Covid-19 Operating Procedures
October 21 2021 Update-
As the temperatures and the leaves drop across the Roaring Fork Valley and we prepare for our 2021-2022 winter season, our goal is to get open, stay open, operate at full capacity, and keep our community safe in celebration of our 75th Anniversary. In order to do that, we will be implementing the below rules throughout our resort and ask that our guests familiarize themselves with these guidelines before visiting.
As the temperatures and the leaves drop across the Roaring Fork Valley and we prepare for our 2021-2022 winter season, our goal is to get open, stay open, operate at full capacity, and keep our community safe in celebration of our 75th Anniversary. In order to do that, we will be implementing the below rules throughout our resort and ask that our guests familiarize themselves with these guidelines before visiting.
2021-2022 Covid-19 Guidelines
Vaccination Requirements
All employees of Aspen Skiing Company are required to be fully vaccinated in order to work. Aspen Skiing Company employees with valid, company recognized religious and medical exceptions will be required to provide a negative Covid-19 test on a weekly basis.
While all guests visiting Aspen, and the entire Roaring Fork Valley, are strongly encouraged to get vaccinated, they are not required for lift access or Ski & Snowboard School lessons, or in market-style restaurants, rental shops or ticket offices.
Guests aged 12 and over will be required to show proof of vaccination—either with an approved physical vaccine card or an approved vaccine verification application—and proof of identity at the following locations and to participate in the following experiences:
Full-service fine dining (proof of vaccination required prior to being seated):
- Powder Tours (proof of vaccination required at the start of the day).
- Aspen Mountain Club and Snowmass Mountain Club locker room and dining areas (proof of vaccination required before entry).
- Equipment rental deliveries from Aspen Skiing Company’s Four Mountain Sports to homes or lodging locations (acknowledgment of vaccination at time of purchase and proof verified at delivery).
- Contained venues for large-scale events (proof of vaccination will be required upon entry).
- Participatory events with 50+ athletes will be evaluated as the season evolves. Athletes will need to comply with requirements of special event organizers when not owned by Aspen Skiing Company, such as USSA, USASA, NNC, etc.
Vaccines are not required for:
While all guests visiting Aspen, and the entire Roaring Fork Valley, are strongly encouraged to get vaccinated, they are not required for lift access or Ski & Snowboard School lessons, or in market-style restaurants, rental shops or ticket offices.
Guests aged 12 and over will be required to show proof of vaccination—either with an approved physical vaccine card or an approved vaccine verification application—and proof of identity at the following locations and to participate in the following experiences:
Full-service fine dining (proof of vaccination required prior to being seated):
- Cloud Nine (including the outdoor deck area)
- Alpin Room Restaurant at High Alpine
- Sam’s Restaurant (for sit-down dining access)
- Lynn Britt Cabin (indoor dining area)
- Limelight Aspen
- Limelight Snowmass
- Limelight Ketchum
- The Little Nell
- Powder Tours (proof of vaccination required at the start of the day).
- Aspen Mountain Club and Snowmass Mountain Club locker room and dining areas (proof of vaccination required before entry).
- Equipment rental deliveries from Aspen Skiing Company’s Four Mountain Sports to homes or lodging locations (acknowledgment of vaccination at time of purchase and proof verified at delivery).
- Contained venues for large-scale events (proof of vaccination will be required upon entry).
- Participatory events with 50+ athletes will be evaluated as the season evolves. Athletes will need to comply with requirements of special event organizers when not owned by Aspen Skiing Company, such as USSA, USASA, NNC, etc.
Vaccines are not required for:
- Lift Access
- Ski and Snowboard lessons
- Uphill Pass
- Market-Style Restaurants
- Rental Shops
- Ticket Offices
Mask Requirements
All indoor locations will require masks for both vaccinated and unvaccinated guests. Masks must meet CDC guidelines—no single layer buffs or perforated masks. Gondola cabins and tent areas (except when two or more sides are open) will be treated as indoor spaces and masks will be required.
While guests are encouraged to wear masks wherever their personal comfort suggests throughout outdoor locations, masks will not be required in outdoor areas such as lift lines unless mandated by local ordinance.
