Snowshoe Announces Target Opening Date, 2020-21 COVID-19 Adjustments

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Snowshoe Mountain, the region’s largest ski area, has announced their target opening date for the 2020/21 winter season. The Pocahontas County resort intends to open for skiing and snowboarding just in time for Thanksgiving on Wednesday, November 25th, weather and circumstances permitting. Resort officials are working to make the necessary adjustments to operate in accordance with health guidelines amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

“It’s that time of year again when the nights start getting colder and the leaves start changing colors, and the real anticipation of winter kicks in.” said resort President Patti Duncan. “This summer we were tasked with adapting to the ever-changing circumstances that COVID-19 presented and despite the challenges, our team has proven that we can make the changes necessary to operate as safely and efficiently as possible in this rapidly evolving environment. This process has taught us many valuable lessons and has given us tremendous insight into the measures we’ll need to take this winter.”

To help facilitate distancing, certain areas of the resort will utilize capacity management this winter season. This includes limiting inventory for lift tickets, lodging, lessons, rentals, shopping, dining, and adventure activities. Dependent upon capacity, walk-up access is not guaranteed.

Other measures intended to limit contact and assist with capacity management will include:

  • mask requirements
  • expanded delivery & takeout options
  • the introduction of a Silver Creek-specific lift ticket
  • the discontinuation of the 3-For-All Pass
  • expanded equipment rental options via the Big Top

For more information about what Snowshoe is doing to reduce the spread of COVID-19, please visit snowshoemtn.com/COVID.

What else is new this winter?
Snowshoe’s mountain operations team has spent the summer continuing to bolster their snowmaking infrastructure by replacing a significant amount of water lines in the Basin, Western Territory, and Silver Creek areas. The improvements will allow the snowmaking system to run more efficiently, generating even more snow and helping the resort to open terrain more quickly.

10 Prime, a new upscale steakhouse will open this winter at the Soaring Eagle Lodge, located in the South Mountain/Top of the World area of the resort.

Winter 2020.21 Season Dates (weather and circumstances permitting)
Snowshoe: Wednesday, November 25th – Sunday, March 28th
Silver Creek: Friday, December 18th – Sunday, March 14th

Snow Guarantee
As always, Snowshoe will extend their Snow Guarantee, promising more skiable terrain open than any other Southeastern ski area from December 18, 2020 through March 14, 2021 or your next day of skiing is free.

Flurry Of Savings Event
If you’re planning a trip to Snowshoe this winter, your best opportunity for savings is during the resort’s Flurry of Savings Event, October 19 – 28. The annual sale features discounts on lodging, rentals, lift tickets, and more.

For more information or to make a Snowshoe lodging reservation, please call 877-441-4386 or visit online at www.snowshoemtn.com.

Winter 2020/21 FAQ
Will I be able to walk up and buy a lift ticket?
With firm capacity limits in place, walk-up access is not guaranteed. We strongly encourage guests to purchase their tickets in advance to avoid disappointment.

If I’ve already reserved my lodging and due to reduced capacity I’m unable to ski/ride, will I get a refund for my lodging?
We strongly encourage advance purchases on all products, including lift tickets, to ensure your access to the resort. We will not be offering refunds on lodging due to capacity limitations.

Do I need a reservation to ski/ride at Snowshoe?
At this time, Ikon Pass, Ikon Base Pass, Snowshoe Unlimited Pass, and Early Season Pass holders will not need reservations to ski and ride during the 2020/21 winter season at Snowshoe for the dates of their booking.

What are holiday and peak periods?
Christmas: December 26th – January 2nd
MLK: January 15th – 17th
Presidents: February 12th – 14th
Peak: Friday – Sunday, December 18th – March 13th

Can I buy a ticket on the day I want to ski?
To ensure access to the mountain we strongly suggest purchasing a pass (either Ikon or Snowshoe specific). At this time, we anticipate limited availability of walk-up tickets during the winter season. Some single day lift tickets may be available for day of purchase based on last minute availability.

