I think it's fair to say that the U.S. ski season is over for 2019-20. Or at least will be after March 15. A few destination resorts are running lifts today. Bottom line is that COVID-19 is spreading rapidly in all states, in particular in WA, CA, CO, UT. Every state has at least a few detected cases, and probably lots of undetected cases given that testing only ramped up recently.
Colorado announced the death of a local woman yesterday morning. The Gov. of CO used an executive order to close all ski areas/resorts later in the day. CO has more than one outbreak, with one based in Aspen and another based at Vail.
Ski Utah posted announcements in the last few days as Utah ski areas/resorts decided to close. Powder Mountain is trying to stay open with special limitations on numbers and limited services to indoor spaces. We'll see how long that lasts.
Vail Resorts and Alterra announced closings on March 14. Boyne Resorts announced suspensions on March 15. Haven't seen a general announcement for Powdr but Killington/Pico is closed.
No slopes will be open in NC or VA after today. My guess is that will be true in WV and PA as well but haven't been following that closely.
If you haven't read about it yet, please take a look at the Flatten The Curve website. Scroll down to the bottom for Do's and Don'ts, although I would guess that DCSki folks already know how to avoid getting sick by washing their hands.
https://www.flattenthecurve.com
This certainly has turned out to be one of the worst ski seasons in my lifetime. First the weather which was so awful this Winter and now all of these closures. Of course there are far bigger things in life than skiing and pray for the health of everyone impacted by this virus and for all of those that are impacted financially by it. So many workers in the ski industry are going to be impacted by these early closures and they are not people that will get "sick leave" that the government is promising for those that have to stay home. I just hope for everyone's sake (once we get through this awful time) that next Winter is a better one for everyone.
Here is something I found and sent to my family.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kas0tIxDvrg
The factor E (number of contacts that each infected person makes) accounts for social density. Look at what it does to the curve. It has a very sensitive effect. It is also the only factor over which we have that much control. if you must go out and contact others be religious about hand washing. My guess, which is no better or worse than anyone else, is that the curve will begin to bend over in 3-6 weeks.
Stay well,
This article includes a simulation that runs fresh every time someone accesses it. Generates What If scenarios and you can see the "infection" spread. At the end, can see the difference in the curves. Do nothing means a high peak early (many deaths). Good social distancing flattens the curve signficantly.
March 14, 2020, Washington Post
Why outbreaks like coronavirus spread exponentially, and how to “flatten the curve”
https://www.washingtonpost.com/graphics/2020/world/corona-simulator
Here's the most practical advice I've come across. Was posted in another regional ski forum.
Advice from a nurse, home care preparation and advice when sick with COVID-19 at home
Copied from Facebook - I thought this was very good:
Good advice from a nurse - if you should get the virus: I know we’re all tired of hearing/talking about it, but one thing I HAVEN’T really seen going around is advice for what happens if you DO get coronavirus (many of us will), we're only seeing advice for how to try to AVOID it. So as your friendly neighborhood RN, a wee thread:
Things you should *actually* buy ahead of time (Erm, not sure what the obsession with toilet paper is?): Kleenex, Acetaminophen (Tylenol) in 325 mg tablets, Ibuprofen (Advil) in 200 mg tablets, Mucinex, Robitussin or DayQuil/NyQuil, whatever your cough medicine of choice is.
If you don’t have a humidifier, that would also be a good thing to get. (You can also just turn the shower on hot and sit in the bathroom breathing in the steam). Also a good time to make a big batch of your favorite soup to freeze and have on hand.
If you have a history of asthma and you have a prescription inhaler, make sure the one you have isn’t expired and refill it/get a new one if it is.
You basically just want to prepare as though you know you’re going to get a nasty respiratory bug like bronchitis or pneumonia. You just have the foresight to know it’s coming.
For symptom management, use the meds I mentioned. For a fever over 101, alternate Tylenol and Advil so you’re taking a dose of one or the other every 3 hours. Use both cough suppressants and expectorants (most cough meds have both). Drink a ton, hydrate hydrate. Rest lots.
If you're sick, you should not be leaving your house except to go to the doctor, and if you do, wear a mask (regular is fine, you don’t need an N95). You DO NOT NEED TO GO TO THE ER unless you are having trouble breathing or your fever is very high and unmanaged with meds.
