Ski Utah announces changes for 2021 season
Nov 15, 2021, 4:33 PM | Updated: 8:47 pm
SALT LAKE CITY – Utah’s ski resorts have been planning how to follow up the record-setting 2020 season as they figure out the pandemic, constant traffic problems, and other issues.
Ski Utah announced one major improvement Monday and major improvement will allow chairlifts to run at full capacity again.
Despite the pandemic, the 2020 season set an all-time high number of skier visits at 5.3 million around the state.
Some COVID-19 protocols will stay in place like asking people to mask up inside.
Some individual resorts places might require vaccines. For instance, Park City will require vaccine proof at café-style restaurants like Miners Club and Summit House.
On Dec. 18 Alta will require paid parking on weekends and holidays. That will include people who are not even using the resort.
They’ve asked to build more parking lots but the forestry service denied the request.
Now there is growing support from some resort managers for a controversial proposed Gondola up Little Cottonwood Canyon to relieve congested traffic in the area.
This morning @SkiUtah holding a press conference talking 2021-2022 ski season.
Details on #KSLTV pic.twitter.com/FF4YhduIME
— Derek Petersen (@Derek_Photog) November 15, 2021
“It’s just changing. Everything is changing. Salt Lake is growing,” said Andrea Huskinson a spokeswoman for Alta. “And so, unfortunately, growing pains come along with it so we have to change how we do things and get to the ski area.”
Little Cottonwood Canyon was closed for days earlier this year while crews worked on avalanche control.
The threat of avalanches is always a concern and Alta has installed more precise equipment.
“They’re now installing devices that they can use as remote controls,” Huskinson said.
New lifts are coming to Snowbasin Resort & Sundance Resort and Brighton Resort announced expanded night-skiing with plans to add lights on another lift.