Can I buy a single day lift ticket in advance?
We will be offering online, advance single and multi-day lift tickets in advance. These will be available in the coming weeks. Guests are encouraged to purchase in advance to guarantee mountain access.

Do I need a reservation for equipment rentals?
We will be offering online, advance rentals and highly encourage guests to purchase in advance. This will reduce your transaction and interaction time as well as save you money and guarantee your rental.

How will lines follow physical distancing requirements?Physically distancing naturally occurs from tip to tail when wearing ski and snowboards. Guests will also notice additional spacing measures, including extended maze designs and more lateral spacing to create a consistent flow of appropriately spaced traffic. In addition, markings and staff members will help create appropriate social distancing when necessary.

Will I have to ride the lift with people I don’t know?
Guests will self-group and load chairlifts with their traveling party. Lift attendants will work to put traveling parties together on lifts, but unaffiliated skiers/riders may be loaded on the same chair. In these situations, chairlift capacity will be limited to provide additional spacing between seats. Guests who are not comfortable riding with others will not be forced to, but may have to wait additional time for lift access.

Am I required to wear a face mask at the resort?
Yes, face masks are required indoors by the state of West Virginia. You should expect to wear a face covering when in common gathering places like the base area, lift lines, bathrooms, ski school lessons, entering restaurants, etc. You do not need to wear a face mask while dining at your table.

Can I go into any lodge to eat at any time?
Lodges will be monitored by hosts to maintain appropriate indoor capacity. If lodges are at our decided maximum capacity, you may not be able to enter at that time. We are expanding our outdoor dining options to accommodate more skiers and riders. We appreciate your understanding and support as we follow local and state regulations.

How do I order food at the restaurants?
We are working on a contactless system and will follow up with details closer to the season.

Do I need reservations to eat at the restaurants?
10 Prime, our new upscale steakhouse in Soaring Eagle Lodge will require reservations. At this time, we are not requiring reservations at other locations.

Are any restaurants NOT opening this winter?
No, currently we plan to operate all restaurants this winter and will be introducing expanded delivery and pick-up service at Shavers Center. They will be following state and local guidance on capacity and sanitization.

Will ski & snowboard lessons be limited?
Yes, there will be reduced capacity for lessons this season and modifications to operations to ensure distancing. We will discontinue Mommy & Me and Kids Night Out offerings for the season.

Will stores at the mountain be open for shopping?
Yes, currently stores at the mountain will be open for shopping. They will be following state and local guidance on capacity and sanitization.

Besides skiing, what activities are available on the mountain this season?
Many activities remain the same, while other may have altered operations or not be available this winter. For a complete list of winter activities please visit https://www.snowshoemtn.com/things-to-do/activities
What precautions are you taking to reduce Health and Safety risks?

In addition to capacity management, we will be continuing to require facial coverings indoors and while loading chairlifts, socially distancing, practicing healthy hand washing/sanitizing, increased cleaning efforts at all high-touch points, etc. These practices will remain a priority for Snowshoe staff and guests to minimize the spread of COVID.

If I am sick and can’t travel, how do I cancel my reservations?
If you are experiencing COVID symptoms or have tested positive for the virus please do not come to the resort. Please call Snowshoe Central Reservations at 877-441-4386 for assistance with changing your plans.

How can I avoid lots of people on the mountain if I’m worried about crowds?
We always recommend mid-week travel/skiing if you’re able. With more people having flexibility in their schedules due to working remotely, this may be a new option for you this year. Mid-week tends to be less crowded than weekend and we do not expect to have as many capacity issues during weekdays.

Where can I get more information and details?
We have created a website specifically to answer questions about mountain operations and changes due to COVID. Please visit snowshoemtn.com/covid for the most up-to-date information. Also, feel free to call Snowshoe Central Reservations at 877-441-4386 any time you have questions.

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