.
With the Covid-19 guidelines changing frequently, the best course of action for consumers is to consult the web sites of selected resorts and surrounding communities. Most are following the guidelines of their respective states. Even locations in some of the hardest hit states have opening plans that vary. Some are doing a better job than others with providing clear information on their status. Here are a few examples from the East and Midwest. Western locations will be covered next time.
On May 19, Lake Placid, home to Whiteface Mountain point blank suggested to tourists on its web site that it is not the time to visit. Now, attractions, restaurants and lodging facilities are slowly opening on a restrictive basis. Face coverings are still required while in public. Lake Placid thrives in the winter due to the state’ s largest ski resort and it also boasts a robust summer business. Some events have been postponed or cancelled.
Hiking, boating, fishing, and a visit to the Olympics facilities, including the famous “Miracle on Ice” hockey game arena are major attractions. Of course, New York was and continues to be the hardest hit state regarding the Coronavirus.
The Omni Mt Washington Hotel at Bretton Woods, New Hampshire is one of the nation’s iconic Grand Hotels dating back to the days when train travel was the norm. It’s grandeur is unparalleled. It sits just down the road from New Hampshire’s largest ski area – Bretton Woods – and in the shadow of the second highest peak on the East coast – Mt Washington – in the White Mountain National Forest.
The hotel reopens June 15. Some of activities in the area, such as zip-lining, are tied in with the Bretton Woods Ski Area. Others – golf, fly-fishing, river tubing or paddling, a visit to the top of Mt Washington – and general outdoor activities offered at the hotel may also available through other sources.
It is difficult to determine what is operating and what is not based on searches on both the Omni Mt Washington and the Bretton Woods web sites although New Hampshire has experienced fewer cases of Covid-19 than many other states. There is an extensive explanation of Omni’s Coronavirus policies posted on its general web site. And, the Visit New Hampshire web site is a good source for information.
Michigan, another hard hit state, is home to popular summer and winter recreation areas especially in the northern part in and above Travers City. Boyne Highlands is one of the ski resorts in Michigan that doubles as a popular summer destination and is a sought-after spot for family and friend celebrations. The Boyne Highlands hotel looks like something out of Hansel and Gretel. It is undergoing renovations and has limited availability but there are plenty of other choices in the region including Boyne Mountain and the Inn at Bay Harbor.
While Michigan’s stay-home order remains in effect until June 12, the governor recently allowed restaurants, lodging and bars to reopen in the Upper Peninsula and parts of Northern Michigan.
Boyne guests might notice a few changes. All three resorts are accepting reservations and have begun filling rooms. Now, all 10 of Boyne’s award-winning golf courses now are open for play. New stay-and-play golf packages are being offered for the next month
The Pure Michigan web site offers a plethora of information about recreational facilities and attractions in the state including Boyne and areas around Traverse City.
NOTE: Killington opened its golf course on May 23, 2020.
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