90% of healthy adult cases thus far have been managed at home with basic rest/hydration/over-the-counter meds. We don’t want to clog the ERs unless you’re actually in distress. The hospital beds will be used for people who apamctively need oxygen/breathing treatments/IV fluids.
If you have a pre-existing lung condition (COPD, emphysema, lung cancer) or are on immunosuppressants, now is a great time to talk to your PCP or specialist about what they would like you to do if you get sick. They might have plans to get you admitted and bypass the ER entirely.
One major relief to you parents is that kids do VERY well with coronavirus”” they usually bounce back in a few days, no one under 18 has died, and almost no kids have required hospitalization (unless they have a lung disease like CF).
Just use pediatric dosing of the same meds.
(If you want to share, copy and paste.)
Denis wrote:
Here is something I found and sent to my family.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kas0tIxDvrg
The factor E (number of contacts that each infected person makes) accounts for social density. Look at what it does to the curve. It has a very sensitive effect. It is also the only factor over which we have that much control. if you must go out and contact others be religious about hand washing. My guess, which is no better or worse than anyone else, is that the curve will begin to bend over in 3-6 weeks.
Stay well,
A little on the geeky side, but that works for me. Definitely a solid explanation that good for people who are visual learners.
I'll be passing it on.
A strange end to a weird season. Transitioned to the off season this weekend - went for a bike ride with the kids, went for a good run, grilled twice. Tomorrow I start working from home. Stay safe, everyone - I hope we can make some turns together next season.
Greek Peak is still open, I am hoping Killington opens again as scheduled, in times like these theirs nothing like hitting the slopes to get people in a healthy state of mind.
I don't understand insisting the seaon is over and don't think this is the place to spread panic, its an outdoor sport the Beast has enough base to last till June, easy to keep distance, I see much worse personal contact at the grocery stores where people are not covered in as many layers as you wear skiing
with obesity on the increase we need to keep people active
Vermont, I don't think you grasp the enormity of the situation. All well and good if you are young and healthy but what if you are an asymptomatic carrier? What if your idea of social distancing is to stay away from everyone at a major destination resort doesn't really work. You never use the rest rooms, never use the lodge, never touch a chairlift, or an unwanted rider never hops on the lift with you? Come on now, get real. Killington will not reopen, none of the resorts closed will reopen. Many have said as much. It would be the height of social irresponsibility to reopen.
I guess this pandemic won't become real for most people until they contract the virus or know someone who has. People like my wife are at high risk and it could be fatal for her. Stay home, the season is over. Practice social distancing and wash hands often. It's not about "a healthy state of mind". It's about staying healthy and for a lot of people, staying alive.
Vermont wrote:
Greek Peak is still open, I am hoping Killington opens again as scheduled, in times like these theirs nothing like hitting the slopes to get people in a healthy state of mind.
I don't understand insisting the seaon is over and don't think this is the place to spread panic, its an outdoor sport the Beast has enough base to last till June, easy to keep distance, I see much worse personal contact at the grocery stores where people are not covered in as many layers as you wear skiing
with obesity on the increase we need to keep people active
Please take a look at this article from VT about the reasons the ski resorts had to close for the good of public health in N. America.
March 15, VT Ski and Ride
https://vtskiandride.com/how-the-resort-closings-happened
Do you know how many people have died in Italy in the last month because of COVID-19? In the last week? Can you imagine one hospital with 300 people in ICU because they can't breathe? Do you know how long a person with COVID-19 is contagious BEFORE they have any symptoms? Take a look at some articles about COVID in Colorado. Then perhaps you'll understand why Governors all over the U.S. are shutting down far more than ski resorts by executive order.
To keep things a little lighter, here is a comment from a colleague of mine who started boarding this year:
"I'm having a serious mood crash now that the season is over. Can't believe I gotta wait til next winter to go snowboarding again. You all just live with this every year?"
We have recommended a steady diet of mountain biking and kayaking.
marzNC wrote:
Vermont wrote:
Greek Peak is still open, I am hoping Killington opens again as scheduled, in times like these theirs nothing like hitting the slopes to get people in a healthy state of mind.