While guests are encouraged to wear masks wherever their personal comfort suggests throughout outdoor locations, masks will not be required in outdoor areas such as lift lines unless mandated by local ordinance.
Social Distancing
Guests are encouraged to utilize online commerce wherever feasible to reduce lines. For in-person transactions, plexiglass shields will be required at all point of sale and check-in locations other than hotels.
Where feasible, “ghost lanes” will be provided in lift lines to encourage social distancing.
Currently, there are no plans to operate at reduced capacity in stores, restaurants, or other publicly accessible areas other than reductions due to spacing and capacity requirements put in place by local ordinance.
The company retains the option to change these rules if required by local, state, or federal restrictions or developing operational needs.
Where feasible, “ghost lanes” will be provided in lift lines to encourage social distancing.
Currently, there are no plans to operate at reduced capacity in stores, restaurants, or other publicly accessible areas other than reductions due to spacing and capacity requirements put in place by local ordinance.
The company retains the option to change these rules if required by local, state, or federal restrictions or developing operational needs.
Refund Policy
If we are shut down due to Covid-19 for 10 or more days of the season, we will issue refunds, prorated for each day we are fully shut down compared to our published season dates, for all passes, except the Valley Pass.
Our published season dates are November 25, 2021 through April 17, 2022. For example, if we are forced to shut down entirely for a total of 25% of the days during our published season dates, then passholders would receive a 25% refund.
All passes, including Valley Passes, may be subject to a reservation system. Refunds will not be issued in the event we implement a reservation system regardless of whether you are able to obtain a reservation for your desired days.
Completely unused lift tickets are fully refundable, and the remaining dollar value on partially-used lift tickets are eligible for in-resort credit, usable for the remainder of the current season as well as next season.
Our published season dates are November 25, 2021 through April 17, 2022. For example, if we are forced to shut down entirely for a total of 25% of the days during our published season dates, then passholders would receive a 25% refund.
All passes, including Valley Passes, may be subject to a reservation system. Refunds will not be issued in the event we implement a reservation system regardless of whether you are able to obtain a reservation for your desired days.
Completely unused lift tickets are fully refundable, and the remaining dollar value on partially-used lift tickets are eligible for in-resort credit, usable for the remainder of the current season as well as next season.
For full details regarding Pitkin County's response to Covid-19, click here.
Frequently Asked Questions
COVID-19 FAQ
Q: Where is proof of vaccination required?
A:
- Full-service fine dining (proof of vaccination required prior to being seated)
- Powder Tours (proof of vaccination required at the start of the day).
- Aspen Mountain Club and Snowmass Mountain Club locker room and dining areas (proof of vaccination required before entry).
-Equipment rental deliveries from Aspen Skiing Company’s Four Mountain Sports to homes or lodging locations (acknowledgment of vaccination at time of purchase and proof verified at delivery).
- Contained venues for large-scale events (proof of vaccination will be required upon entry).
- Participatory events with 50+ athletes will be evaluated as the season evolves. Athletes will need to comply with requirements of special event organizers when not owned by Aspen Skiing Company, such as USSA, USASA, NNC, etc.
Q: What is accepted as proof of vaccination?
A: A properly completed CDC vaccination card, a digital card on a state or federal approved vaccination phone application, or a legible photo of your completed CDC vaccination card with matching photo ID. International visitors must show proof accepted by U.S Customs and Immigration. Vaccination documentation must match provided government issues identification.
Q: What vaccines are accepted?
A: Any of the 7 vaccines currently approved by the World Health Organization (WHO) are accepted. These are Moderna, Pfizer/BioNTech, Johnson & Johnson, Oxford/AstraZeneca, Serum Institute of India. Covishield, Sinopharm, and Sinovac. We will update this list with any changes, however we recommend checking the WHO and CDC websites for the most up to date information..
Q: What if I only have one of the required two vaccine shots?
A: For facilities, experiences, products, and services requiring vaccination, guests must be fully vaccinated, including both doses if two shots are required.
Q: Do I have to be “fully vaccinated,” including the 2-week waiting period after the last shot?
A: For facilities, experiences, products, and services requiring vaccination, guests must be fully vaccinated, including the 2-week waiting period.
