Last week, California’s Mount Baldy became the first North American ski resort to reopen amid the coronavirus pandemic.
The resort fired up operations on April 22 after golf courses in several of the state’s counties were permitted to reopen. The decision to resume ski season, though, wasn’t made lightly. “We are taking the COVID-19 crisis very seriously, and we are implementing several policy changes that will help to ensure the safety and health of our guests and staff,” the resort said in an online statement.
Operating with strict physical distancing stipulations, Mount Baldy structured day-ticket sales as “Ski & Ride Times.” In groups no larger than four, skiers reserve a ‘ski time’ and are checked-in ten minutes apart. They then enter the mountain’s upper lot and park three spaces away from the closest vehicle. No rentals or other services are available on the hill. Guests go straight to the chairlift, where they ideally only ride with household members. Season pass holders, who the resort says represent less than 30% of current daily customers, are also permitted access.
Other rules require visitors to wear masks at all times and stay a minimum of 10 feet apart from each other. The mountain will also not be grooming. Staff encourage only experienced skiers and riders to visit. With all of its new guidelines in place, Mount Baldy operates at 10% of normal capacity.
“The runs were empty all day,” said Ryan Hurley, a Mammoth local who found himself in Southern California after being laid off a month ago. He skied Baldy on the 23rd. “It felt like a Silverton-style day with no people in sight. The corn just got better all day.”
Riding the Line
As a small resort of 800 acres and fewer than 30 runs, Mount Baldy finds itself uniquely positioned to operate on a limited basis during California’s stay-at-home order. That said, the resort has not been deemed essential and technically isn’t allowed to be operating, according to a spokesperson for the San Bernardino County Department of Public Health who spoke with Southern California’s ABC7.
“I don’t think a larger ski resort could offer what they did,” said Hurley. “Everyone was giving everybody their space so the hill can stay open.”
Mount Baldy saw heavy snowfall to start the spring. With excellent snow coverage and mountain temperatures in the 60s, skiers have enjoyed the only open in-bounds terrain on the continent. On the resort’s Facebook page, one user said the 23rd was his “best ski day in 35 years at Baldy.” Several others thanked the resort for opening. Another called it a “great morale booster.”
As they take things day-by-day, the Mount Baldy team implores skiers to treat the situation seriously and strictly follow the rules. “Our ability to operate under these circumstances rely heavily on cooperation from everyone,” they wrote on the resort’s website. “If you are not feeling 100% or have any intention of not treating this situation with the respect that it deserves, stay home.”
“Amazing experience,” said Hurley. “I felt very stoked and very safe.”
To learn more about Mount Baldy’s reopening, read their COVID-19 guidelines and this story by POWDER Magazine.
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