Photo by Ashley Low
Ski areas across the United States experienced a strong rebound this winter despite public health restrictions put in place amid the coronavirus pandemic.
Skier visits to U.S. resorts totaled 59 million for the season, the fifth best on record, according to the Colorado-based National Ski Areas Association.
“What a year it has been,” said Kelly Pawlak, association president and CEO. “From utter uncertainty to a top-10 season in terms of participation, it shows the wide spectrum that our industry bridged this year.”
Resorts across the country were forced to close in spring 2020, and many mountain communities were disproportionately affected by COVID-19 early in the pandemic.
Photo from Summit County Mountain Bike Allliance
With Memorial Day this year comes the full-fledged start to mountain bike season in Summit County, and local leaders are excited for a strong summer after a 2020 when the community was affected by novel coronavirus regulations.
“That’s what I’m exactly excited about: the return to normal,” Maverick Sports Promotions Event Director Jeff Westcott said Friday, May 28. “This season is pretty much a 180 (degree turnaround) from last year, when we could only proceed according to the current guidelines. This year, we were encouraged to plan for normal and scale back if necessary. And that’s a different vibe ‘if necessary.’”
In addition to a price reduction for the upcoming season, Vail Resorts is offering incentives to individuals who purchase their passes by Memorial Day. Skiers and riders who lock up an eligible pass by May 31 will receive 10 buddy tickets, which offer discounted lift ticket rates to family and friends, and can secure their pass for a down payment of $49.
According to Vail Resorts, the discount to season passes is part of the company’s effort to deliver on its Epic for Everyone commitment to broaden engagement in the sports of skiing and snowboarding. A news release states that the price reset for 2021 takes Epic Pass products back to prices last seen during the 2015-16 season.
Memorial Day is the deadline for skiers and snowboarders to purchase a Vail Resorts season pass at a 20% price reduction from last season’s prices. According to Vail Resorts, the discount to season passes is.
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