I don't understand insisting the seaon is over and don't think this is the place to spread panic, its an outdoor sport the Beast has enough base to last till June, easy to keep distance, I see much worse personal contact at the grocery stores where people are not covered in as many layers as you wear skiing
with obesity on the increase we need to keep people active
Please take a look at this article from VT about the reasons the ski resorts had to close for the good of public health in N. America.
March 15, VT Ski and Ride
https://vtskiandride.com/how-the-resort-closings-happened
Do you know how many people have died in Italy in the last month because of COVID-19? In the last week? Can you imagine one hospital with 300 people in ICU because they can't breathe? Do you know how long a person with COVID-19 is contagious BEFORE they have any symptoms? Take a look at some articles about COVID in Colorado. Then perhaps you'll understand why Governors all over the U.S. are shutting down far more than ski resorts by executive order.
"Far more then ski resorts" you took my interpitation of Killington's web site a little too far, chill out a bit.
I have been helping eldery locals, one 86 year old has to move out of her house that she just sold, her husband passed away last year, her relatives did not show this week to help because they are afraid of the virus, I fully understand what is going on, my job required me to breathe soot, saw dust and worse, I am in the catagory where you get it your gone it seems, but people need help, those people called their 85 year old relative and she of course said it was okay not to show up, for me that does not happen. That woman was a wreck!
another elderly local is retired cia she has respitory problems, I went to Fresh Foods for her meds, and whatever she needs, you don't call and ask vulnerable people you show up is how I was brought up.
as for thinking I am "young" look at my 40 year old picture and try being a little more aware next time.
Killington is the best for a reason, if anyone can do it they will is what I believe
Vermont wrote:
marzNC wrote:
Vermont wrote:
Greek Peak is still open, I am hoping Killington opens again as scheduled, in times like these theirs nothing like hitting the slopes to get people in a healthy state of mind.
I don't understand insisting the seaon is over and don't think this is the place to spread panic, its an outdoor sport the Beast has enough base to last till June, easy to keep distance, I see much worse personal contact at the grocery stores where people are not covered in as many layers as you wear skiing
with obesity on the increase we need to keep people active
Please take a look at this article from VT about the reasons the ski resorts had to close for the good of public health in N. America.
March 15, VT Ski and Ride
https://vtskiandride.com/how-the-resort-closings-happened
Do you know how many people have died in Italy in the last month because of COVID-19? In the last week? Can you imagine one hospital with 300 people in ICU because they can't breathe? Do you know how long a person with COVID-19 is contagious BEFORE they have any symptoms? Take a look at some articles about COVID in Colorado. Then perhaps you'll understand why Governors all over the U.S. are shutting down far more than ski resorts by executive order.
"Far more then ski resorts" you took my interpitation of Killington's web site a little too far, chill out a bit.
I have been helping eldery locals, one 86 year old has to move out of her house that she just sold, her husband passed away last year, her relatives did not show this week to help because they are afraid of the virus, I fully understand what is going on, my job required me to breathe soot, saw dust and worse, I am in the catagory where you get it your gone it seems, but people need help, those people called their 85 year old relative and she of course said it was okay not to show up, for me that does not happen. That woman was a wreck!
another elderly local is retired cia she has respitory problems, I went to Fresh Foods for her meds, and whatever she needs, you don't call and ask vulnerable people you show up is how I was brought up.
as for thinking I am "young" look at my 40 year old picture and try being a little more aware next time.
Killington is the best for a reason, if anyone can do it they will is what I believe
Saying on another ski blog that I said Killington would be open is spreading a lie, let the right people come up with solutions and then people can be ready to ski, I have skied Killington since 1976 they get stuff done up there and are flexible enough to get it done,
Sorry Vermont, have been dealing with too many situations where it's clear there are many people who are not taking the pandemic seriously. My husband is in a high risk group so I'm not as unbiased as I might be otherwise. Reading about Europe is scary.
In any case, here's another take on why people should think twice about driving to go skiing anywhere in a mountain town.
https://www.theskidiva.com/skiing-in-the-time-of-covid-19-part-2/
marzNC wrote:
Sorry Vermont, have been dealing with too many situations where it's clear there are many people who are not taking the pandemic seriously. My husband is in a high risk group so I'm not as unbiased as I might be otherwise. Reading about Europe is scary.
