COVID-19 might have killed over 100,000 Americans, but it couldn’t kill ski season in Colorado.

At least, not at A-Basin.

The resort announced on Sunday May 24th that they would be reopening this week on Wednesday for skiers and boarders who aren’t yet ready to put a nail in the 2019/20 ski season. But, with some serious conditions.

“We have been given an extraordinary opportunity. We need to take this very seriously and we need to respect the guidance given by our Summit County and State of Colorado health officials. We have to open in a responsible way. We need everyone to help,” resort officials said in an online statement.

The resort will only be open from 8:30am-3pm. Pass holders (including any day passes, Ikon and Mountain Collective passes) are allowed to come, but must make a reservation online beforehand. Anyone without one of those passes must purchase a day pass ahead of time — which, they’re only selling a small number of.

Meaning, it’s going to be very difficult to secure your spot on the hill. It might feel more like buying a Red Rocks ticket to a popular show, than trying to get a few spring turns in. But these are the strange times we live in, and we must resort to some strange measures.  

On top of all those stipulations, social distancing will be strictly enforced on the hill. The only people you’ll be allowed to ride the lift with, will be the ones you come with. Tailgating on the beach or in any of the lots will be strictly forbidden and all guests must wear face coverings at all times.

Needless to say, it will not be your typical A-basin experience. There will be no parties in the lot, no smoke-sesh meet ups in the trees, no lunch or cocktail breaks at the Black Mountain Lodge. It will be a task to make sure you’ve got a spot, and it will be strange to stay so distanced from all the other guests.

But at least it will be an opportunity to get on the snow. At least it gives all of us ski junkies and snow addicts one last shot at shredding this year.

And, at least, there won’t be any traffic on the drive up…