As we make our descent from the sweltering heat of summer into the cooler months with no clear end in sight for COVID-19, you may find yourself wondering how the 2020/21 ski season will be affected. From uncertainties about employment and finances to travel restrictions and state quarantine requirements, the decision of whether or not you should purchase a ski pass or skip it altogether can be a tough one to make.
Not to fret! There is still hope for an epic 2020/21 ski season. Major resorts and resort operators have taken these factors into strong consideration and have shifted the makeup of some of the most popular seasonal passes on the market today, doing everything within their power to give skiers and riders the best of both worlds no matter what the future holds.
Pass Insurance & Extended Deadlines
Resorts and ski resort operators have been working diligently to bring skiers and riders the opportunity to secure season passes without fear of losing money should they not be able to partake in the 2020/21 season through new pass insurances and gracious deadline extensions.
Through their multi-resort pass product, Epic Pass, Vail Resort is crediting 2019/20 season pass holders a percentage of last season’s pass to put towards the 2020/21 season and extending credit usage deadline to September 7th, 2020. Epic pass is also offering 100% refund coverage free for all pass holders in the event of illness, job loss, and injury while promising to protect pass holders from COVID-19 related resort closures.
Epic Pass’s top competitor, Ikon Pass, is also offering a discounted pass with an extended deadline to give skiers and riders more time to make a decision. If mountain-goers are to purchase their 2020/21 pass and decide not to use it, they can transfer the pass into the 2021/22 season at no extra charge.
Whether you’re planning to buy a season pass or hit the mountain a few times this season you can rest assured knowing resorts are taking the utmost caution to protect skiers and riders on the mountain and in the lodge. While skiing and snowboarding are a naturally socially distanced activity, it’s still wise to avoid big crowds and maintain social distancing measures whenever possible. Gearing up with heated base layers and a heated jacket can help mitigate the need to warm up inside the lodge (not to mention they feel great on a cold day). Stock up on all your cold-weather gear from Gobi Heat® and be ready to ride when the mountains call.