In any case, here's another take on why people should think twice about driving to go skiing anywhere in a mountain town.
https://www.theskidiva.com/skiing-in-the-time-of-covid-19-part-2/
Its cool Marz, this is a strange situation, I was running on hope, I got a mid week pass at Kiilington to save $, I am not making anything while this is happening and I don't have any way to recoup what I lose, around here (Fairfax county) theirs so many gov workers and people with jobs that don't have to worry since they will get paid eventually etc , fortunately I worked thru spring, summer and fall to be able to take week some days to ski, so that helps in this situation, landlord asked for increase in rent from 1000 to $1250 month, not even sure that is legal now as it seems to be taking advantage of this situation
this site is great, I have gotten lots of great info from you and everyone on this cool site!
My heart goes out to those who have lost jobs on account of this. For those who are young, and willing, a lot of jobs are coming open with Amazon warehouses and delivery, and probably other home delivery services, doordash, grub hub, etc. Everybody is ordering on line to avoid being in crowds. Those like me, in the 20% mortality group are particularly skittish. I have a prescription coming, with free delivery. The prescription is $1.90 and the pharmacy is 1/2 mile from my apartment. I will tip the driver $10.
Announcement below from Vail Resorts. Closing for the season, including all lodging, in the next few days.
From what I'm hearing, the few independent mountains that were thinking of staying open are announcing closures. That applies to Canada as well.
March 17, 2020
https://www.snow.com/info/vail-resorts-covid-19-resort-closing-update.aspx
THE COMPANY WILL CONSIDER REOPENING BRECKENRIDGE, HEAVENLY AND WHISTLER BLACKCOMB DEPENDENT ON THE SITUATION WITH COVID-19 AND WEATHER CONDITIONS
BROOMFIELD, Colo. ”” Mar. 17, 2020 ”” Vail Resorts announced today that all of its North American resorts and retail stores will remain closed for the 2019-20 winter ski season amidst the continued challenges associated with the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19). The decision follows the Company’s previously announced closure of its resorts from Sunday, March 15 through Sunday, March 22. The Company will consider reopening Breckenridge Ski Resort in Colorado, Heavenly Mountain Resort in Lake Tahoe and Whistler Blackcomb in British Columbia in late April/early May, dependent on the situation with COVID-19 as well as weather conditions.
Additionally, the Company’s owned and operated lodging properties will close on Friday, March 20, with final check-ins allowed until 4 p.m. MT today. Epic Mountain Express, the Company’s Colorado transportation service, will run through tomorrow, Wednesday, March 18. Both will remain closed until further notice.
“Our decision to end the season now is evidence of the fast-moving situation involving COVID-19, and it was not an easy one to make as we deeply considered the extended impact it will have on our guests, employees and communities,” said Rob Katz, chairman and chief executive officer of Vail Resorts. “While it is incredibly disappointing for our Company to mark the end of the season so early, we know it is the most responsible path forward.”
Guests can process refunds and credits on pre-purchased lift tickets, lodging, ski and ride school, equipment rentals and more, subject to applicable terms and conditions, using an online form that will be available later today on the Company’s resort websites.
. . ."
wgo wrote:
To keep things a little lighter, here is a comment from a colleague of mine who started boarding this year:
"I'm having a serious mood crash now that the season is over. Can't believe I gotta wait til next winter to go snowboarding again. You all just live with this every year?"
We have recommended a steady diet of mountain biking and kayaking.
"Mood crash" that's a succinct way of putting it. I only get out ones of times and I still get a mood crash when I can't ski. It's not as bad since I took up broomball.
Kayaking is one of my summer activities, along with biking. I'm not using/fighting gravity in those activities though.
I posted a kayaking guide last year for those of us Washingtonians who rent. No telling when the kayaking places will open again though. Between this and broomball season's untimely end, I'm missing my exercise.
