GILFORD, NH — We’re starting to see snow on the ski slopes of New Hampshire and many resorts will open over the next couple of weeks. That’s great news for people eager to get outside during the pandemic.
It won’t be business as usual this year, however. Like just about every aspect of daily life in 2020, the coronavirus is causing operational changes for the resorts.
Unlike past years when it was possible to make a spontaneous decision to head to the slopes, this year will require a new level of planning.
Gunstock Mountain Resort in Gilford is planning to open on Dec. 4. President and General Manager Tom Day said a number of new safety protocols will be put in place. “It’s been a big job for all of us in the ski industry.”
So far, interest in skiing seems high. Day says season pass sales have already exceeded the number sold last year.
Getting on the slopes is going to be different this year. Day says to think of a skiing trip as if you were planning a trip to California in the past. He says multiple reservations will be needed ahead of time. This includes lift tickets, equipment rentals, and even access to the lodge and the food court for ½ hour increments.
“Everything is done that way so we can eliminate a lot of close contacts,” added Day. “We’re telling people that it’s a good idea to boot up in your car, to use your car basically as your base lodge because we don’t know if you’ll get access to the lodge or not.”
Changes in seating capacity on the chair lifts should allow Gunstock to handle about 80-85% of its usual crowds.
Season pass owners will be given first preference to access the mountain.
Karmen Gifford of the Lakes Region Chamber says she’s getting a lot of inquiries about coming to New Hampshire lately. She says people are interested in getting away without boarding a plane and that being outdoors remains a big draw.
“We have the outdoors. We have skiing. We have snowmobiles. When the lakes freeze over, we have more outdoor activities. But I think people can kind of explore and discover without being too nervous about the safety aspect,” said Gifford.
Day thinks skiers can still have a great experience but wants them to adjust their expectations about what it takes to get on the slopes.
“The beauty of it is that once you get on that lift, everything is the same as it was before,” explained Day. “All of us skiers and riders always had goggles, always worn gloves. So, it’s the same experience on the hill. The difference is getting ready to get there.”
One thing to keep in mind is that Massachusetts removed New Hampshire from its list of low-risk states for travel last week. It will be important to monitor that situation before you book anything.