Last month, Stevens Pass led the Seattle area charge by announcing plans for the 2020-20201 ski season. The mountain promises to open December 4th (weather permitting) with a list of guidelines and procedures to ensure guest safety. As the season begins to creep steadily closer, the remaining mountains in the area have taken a step forward with announcing their guidelines and opening dates.
Marketing director Tiana Anderson announced that weather permitting, Crystal Mountain aims to open November 20th. A common theme between Crystal and the remaining resorts follows these rules: the mountain will run at a limited capacity, face masks are required of all guests, and patrons are required to keep a safe distance away from members outside of their party on all parts of the mountain. Crystal Mountain is following similar guidelines to Seattle’s current dining situation, only allowing members of the same household to share the same lift/gondola. All indoor facilities will operate at a 50% maximum capacity.
Ticketing is admittedly confusing at this time. Alterra Mountain Company, the proprietor of the “Ikon Pass” and owner of Crystal, announced earlier it would not require its pass holders to make reservations before skiing/snowboarding. Crystal Mountain also fails to mention if reservations will be needed for regular season ticket holders. General day tickets for everyone operating without passes will need to be purchased in advance online as there is a limited quantity. There will be no walk-up tickets available for purchase.
The Summit also falls under the ownership of Alterra, and at this time no reservation system has been put in place. That being said, there are some major differences between this mountain and Crystal.
The mountain WILL be running at a limited capacity, although a number isn’t given. Tickets will also be available to purchase the day of and available for purchase at a walk-up window, although patrons are encouraged to buy lift tickets online. Lastly, there isn’t a definitive opening date, although this mountain typically opens in late November.
The only privately owned slope on this list is still trying to define all of its policies before tentatively opening on November 26th. They are following the typical procedures of face coverings and distance protocols. However, they tout the lowest capacity levels of indoor areas at only 30% of their max.
Baker’s website is saying that at the beginning of the season, reservations will not be required for patrons. However, if the mountain begins seeing enough traffic, they will require reservations for access. Of those reservations required, they are giving a priority of 51% of the daily limit to season pass-holders.
