Wolf Creek ski area



Wolf Creek Ski Area, CO – COVID-19 Closed but Hopeful StoryThis message comes after 47 days of Governor Polis’s COVID-19 ski area closures across the state of Colorado. Wolf Creek Ski Area understands the responsibility and decisions the Governor of Colorado must make on a daily basis and the ski area has complied to each and every order that was presented to not only businesses but to individuals as well.On April 26th the Safer at Home Order D 2020 044 outlined a new level in Colorado’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Wolf Creek at this time saw the potential to reopen skiing on a limited basis and proceeded on getting permissions to comply with the new state of Colorado guidelines.Davey Pitcher, CEO of Wolf Creek, put together both a COVID-19 Reopening/Operations Plan as well as COVID-19 Safety Guidelines for all Wolf Creek employees. This was received and approved by the US Forest Service. Discussions started with the ski area’s physician’s adviser (a highly qualified Emergency Room doctor) to review the opening plan. Patient capacities at the Rio Grande Hospital and Pagosa Springs Medical Center confirmed acceptance for any trauma patients that might need to be admitted along with Flight for Life and Reach Aircare. Conversations were positive and the ski area’s needs could be met without any complications.Wolf Creek then proceeded to be on the agenda for both the Mineral County and Archuleta County Commissioners. Meetings were had and both agencies reviewed WCSA COVID-19 Reopening/Operating plan and COVID-19 Employee Safety Guidelines and the plans were unanimously accepted. Wolf Creek Ski Area’s also had their general liability carrier review the plans and were enthusiastic about the limited opening. The only variance the ski area requested was the waiver on the 10- mile limit to recreation as set forth in the Safer at Home order. The request was submitted by the Silver Thread Health District on Wednesday, April 29th. During this time, Wolf Creek Ski Area sent out an on-line survey to all season passholders about the reopening. Out of the 800 surveyed; 168 responded positively to the reopening; 24 were not in favor.At 10:00 AM on April 30th, WCSA received a call from Melanie Mills, of CSCUSA in which Davey Pitcher, WCSA CEO was informed that Governor Polis’s office had a conference call with representatives from Vail and Arapahoe ski areas and various government agencies discussing the no downhill skiing closure. We are very disappointed and unsure as to why Wolf Creek Ski Area was not included in this very important phone call. The Executive Order Closing all Colorado Ski Areas until May 23rd, 2020 was not received until 9:00 PM on the evening of April the 30th.Wolf Creek would like to thank all of our guests, season passholders and employees for their patience and understanding during this confusing time. Wolf Creek will be working diligently to put safeguards in place that should allow for a great season in 2020-2021!Wolf Creek is NOT open at this time.WCSA COVID-19 Reopening/Operating PlanThis policy is in response to the local and global COVID-19 pandemic. This policy has been put in place as an effort to provide a safe and healthy environment for our guests, as well as reducing the risk of transferring or contracting any illness from one person to another unknowingly. This document and the policies within are subject to change based on the information provided by our local and state health officials. Information regarding COVID-19There is currently no vaccine to prevent COVID-19. The virus is thought to be spread by person-to-person contact, meaningBetween people who are in close contact with one another (within about 6 feet)Through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs, sneezes or talks.These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby or possibly beinhaled into the lungs.Studies have suggested that COVID-19 may be spread by people who are not showingsymptoms.Studies have suggested that COVID-19 can survive on glass and metal up to 5 days, onstainless steel and plastic up to 3 days (even out-of-doors, like on a gas nozzle). On wood,COVID-19 may last for up to 4 days and on cardboard up to 24 hours.Symptoms of COVID-19 includeFever (100.4 degrees F or more)CoughShortness of breath or difficulty breathingChillsRepeated shaking with chillsMuscle painHeadacheSore throatNew loss of smell or tasteWe ask that our guests and employees DO NOT come to Wolf Creek Ski Area if you are feeling ill, have a fever, flu like symptoms, or any of the symptoms listed above. If you begin to feel ill while you are at Wolf Creek Ski Area, please be courteous to those around you and vacate the premises. COVID-19 Suppression StandardsThe following Covid-19 protocols are being implemented in order to help protect our guests and provide a safe recreational environment.Skier Visitation Limits and ControlsWCSA will have the following skier visitation limits implemented.Season pass holders limited to 500 existing pass holders per day. Online reservations required 24 hrs. in advance.Day pass skiers limited to 120 guests per day on a first come first served basis. Online reservations required 24 hrs. in advance.Online reservation deadline of 2 pm on the previous day.Social (Physical) DistancingCars will be parked further apart in the parking lot than normal to allow guest to safely social distance from each other while at their vehicles.No gatherings of more than 10 people will be permitted in parking lot, Base area, or on the slopes.Day use guests will be parked in a separate lot from season pass holders.Day use guests will pick up will-call tickets at the Ticket Office. Guests will be required to follow strict social distancing rules while in line of standing 6 feet apart and are required to wear a face covering. There will not be any shuttle service at this time. Guests will have to walk to the ticket office or can walk directly to the lifts.Season passholders are considered to be on “direct to skiing” basis, limiting their contact with ticket office staff, and will be required to go directly to lifts.Passholders and day use guests will need to present their pass to the lift attendant for scanning. No attendant will reach for a guests pass.Social Distancing of 6 feet or greater in the lift line will be required.Lift mazes/bases will be divided into 2 lines, one for families and one for singles, based on the capacity of each lift. Lift lines will be extended to accommodate social distancing standards. One person per chair with the exception that family units that live in the same household can ride together.Outdoor decks will be closed. Restrooms will be limited to a maximum of 10 people at a time.Face CoveringFace coverings will be required for all parking lot, lift lines, First Aid Room, and restroom use. Face coverings should fit comfortably around the nose and mouth with minimal gaps.Food and Beverage ServicesAt this time there will be no food and beverage services provided by WCSA, pending changes to state and local mandates.WCSA recommends that all guests bring their own snacks, lunch, beverages, etc. and consume said items at their vehicles. Please bring your own water, as there will not be access to the water fountains in the lodges. Strict social distancing will be required in the parking lot. All outdoor decks and picnic tables will be closed to the public. Restroom Cleaning Procedures While Open to PublicWCSA will have the following restrooms available for public use during operating hours.Base CampProspectorUpper LodgeExterior access restroom in Lynx building (south side)Alberta Meadow facilityRestrooms will receive a Dust Down cleaning every hour by trained custodial professionals. Dust Down cleaning consists of all contact surfaces (i.e. toilets, sinks, towel dispensers, door handles, etc.) being sprayed with bleach solution of 5 tablespoons (1/3 cup) bleach per gallon of water or 4 teaspoons bleach per quart of water, until wet. Surfaces will be left to sit for at least 5 minutes with bleach solution intact and will then be wiped down with disposable towels.Restrooms capacity will be limited to no more than 10 people at a time with signage posted on exterior doors. WCSA is dedicated to providing a healthy, safe, and fun recreational environment for our guest. This policy is in place to protect our guests and shared spaces from illness. The COVID-19 pandemic is dynamic in nature therefore, this policy is subject to change. WCSA will keep our guests as up to date as possible on changing policies and procedures. ................
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