The Mountain

Winter 2020/2021 Safety Guidelines

Snowbowl scenic

We look forward to welcoming you back this winter and remain committed to offering a premier skiing experience while keeping the safety of guests and staff our top priority. Please review the information below to best understand enhancements and changes to our normal operations.

Key Details:

  • We’re open daily from 9am to 4pm through April 4, and 10am to 4pm starting April 8. All lift tickets must be purchased online. No tickets will be sold at the ticket window, except for Power Pass/Power Pass Select buddy tickets.
  • Snowbowl is located on federal land and masks are required in accordance with the federal mask mandate. Refusal to comply will result in loss of skiing and riding privileges for one or more days or the whole season.
  • Ticketed guests and passholders will have access to the mountain on a first-come, first-served basis. Capacity levels will vary per day, and will be based on factors including but not limited to number of trails open and weather. If capacity is reached, access will be managed at the bottom of Snowbowl Rd., and the road may close to uphill traffic. Guests are encouraged to arrive early, and access is not guaranteed on any given day. To receive capacity updates, follow @AZSBUpdates on Twitter.
  • We’re implementing comprehensive health and safety measures to help keep you and our team safe, and are operating in accordance to the latest CDC and Coconino County COVID-19 guidelines.

Commitments to COVID Containment

  • All guests and employees must wear a mask at Snowbowl in accordance with the federal mask mandate. Refusal to comply may result in loss of skiing and riding privileges for one or more days or the whole season.
  • If you are ill or have any of the signs and symptoms or have been exposed to anyone with COVID-19, we ask you to please stay at home. Signs and symptoms of COVID-19 are located here.
  • We’re making changes to our base area, including increased spacing for physical distancing in lift mazes, reduced contact through online tickets and food ordering, and reducing the number of guests indoors.
  • Access to indoor spaces will be limited and we ask that all guests plan to be outside more this season, especially on peak days. Guests not renting equipment should boot up at their vehicle and leave any items not needed for skiing there. You will not be able to hang out or eat a brown bag lunch inside. Buildings will have capacity restrictions and only be for dining or to-go order customers only, lockers, and bathroom use.
  • We will follow all guidelines for cleaning and disinfecting public spaces, including enhanced sanitization of high-touch areas and frequent cleaning of bathrooms.
  • In the case of an extreme weather event, injury, or other emergencies, we will prioritize the immediate safety and sheltering needs of guests and staff when in conflict with these COVID-19 guidelines.
  • Any individual who tests positive for or has been exposed to COVID-19, will immediately go into isolation and we will work closely with local health officials to notify persons who may have been in contact with that person.
  • Please note operations may change at any time and resort officials will diligently monitor the most recent federal and local guidelines to make the necessary shifts to operation in accordance with current health and safety recommendations.

Lift Tickets & Passes

  • We don’t anticipate a reservation system for our passholders. 
  • All lift tickets will be sold online and there will be no window rate.
  • A major goal of our pricing this season will be to help anticipate and spread out demand. On peak days, expect to see higher rates due to increased demand, and conversely, expect to see much lower pricing on weekdays and other non-peak time periods.

    • Ski and Ride School

  • The Ski and Ride School provides an important service for guests, especially for new skiers and riders. By following defined protocols and taking necessary precautions for safe interactions, guests and instructors can enjoy a safe and memorable learning experience.
  • We will be offering all lesson sales online and using a reservation system to help manage daily student capacity and instructor inventory.
  • Face coverings are required for all students and instructors, and all lessons will take place outdoors, including breaks – there will be no group indoor breaks. Please plan and dress accordingly.
  • Daily temperature checks will be required for all instructors, and students and instructors will receive symptom and exposure questionnaires upon their arrival to the ski area for ski school.
  • Students will proceed directly to the on-snow check-in area instead of indoors and will be connected with their instructor at that time.
  • For group lessons, you may be asked to join individuals from a separate party and instructors will manage groups to allow for increased physical distancing and independent learning wherever possible. If you’d like to reserve a lesson for your family or friends only, please consider booking a private lesson.
  • We plan to offer Snowburners lessons beginning in late December.
  • Safety on chairlifts is paramount, and students too young to ride chairlifts by themselves safely or those who require additional assistance will be seated with another instructor or guest.

    • Equipment Rentals

  • All rentals must be reserved online, and protocols will be in place to limit the number of guests indoors at one time.
  • The new rental shop layout increases the amount of indoor space to allow for physical distancing when trying on boots.
  • After picking up boots, guests will proceed outdoors where their skis and snowboards will be waiting for them at the on-snow pickup location.

    • Mountain Dining

    • There will be limited seating indoors and we encourage guests to pre-order online and pick up food to-go. Learn more about our new online ordering system here.
    • Outdoor seating is available at all lodges, with increased spacing for physical distancing.
    • Contactless payment methods are available at all of our restaurants, so we encourage guests to avoid bringing cash.