Q: Do I need a booster shot in order to meet the vaccine requirement?
A: No. Currently, the CDC does not require booster vaccines, even if recommended, in order to meet the definition of “fully vaccinated.”
Q: Can I test out of the vaccine requirement?
A: No. For facilities, experiences, products and services requiring vaccination, guests must be fully vaccinated, no testing option will be allowed. We do allow a test out option for people participating in private events in our facilities. Attendees must be fully vaccinated or provide proof of a negative test within the previous 72 hours.
Q: What if the vaccine wasn’t available to me in my home country?
A: For facilities, experiences, products, and services requiring vaccination, guests must be fully vaccinated, exceptions due to lack of availability will not be allowed.
Q: Do children under the age of 12 have to be vaccinated?
A: No, since the vaccine requirements are rapidly evolving, we wanted to give guests the ability to make advanced plans without the uncertainty of vaccine guidelines for children under the age of 12. If vaccines are approved for children under the age of 12, we would strongly encourage our under-12-year-old guests to get vaccinated.
Q: What requirements do unvaccinated children have to follow?
A: Masks are required for all guests when they are indoors, per local regulations. This applies to all children over the age of 2.
Q: Why do I have to wear a mask indoors if I am vaccinated?
A: Local health ordinances require the use of approved masks while indoors, except when seated for dining and when in a private dwelling or hotel room. While businesses in Pitkin County may apply for an exemption to this requirement if they can confirm that 100% of employees and guests in a location are vaccinated, ASC will not be checking vaccination status for guests accessing restrooms and using locations for warming.
Q: Can I ride in a gondola by myself or with just members of my group?
A: We are planning on opening at full capacity to ensure an enjoyable experience for our guests. Lift attendants will try to accommodate requests if lift lines are open and lift attendants can do so without affecting other users. All terrain across the four mountains at Aspen Snowmass can be accessed via chair lift for guests who do not feel comfortable riding in a gondola with others.
Q: Do I need a vaccine to buy a lift ticket and ski or ride?
A: No. While Aspen Skiing Company strongly recommends that all guests get vaccinated against Covid-19, proof of vaccine is not required to ski and ride. Since skiing and riding occurs in an outdoor setting, where the risk of disease transmission is significantly lower, vaccines are not required. Please note that vaccines are required to access certain on-mountain venues so plan accordingly.
Q: Do I need to be vaccinated in order to take a ski or snowboard lesson?
A: No. While Aspen Skiing Company strongly recommends that all guests get vaccinated against Covid-19, our ski schools have developed a number of effective policies and procedures to minimize the risk to ski school participants. Most of the activities are done outdoors and mitigations are in place to minimize the risk when indoors. Please note that vaccines are required to access certain on-mountain venues so plan accordingly.
Q: Can I request a “vaccinated only” group lesson?
A: No, guests have the option of purchasing a private lesson, that can include up to 5 guests of their choosing, if they feel strongly about being in a lesson with only vaccinated people.
Q: Can I request a vaccinated ski instructor?
A: Yes, all of our employees will be required to be vaccinated this Winter. There may be a few instructors who are granted a medical or religious exemption. The ski school will be able to ensure you have a vaccinated instructor if requested.
Q: What other steps is Aspen Snowmass taking to ensure a safe experience?
A: The availability of an effective vaccine and the high rate of vaccination within our community has had a big impact on reducing the risk of Covid infections. In addition, Aspen Snowmass is continuing to follow many practices implemented successfully last season. In addition to the indoor mask requirement, we will continue to implement social distancing, hands-free services, and regular cleaning of surfaces. We also have effective response procedures in place at our hotels to manage guests who get sick while staying with us.
Q: Am I allowed to eat in on-mountain restaurants without proof of vaccination?
A: Yes, only our full-service fine dining locations will have the vaccine requirement. Our walk-up service restaurants like Bumps, Elk Camp, and the Sundeck will provide service without a proof of vaccine. Note that masks will be required when indoors, except when seated and eating. Outdoor deck seating will be available throughout the resort for those uncomfortable eating indoors.
Q: Are there any requirements for restaurants and hotels other than those operated by Aspen Snowmass?