Lake Louise and Sunshine have closed (LL looks to be for the season, though Sunshine looks like they are hoping they can re-open since they usually ski until mid-May there, but we all know that won't happen the way things are going). Whistler is closed for the season and other BC resorts like Kicking Horse and Revelstoke are closed too (though like Sunshine Revelstoke hopes to re-open). Locally all resorts have finally closed for the season (though weather for most of them would have done that anyway by now). So many tens of thousands of people impacted by this, many from other countries that come to work at the resorts that likely won't benefit from anything our government does for workers. I just pray that everyone can get through the next 8 months or so safely both physically and financially and we can all get back to skiing/boarding with all of this behind us in November/December.
From Open Snow, tahoe edition;
"To fight the spread of the COVID-19 virus, almost all California ski areas are closed. Some mountains, including Vail Resorts, announced that this closure will continue through the end of the season. From everything we’ve read, this is really important and should help the situation work out much better than a worst-case scenario. Here is the announcement from Vail Resorts: https://www.snow.com/info/Vail-Resorts-COVID-19-Resort-Closing-Update
For chasing powder, we have received requests from first responders and community leaders to communicate that they do not want people coming from out of town and definitely don’t want to deal with potential snow-related injuries when their focus should be on COVID-19. The Town of Truckee has asked that people Not visit Truckee right now: https://www.facebook.com/VisitTruckee/. Locals, please be extra responsible and cautious when enjoying the outdoors so that you’re safe and do not cause a burden to healthcare workers.
For the individual mountain Daily Snows that we usually write for Squaw & Mammoth, we are going to stop writing those based on requests from some communities that do not want to draw attention and crowds based on my writing about incoming storms. We will continue to write the Tahoe Daily Snow & I-80 Daily Snow. The automated forecasts for each mountain will continue to be updated every day here on OpenSnow. For other forecast locations outside of the ski areas, please check our other service OpenSummit.com and on our iPhone/Android apps."
wfyurasko wrote:
wgo wrote:
To keep things a little lighter, here is a comment from a colleague of mine who started boarding this year:
"I'm having a serious mood crash now that the season is over. Can't believe I gotta wait til next winter to go snowboarding again. You all just live with this every year?"
We have recommended a steady diet of mountain biking and kayaking.
"Mood crash" that's a succinct way of putting it. I only get out ones of times and I still get a mood crash when I can't ski. It's not as bad since I took up broomball.
Kayaking is one of my summer activities, along with biking. I'm not using/fighting gravity in those activities though.
I posted a kayaking guide last year for those of us Washingtonians who rent. No telling when the kayaking places will open again though. Between this and broomball season's untimely end, I'm missing my exercise.
I too am a kayaker. Although that is primarily flat water. I kayak lakes and the Chesapeake and tributaries and Assawoman and Delaware Bays. When th weather turns hot, I take my kayak to the Laurels and kayak the many lakes in the area. It is good excercise and a zen like activity. No problem with social distancing. I look forward to it now that the ski season is dead.
wfyurasko wrote:
wgo wrote:
To keep things a little lighter, here is a comment from a colleague of mine who started boarding this year:
"I'm having a serious mood crash now that the season is over. Can't believe I gotta wait til next winter to go snowboarding again. You all just live with this every year?"
We have recommended a steady diet of mountain biking and kayaking.
"Mood crash" that's a succinct way of putting it. I only get out ones of times and I still get a mood crash when I can't ski. It's not as bad since I took up broomball.
Kayaking is one of my summer activities, along with biking. I'm not using/fighting gravity in those activities though.
I posted a kayaking guide last year for those of us Washingtonians who rent. No telling when the kayaking places will open again though. Between this and broomball season's untimely end, I'm missing my exercise.
I too am a kayaker. Although that is primarily flat water. I kayak lakes and the Chesapeake and tributaries and Assawoman and Delaware Bays. When th weather turns hot, I take my kayak to the Laurels and kayak the many lakes in the area. It is good excercise and a zen like activity. No problem with social distancing. I look forward to it now that the ski season is dead.
The last hold outs in NH closed today, March 18. Gov. Sununu ordered Cannon closed, which is on state park land. Bretton Woods decided to close. Waterville Valley was still planning to stay open, but folded in the afternoon. The announcement implied it was public threats to staff more than any concern for bringing in people when social distancing is the buzz word of the day. Fair to say that folks in New England are well aware that the Sununu family owns Waterville Valley.
snowsmith wrote:
wfyurasko wrote:
wgo wrote:
To keep things a little lighter, here is a comment from a colleague of mine who started boarding this year:
"I'm having a serious mood crash now that the season is over. Can't believe I gotta wait til next winter to go snowboarding again. You all just live with this every year?"
