The stoke is high for this winter. While some Covid precautions remain in place, the upcoming season is looking a lot more like those of years past. Many resorts have already released their operating guidelines. We’ve gone through all of them to provide an early preview of what to expect and how to get ready for this season.
We also have the latest on projected opening days, click here to view.
Resorts have relaxed most restrictions including the need for reservations, expanded indoor food and beverage operations for vaccinated visitors, resumed full lift capacity and more.
Last Updated: November 18, 2021
Winter 2021-22 Key Operating Guidelines for Ski Resorts
Reservations to Access Resorts
Whats new? Reservations will not be required to access most destinations this season.
What we know. Most major resorts are not requiring reservations — Jackson Hole and Taos are notable exceptions.
What to do. Continue monitoring reservation policies as the season approaches. Always check your destination’s policy in advance of your trip.
Face Coverings/Masks
What’s new? Guests will no longer be required to wear face coverings outdoors. Masks will still be required indoors at all Vail resorts.
What we expect. Other resorts including Alterra and partners are likely to announce a similar policy.
What to do. Always have a mask handy – you may not always need it, but it will make things easy if you plan to go indoors.
Vaccination Requirements
What’s New? Guests of Vail resorts (ages 12 and over) will be required to show proof of vaccination in order to dine indoors. Vail Resort employees will also be required to be vaccinated.
What we expect. Other resorts have yet to announce their vaccination policies, but are likely to take a similar approach.
What to do. If you are vaccinated, make sure to carry your vaccine card and/or have the necessary app to show your status. If you are not vaccinated, get vaccinated ASAP and before ski season! Make sure to check the policy of the specific resort you are visiting before traveling.
Lift Capacity
What’s new? Vail Resorts has announced that lifts will operate at full capacity, meaning shorter wait times and more efficient operations.
What we expect. Other resorts will likely follow suit, leading to shorter wait times and more efficient operations.
What to do. Spend more time skiing and riding and less time waiting!
> Related Content: Kids passport programs are back. Discover where 4th, 5th and 6th graders can ski for free this season. Click here.
Group Lessons
What's new? Resorts are resuming more ski and ride school programs this season including more lesson offerings for younger children. Children ages 12 and up will be required to show proof of vaccination to participate in full day group lessons.
What we expect. Policies are likely to vary by resort, but lessons will be more available, particularly for younger children, than they were last season. Private lessons will still be an option for younger children.
What to do. Checking your destination’s lesson options and make sure to book well ahead of time, group sizes may be smaller and have more limited availability. Things can change quickly, including the potential for vaccinations for kids 5-11 years old, so make sure to check back with the resorts for the latest rules.
International Vistitors
What's new? International travelers will be able to visit U.S. ski resorts. Come November, the United States will lift the ban on most travelers from the European Union, China, Iran, South Africa, Brazil and India, as long as they can show proof of vaccination and a negative coronavirus test.
Checklist to prepare for Winter 2021-22
This season will feel more like a normal year, but we’re not past the pandemic quite yet. We will still feel some of the effects of Covid-19 at resorts this year and advanced planning for ski trips will be paramount. Use our checklist to to be prepared:
Check your destination’s reservation (and parking) policy well in advance of your visit. Reservations are not likely to be required, but things can change quickly.
Check federal, state, and local travel/quarantine regulations when traveling internationally or even to another state. There are currently no interstate travel restrictions in the U.S. Those traveling to Canada will need to provide a negative Covid test and proof of vaccination. Those traveling to Europe will need to provide vaccination status or a negative test.
Always have a mask handy – you may not always need it, but you likely will if you plan to go indoors or ride a gondola (at select resorts).
Be prepared to show proof of vaccination – many resorts will require it for indoor dining.
Get your season pass now! Early deadlines have passed, but mid-October deadlines, which still offer good value, are rapidly approaching. We have all of the details in one place. Visit our season pass tracker or get a personalized pass recommendation.
As long as you check these boxes, your ski trips should go smoothly. Better to have and not need, than to need and not have!
Projected Opening Dates
Last Updated: November 18, 2021
Below are projected opening dates for resorts across North America (weather permitting). Pro tip —check the resort link for all of the insider details for the resort.
British Columbia
WhistlerBlackcomb – November 25
Revelstoke – November 27
California
Mammoth – October 29
Palisades Tahoe – October 29, then closed, new date TBD
Heavenly – TBD - Coming Soon
Northstar – TBD - Coming Soon
Mt. Rose – TBD - Coming Soon
Sugar Bowl – November 26 (tentative)
Kirkwood – December 3
Diamond Peak – December 9
Colorado
Arapahoe Basin – October 17
Keystone – October 22
Breckenridge – November 12
Vail – November 12 Winter Park – November 17
Steamboat – November 27
Crested Butte – November 24 Beaver Creek – November 24
Aspen Mountain – November 25
Snowmass – November 25
Telluride – December 3
Copper Mountain – November 30
Aspen Highlands – December TBD Maine
Sunday River – November 18
Sugarloaf – TBD
New Hampshire
Loon – TBD (mid-November)
Wildcat – November 19
Attitash – December 3
Bretton Woods – TBD (mid-November)
Waterville Valley – TBD
Sunapee – November 24 New Mexico
Taos – November 25
New York
Hunter Mountain – November 19
Gore Mountain – November 23
Belleayre Mountain – November TBD
Whiteface – November 26
Pacific Northwest (ID, OR, WA)
Crystal Mountain (WA) – TBD - Coming Soon
Sun Valley (ID) – November 25
Utah
Park City – November TBD
Solitude – November TBD
Alta – November 24
Snowbasin – December TBD
Snowbird – December 1
Deer Valley – December 4 Vermont
Killington – November 5
Stowe – TBD - Coming Soon
Mount Snow – TBD - Coming Soon
Okemo – TBD - Coming Soon
Sugarbush – November 20 (tentative)
Stratton – November 24
Smugglers' Notch – November 26
Jay Peak – November 27
Wyoming/Tetons
Grand Targhee – TBD - Coming Soon
Jackson Hole – November 25
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