The COVID-19 pandemic is not the only disturbing sign of Colorado’s skiing country in 2020. The lack of early snow this year has forced many resorts to postpone their opening dates for the 2020-21 ski season.
Winter Park Resort decided to postpone the opening hours to “allow more time to expand the open range of the mountain terrain and limit congestion,” postponing the original opening date to November 18. Although the new dose of powder may change the course of the reopening plan, the resort is expected to open “no earlier than”
Winter Park Resort tweeted: “We can’t wait to welcome you in due course.”
After careful consideration, we decided to postpone the opening of the winter of 20/21 originally scheduled for 11/18. Based on current information, we expect the opening time will not be earlier than 11/30, but it may change. We can’t wait to welcome you. pic.twitter.com/9ewbLpMrRw
—Winter Park Resort (@WinterPark) November 3, 2020
Steamboat Resort was also on the same boat and was forced to postpone its initial opening date to November 25th to December 1st due to “limited snow production and little early season snow accumulation”.
Due to limited snow production and little snow in the early season, we have decided to move the open day to December 1. Current conditions cannot provide enough land for the resort to open and comply with the mitigation plan. pic.twitter.com/vmIoMO1oQb
-#SteamboatResort (@skisteamboat) November 13, 2020
Keep your fingers crossed! The next big storm will bring a foot of fresh powder to the mountain, which may help early snow accumulation.
There is no doubt that this epidemic has already caused damage to the ski industry. From capacity restrictions and booking requirements to social distancing and local curfews, the seasons on this slope will definitely be different.
Editor’s note: Due to changes in weather or public health orders, the opening date is subject to change without notice.
