The joy of skiing and snowboarding comes in snap decisions and fleeting sensations. But to feel that joy this winter, skiers and boarders will need to plan ahead. Thatâs because of the many measures winter resorts have imposed in their scramble to ward off COVID-19 infections. California ski resorts have been cheered by the seasonâs first big snows, which dropped up to 18 inches in the Sierra on Nov. 7. But experts throughout the West say resorts will operate at reduced capacity and depend more on advance bookings and guestsâ flexibility. âThe biggest thing weâre telling people this year is: Know before you go,â said Chris Linsmayer, public affairs director for Colorado Ski Country, which represents 22 resorts in that state.