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Two of the nation’s largest ski franchises — Vail Resorts and Alterra — announced the suspension of operations at 52 resorts across the country late Saturday.
Both resorts cited the COVID-19 pandemic and concern for the health of their patrons and employees.
Alterra, which owns 15 resorts nationwide, is closing Sugarbush Resort and Stratton Mountain Resort “until further notice.”
Vail is reassessing the situation over the next eight days to determine whether to keep Okemo Mountain Resort, Mount Snow and Stowe Mountain Resort, among 37 ski areas it owns in the U.S. and Canada, open for the remainder of the spring season.
In separate, but nearly simultaneous announcements, CEOs for both companies cited the COVID-19 pandemic.
At Sugarbush and Stratton, the closing is effective immediately for lift operations, restaurants, and retail sales.
Rusty Gregory, CEO of Alterra, apologized for the short notice in an email to passholders and other guests. The resort will refund people who have booked hotels and other activities at the company’s resorts.
“We anticipate heavy call volume over the next several days and appreciate guests’ patience as we work hard to respond to all inquiries,” Gregory said. “I sincerely apologize for the inconvenience this short notice will undoubtedly create. We look forward to welcoming you back to the mountains as circumstances improve.”
The CEO of Vail, Rob Katz, said the decision to put the Vail resorts on hiatus “provides a pause for the entire ecosystem of our mountain resort communities,” and gives the company time to “assess the situation, respond to ever-changing developments, and evaluate the approach for the rest of season, if we believe it is advisable or feasible to re-open.”
“Our priority is to minimize any additional issues from operating in further uncertainty and to avoid potential crowding,” Katz continued.
Vail employees will be paid during the temporary closing period.
“We – like the rest of the world – have been closely tracking every new development related to coronavirus (COVID-19) and have been in constant contact with local health officials for guidance,” Katz continued. “Without question, our top priority has been the health and wellbeing of our guests and employees – and to no lesser extent the health and wellbeing of the communities where we operate. We know each decision we make has a broad impact far beyond our operations.”
Katz promised to update Vail employees, passholders and guests with a final decision on Friday.
Season passes and Epic Day Passes are non-refundable and “not transferable to another season,” Katz wrote. The CEO said the company will be reviewing policies for passes and would provide updated information in the next few weeks.
The announcement comes on the heels of closings at other ski areas and resorts in Vermont this past week due to the COVID-19 pandemic, including Jay Peak Resort, Burke Mountain, Killington Resorts and the Middlebury Ski Bowl.
