Ski Trips During COVID: How to Do It, What You Need & Where to Visit and Stay

It seems almost obvious: Geared up with thick goggles and a face mask to protect your face, plus the natural distance skiers and snowboarders take up on the slopes, the winter sport of skiing is seeing a surge in searches and interest as we all look for safer ways to live our lives throughout the ongoing pandemic. “Now more than ever, we are all craving time outside, to forge a stronger connection with nature, and to create memories that will last a lifetime,” says James Schubauer, CEO of Bomber Ski, maker of fine, handcrafted skis. “Skiing always delivers the joy, the challenge, the feeling that you are doing the only thing that matters in that moment,” he adds.

Those willing to hit the slopes at this time will undoubtedly find that thrill, but they’ll also find a ski season landscape that looks a little different from years past. In the age of COVID-19, gone are the days of crowded dining halls and rager après parties where spraying Champagne is the norm. Here’s everything you need to know if you’re considering a ski trip this season, including where to go and what each destination is doing to keep you safe, plus some of the gear you should consider buying, too.

The, uh, dur—obvious: Don’t travel if you’re sick or have shown recent COVID-19 symptoms, try to avoid the places COVID-19 is spreading rapidly, understand the local health guidelines for your final destination(s), and always practice general COVID safety.

Visiting a ski resort during COVID-19: The key thing to remember this ski season is to plan further in advance. Some resorts we asked recommended even planning as far as three months in advance for your ski fiesta. And definitely research and call ahead to understand the resort’s safety policies—and if they meet your standards.

“To allow for physical distancing, we are managing access to our mountains through a reservation system and limiting lift ticket sales in order to prioritize our pass holders,”says Jessica Miller, a Park City, Utah rep. “This reservation system is designed to give our guests peace of mind knowing that they will have the space they need to feel safe and physically distance. For the vast majority of days, we anticipate that we will be able to accommodate everyone who wants to visit – but the reservation system will help us to allow guests the space they need, no matter when they come,” she adds.

Where to stay: It’ll come as no surprise that if you can swing it, and especially if you’re traveling with a small group of friends or family, a vacation rental is the way to go this season. (Preferably a ski-in, ski out with a hot tub—we can dream, right?) Even before COVID-19, vacation rental platform TurnKey Vacation Rentals was using digital lock technology for contactless check-in and checkouts, and as a response to the pandemic, they’ve put in place strict cleaning guidelines using EPA-approved, COVID-fighting products at all their properties, which are confirmed by photo validation. If you’re booking through Airbnb—another great option—message the host to start a dialogue to grasp what they’re doing to keep guests safe.

Oh, and mask up, wouldya? Even if you’re wearing a ski mask, you should plan to have a cloth facial covering underneath it or on you at all times, too. Many, and almost all, resorts are requiring them both on and off the mountain. (Here are some of our favorite breathable masks for working out.)

How to get there: If you’re not comfortable hopping on a flight and checking luggage—which seems to always be the case with puffy ski coats—you’re going to want to consider a destination that is more local and drivable this season, and you wouldn’t be alone. In fact, a trend report from Amex recently revealed 50 percent of respondents are willing to drive two to four hours, while 25 percent are willing to drive ten to 25 hours per trip in the next three months in order to travel safely. If you do decide to take your car or a rental car, you’ll want to bring along something that can help you get unstuck from snow or icy conditions, like the Trac-Grabber ($70). These handy little tire traction straps snap onto your tires easily so you can rescue yourself from a snowy situation when it pops up.

“I would advise skiers to engage in common practices such as physically distancing and mask wearing where possible,” says Dr. Curtis White, the chief technology officer of ViaClean Technologies, a biotech company that develops antimicrobial solutions to protect surfaces. “I would also advise they take the time to research the safeguards facilities are putting in place, including mandatory face coverings, physical distancing on chairlifts and gondolas, and the cleaning and sanitization procedures adopted,” he adds. Here are some of Dr. White’s other ski safety tips for this season:

1. Only take gondola’s which have open-air flow: It goes against most skier and snowboarder’s instincts, but don’t be tempted to jump on a ski lift or gondola with total strangers just so you can get to the top of the mountain quicker. Instead, look to ride solo or with your “pod.”

2. Be conscious of the surfaces you are touching such as railings: This is not easy to do when you’re on the mountain, as you often need to hold onto rails for the ski lift or to get up and down steps or into the queues themselves. Our advice: Keep a personal hand sanitizer on you at all times and wear your gloves to touch as much as you can, which brings us to our next point…

3. Make sure to thoroughly clean clothing, including jackets and pants and gloves, that may have touched surfaces other people might have touched. Also, do not share helmets or any clothing that touches your mouth or nose, Dr. White advises. He also says to avoid the out-of-sight-out-of-mind places that may be overlooked during routine cleanings.

1. Ski goggles: Keep your peepers protected from the harsh rays, and anything else for that matter.

Shop ski goggles: Native Tenmile Snow Goggles ($129, now $90); Blenders JJ Pacific Aura ($95); Giro Semi Ski Goggles ($90); Kids’ Giro Rev Goggles ($45)

2. Ski masks: This season it goes on top of your PPE and keeps your face nice and toasty.

Shop ski masks: Pom-Pom Balaclava ($40); Achiou Balaclava Face Mask UV Protection Sun Hood Tactical ski ($10); Breathable Kids Balaclava Ski Mask ($15)

3. Ski helmet covers: Whether you want to protect your helmet from scratches or make a statement, these helmet covers will answer the call.

Shop ski helmet covers: MDXONE Kids Balaclava Over The Helmet Children face mask ($20); Pack of 3 Lycra Bandana Face Hat for Outdoor Airsoft Motorcycle Ski Mask Winter Sun Balaclava Black Tactical Hood Helmet ($10)

4. Ski face covers: Totally agree, you’ll look like a boss shredding down the mountain in one of these.

Shop ski face covers: Spyder Pivot Balaclava ($29); Buff Original Multifunctional Headwear (from $19); Smartwool Merino 250 Pattern Balaclava ($45)

5. Ski gloves: Protection for your paws, and a layer of safety between your fingers.

Shop ski gloves: Burton GORE-TEX Gloves (from $56); Helly Hansen ULLR Sogn HT Glove ($110); Flylow DB Glove ($55)

After thoroughly reviewing safety precautions and protocols, here are some of the best places to visit for the 2020 ski season. Keeping safety in mind, make sure to do advanced planning this ski season and evaluate the differences you’ll experience at each location.