What will the COVID restrictions be at Vermont ski resorts? Here's a rundown

With another ski season on the horizon, Vermont resorts are figuring out what restrictions to put in place to keep skiers and staff safe from a pandemic that continues to plague the nation, more than a year after it started.

The restrictions vary from resort to resort. Following is a rundown of what we've learned. Every resort stressed that restrictions are subject to change based on the "evolving nature of the pandemic," as Vail Resorts put it in a news release; as well as federal, state and local public health guidelines. The story will be updated as we hear from the remaining resorts.

Vail Resorts (Stowe, Mount Snow, Okemo)

Vail Resorts will not have a mountain reservation system this year and will load lifts and gondolas at normal capacity. Masks will be required in indoor settings, including in restaurants, lodging, restrooms, retail and rental locations, and on buses.

Masks will not be required outdoors, in lift lines or on chairlifts or gondolas, unless required by local public health agencies.

Reservations will be required to eat at many on-mountain restaurants, but Vail is expecting significantly more seating capacity than last year, and intends to open reservations one day prior, versus the day-of last season.

You will be required to show proof of COVID-19 vaccination to eat at indoor, on-mountain, cafeteria-style restaurants. This requirement includes people 12 years and older in ski and ride school programs that include lunch.

All Vail employees will be required to have COVID-19 vaccinations.

Sugarbush Resort

Spokesman John Bleh said Sugarbush anticipates not having any restrictions outdoors, "unless things drastically change." The resort will follow local guidelines and mandates, according to Bleh.

"If the town of Warren decided to reinstate masks, we would as well," Bleh said.

Sugarbush is recommending masks indoors for everyone, and requires them for unvaccinated staff.

Bleh said Alterra Mountain Company, Sugarbush's owner, is considering more aggressive measures, such as those taken by Vail Resorts, but hasn't made any final decisions.

"At this point we're hoping things can be as normal as possible outdoors, following local guidelines indoors," he said. "But it's a moving target."

Jay Peak Resort

Spokesman J.J. Toland said Jay Peak plans to follow any mandate the State of Vermont issues concerning masking and distancing.

"As of now, it doesn't appear the state's headed toward re-issuance of the emergency order that would bring back mandatory masking and distancing, so we don't foresee making our guests mask and distance," Toland said in an email. "Our policy will change if the state sees it necessary to change course."

The phones at Jay Peak has been ringing more than anticipated for reservations, according to Toland. He credits the state's track record on vaccinations, leading the country.

"That has really helped our guests feel at ease at Jay Peak," Toland said.

Jay Peak will not be limiting the number of tickets sold, according to Toland.

"One of the advantages we have up here is that we are so far up here," Toland said. "We don't see the crowds that some of the southern resorts get and those that do make the trip (to Jay Peak) take comfort in that fact. The short of it, we expect to have a great winter."

Smuggler's Notch Resort

Spokeswoman Stephanie Gorin said the resort requires masks indoors, for both employees and guests, whether vaccinated or not. That includes the restaurants, the "Fun Zone," and any indoor activity. Gorin said than more than 90 percent of employees are vaccinated, even though it's not required.

Smuggler's Notch reopened June 15, 2020, and has been operating its summer programs without any problems, according to Gorin.

"Now that we're going into the ski season, it's an outdoor sport so naturally people are wearing goggles and masks," Gorin said. "We're not requiring masks on the lifts, but most people wear them."

Suicide Six Ski Area

General Manager Tim Reiter said Suicide Six is still finalizing its restrictions, but will limit capacity in the base lodge, and keep skiers coming in to ask questions or rent skis to stay in a separate line, "instead of lingering in the lodge."

"They'll go straight to the snow out the back door," Reiter said.

Thanks to state grants, Suicide Six was able to double the size of its back deck and install wind walls and propane fire pits, Reiter added, creating "tons of wind-protected and warm seating outside, which we never had before." Skiers and guests will be able to eat outside on most days, according to Reiter.

"It harkens back to the olden days, when I grew up skiing," he said.

Bromley Mountain

Spokesman Oliver Mauk said Bromley is not likely to require vaccination to enter the base lodge, but may require vaccination for those entering the Wild Boar Tavern.

Bromley doesn't have any gondolas or bubble chairs, Mauk said, so that keeps things pretty simple outside.

"We're looking at no outdoor restrictions," he said. "That could change. We may require masks in the base area and in lines, but as of now we have no plans to have outdoor restrictions.

Mad River Glen

Spokesman Ry Young said vaccinations are required for all employees, with accommodations for religious or medical exemptions. He said whether masks will be required for indoor employees is yet to be determined.

Works in progress:

Stratton Mountain, Killington and Bolton Valley resorts

Stratton Mountain Resort, Killington Resort and Bolton Valley Resort are still deciding what their COVID-19 protocols will be.

Contact Dan D’Ambrosio at 660-1841 or ddambrosio@freepressmedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @DanDambrosioVT. This coverage is only possible with support from our readers.

This article originally appeared on Burlington Free Press: Vermont ski resorts 2021-22: COVID safety, what to expect this season