A: You will need to check with those establishments for their policies. We are aware that some are requiring vaccines while others are not. There is not a local health regulation requiring proof of vaccine so it is up to the business’s discretion.
Q: If I already have a reservation and do not plan on getting vaccinated, is my reservation still valid?
A: Please reference our cancellation policy for details. For guests with Little Nell or Limelight reservations made prior to October 21, 2021 may be canceled without penalty before November 15. For reservations made after October 21, 2021, the current cancellation policies will apply. View Limelight policies here and The Little Nell policies here.
Q: Are there any other requirements that guests should know about before traveling to Aspen Snowmass?
A: There are additional requirements that Pitkin County has implemented related to Covid. The county requires masks be worn whenever you are indoors with the exception of when you are seated for dining and eating. For up-to-date guidance regarding this County effort, please check the Pitkin County website.
A:
- Full-service fine dining (proof of vaccination required prior to being seated)
- Cloud Nine (including the outdoor deck area)
- Alpin Room Restaurant at High Alpine
- Sam’s Restaurant (for sit-down dining access)
- Lynn Britt Cabin (indoor dining area)
- Limelight Aspen
- Limelight Snowmass
- Limelight Ketchum
- The Little Nell
- Powder Tours (proof of vaccination required at the start of the day).
- Aspen Mountain Club and Snowmass Mountain Club locker room and dining areas (proof of vaccination required before entry).
-Equipment rental deliveries from Aspen Skiing Company’s Four Mountain Sports to homes or lodging locations (acknowledgment of vaccination at time of purchase and proof verified at delivery).
- Contained venues for large-scale events (proof of vaccination will be required upon entry).
- Participatory events with 50+ athletes will be evaluated as the season evolves. Athletes will need to comply with requirements of special event organizers when not owned by Aspen Skiing Company, such as USSA, USASA, NNC, etc.
Q: What is accepted as proof of vaccination?
A: A properly completed CDC vaccination card, a digital card on a state or federal approved vaccination phone application, or a legible photo of your completed CDC vaccination card with matching photo ID. International visitors must show proof accepted by U.S Customs and Immigration. Vaccination documentation must match provided government issues identification.
Q: What vaccines are accepted?
A: Any of the 7 vaccines currently approved by the World Health Organization (WHO) are accepted. These are Moderna, Pfizer/BioNTech, Johnson & Johnson, Oxford/AstraZeneca, Serum Institute of India. Covishield, Sinopharm, and Sinovac. We will update this list with any changes, however we recommend checking the WHO and CDC websites for the most up to date information..
Q: What if I only have one of the required two vaccine shots?
A: For facilities, experiences, products, and services requiring vaccination, guests must be fully vaccinated, including both doses if two shots are required.
Q: Do I have to be “fully vaccinated,” including the 2-week waiting period after the last shot?
A: For facilities, experiences, products, and services requiring vaccination, guests must be fully vaccinated, including the 2-week waiting period.
Q: Do I need a booster shot in order to meet the vaccine requirement?
A: No. Currently, the CDC does not require booster vaccines, even if recommended, in order to meet the definition of “fully vaccinated.”
Q: Can I test out of the vaccine requirement?
A: No. For facilities, experiences, products and services requiring vaccination, guests must be fully vaccinated, no testing option will be allowed. We do allow a test out option for people participating in private events in our facilities. Attendees must be fully vaccinated or provide proof of a negative test within the previous 72 hours.
Q: What if the vaccine wasn’t available to me in my home country?
A: For facilities, experiences, products, and services requiring vaccination, guests must be fully vaccinated, exceptions due to lack of availability will not be allowed.
Q: Do children under the age of 12 have to be vaccinated?
A: No, since the vaccine requirements are rapidly evolving, we wanted to give guests the ability to make advanced plans without the uncertainty of vaccine guidelines for children under the age of 12. If vaccines are approved for children under the age of 12, we would strongly encourage our under-12-year-old guests to get vaccinated.
Q: What requirements do unvaccinated children have to follow?
A: Masks are required for all guests when they are indoors, per local regulations. This applies to all children over the age of 2.