We have recommended a steady diet of mountain biking and kayaking.
"Mood crash" that's a succinct way of putting it. I only get out ones of times and I still get a mood crash when I can't ski. It's not as bad since I took up broomball.
Kayaking is one of my summer activities, along with biking. I'm not using/fighting gravity in those activities though.
I posted a kayaking guide last year for those of us Washingtonians who rent. No telling when the kayaking places will open again though. Between this and broomball season's untimely end, I'm missing my exercise.I too am a kayaker. Although that is primarily flat water. I kayak lakes and the Chesapeake and tributaries and Assawoman and Delaware Bays. When th weather turns hot, I take my kayak to the Laurels and kayak the many lakes in the area. It is good excercise and a zen like activity. No problem with social distancing. I look forward to it now that the ski season is dead.
Anyone in DC area can Kayak from Algonkian park in Sterling Va to Riverbend park in Great Falls using gravity the whole way!
going down the old Patomack canal George Washington started, I have a set of 3 sit on top type kayaks if anyone wants to join in sometime
I'm interested Vermont! I have never kayaked up that way.
Vermont wrote:
Algonkian park in Sterling Va
What a blast from my past. We used to take my daughter to "The Gonk". Crazy - that was 29 years ago!
wfyurasko wrote:
I'm interested Vermont! I have never kayaked up that way.
It is a lot of fun! one thing we should make sure the president is not playing golf that day! Last summer and the year before I was doing the route with 2 different groups of friends, 1st time we were on stand up paddle boards, I was near the shore I look up at golf course and see a figure briefly, my 1st thought was Col. Sanders ( KFC) I didn't think of it much, then I see a motorboat heading my way from a good distance, 1st I think it is some fisherman, then as I see it is basically heading straight to me I think it must be Maryland department of resources as they patrol the rive, but as the boat gets so close that I am fearing falling off my paddle board and into the damn boat motor, the man yells out " no one is allowed on the river go back to where you came from", it was the secret service!
I told them we can't make it back up river as we left a car down river at Riverbend park! reality is we could have paddled back up river but after planning a lazy river outing who the hell wants to do that! Plus we were rookie paddle boarders and it would not have been fun.
so I tell them that I know/work for Wayne La Pierre & Ted Olson, couple great falls locals that they know well.
so the SS tells us to cross to the Maryland side of river and to hug the Maryland shore the rest of the way.
we paddled like scared kids across to MD side where we see a guy with a big TV video camera mounted on tripod aiming at the golf course across the river he was from CNN taking video of President playing golf.
So we continue down river till we get to the Seneca breaks, now I read the report before we left it said take Patomack canal on Va side of river because it is deep enough to be safe, report says for advanced padllers they can go down the center of the river thru the seneca breaks (name.?). I was on a new 900 paddle board and did not want to go down thoses damn rapids, my friends who had bigger older boards went 1st, I kept paddling back and forth above the rapids staying in the calm water I kept looking over my shoulder to see that damn boat eyeing us from a distance but pointing our way.
so finally I head down the shallow rapids and basically trashed my new paddleboard, we had quite the adventure.
then last summer friends with an extra kayak wantee to try the run so 3 of us go in Kayaks we start at Algonkian, as we start getting close to golf course I notice it was quite empty on the river for a Sunday, sure enough we see a motor boat heading our way!
My friends were nervous but this time I knew what was up, I told the SS how theirs no way of knowing the river is closed etc, this time I asked for permission to come back across to the Va side to take the canal down, they said that would be ok, but they did watch us as the Patomack canal starts on the Va side just where the golf course ends.
I recently got 3 kayaks that have been in the family for over 30 years, looking forward to some fun runs this season, kayaks are much more fun the paddle boards in those runs, let me know when anyone wants to go!
Ah yes, The River of Blood. Forgot about that and the complications that could arise.
A few interviews with ski industry insiders done the week of March 13-18.
https://www.powder.com/stories/how-is-covid-19-affecting-the-ski-industry-listen-to-wintry-mix/
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