Q: Why do I have to wear a mask indoors if I am vaccinated?
A: Local health ordinances require the use of approved masks while indoors, except when seated for dining and when in a private dwelling or hotel room. While businesses in Pitkin County may apply for an exemption to this requirement if they can confirm that 100% of employees and guests in a location are vaccinated, ASC will not be checking vaccination status for guests accessing restrooms and using locations for warming.
Q: Can I ride in a gondola by myself or with just members of my group?
A: We are planning on opening at full capacity to ensure an enjoyable experience for our guests. Lift attendants will try to accommodate requests if lift lines are open and lift attendants can do so without affecting other users. All terrain across the four mountains at Aspen Snowmass can be accessed via chair lift for guests who do not feel comfortable riding in a gondola with others.
Q: Do I need a vaccine to buy a lift ticket and ski or ride?
A: No. While Aspen Skiing Company strongly recommends that all guests get vaccinated against Covid-19, proof of vaccine is not required to ski and ride. Since skiing and riding occurs in an outdoor setting, where the risk of disease transmission is significantly lower, vaccines are not required. Please note that vaccines are required to access certain on-mountain venues so plan accordingly.
Q: Do I need to be vaccinated in order to take a ski or snowboard lesson?
A: No. While Aspen Skiing Company strongly recommends that all guests get vaccinated against Covid-19, our ski schools have developed a number of effective policies and procedures to minimize the risk to ski school participants. Most of the activities are done outdoors and mitigations are in place to minimize the risk when indoors. Please note that vaccines are required to access certain on-mountain venues so plan accordingly.
Q: Can I request a “vaccinated only” group lesson?
A: No, guests have the option of purchasing a private lesson, that can include up to 5 guests of their choosing, if they feel strongly about being in a lesson with only vaccinated people.
Q: Can I request a vaccinated ski instructor?
A: Yes, all of our employees will be required to be vaccinated this Winter. There may be a few instructors who are granted a medical or religious exemption. The ski school will be able to ensure you have a vaccinated instructor if requested.
Q: What other steps is Aspen Snowmass taking to ensure a safe experience?
A: The availability of an effective vaccine and the high rate of vaccination within our community has had a big impact on reducing the risk of Covid infections. In addition, Aspen Snowmass is continuing to follow many practices implemented successfully last season. In addition to the indoor mask requirement, we will continue to implement social distancing, hands-free services, and regular cleaning of surfaces. We also have effective response procedures in place at our hotels to manage guests who get sick while staying with us.
Q: Am I allowed to eat in on-mountain restaurants without proof of vaccination?
A: Yes, only our full-service fine dining locations will have the vaccine requirement. Our walk-up service restaurants like Bumps, Elk Camp, and the Sundeck will provide service without a proof of vaccine. Note that masks will be required when indoors, except when seated and eating. Outdoor deck seating will be available throughout the resort for those uncomfortable eating indoors.
Q: Are there any requirements for restaurants and hotels other than those operated by Aspen Snowmass?
A: You will need to check with those establishments for their policies. We are aware that some are requiring vaccines while others are not. There is not a local health regulation requiring proof of vaccine so it is up to the business’s discretion.
Q: If I already have a reservation and do not plan on getting vaccinated, is my reservation still valid?
A: Please reference our cancellation policy for details. For guests with Little Nell or Limelight reservations made prior to October 21, 2021 may be canceled without penalty before November 15. For reservations made after October 21, 2021, the current cancellation policies will apply. View Limelight policies here and The Little Nell policies here.
Q: Are there any other requirements that guests should know about before traveling to Aspen Snowmass?
A: There are additional requirements that Pitkin County has implemented related to Covid. The county requires masks be worn whenever you are indoors with the exception of when you are seated for dining and eating. For up-to-date guidance regarding this County effort, please check the Pitkin County website.
Cancellation Policy
Winter: All completely unused lift tickets, lessons*, and equipment rentals* are fully refundable. To request a refund, please call us at (877) 412-7823 and have your order confirmation number aaspenable.
* Some products require 48 hour notice of cancellation
View full cancellation policies here.
* Some products require 48 hour notice of cancellation
View full cancellation policies here.