Vail Resorts will require proof of vaccination for cafeteria customers as well as all workers

Proof of vaccination will be required from guests wishing to dine indoors, but will not be required for an indoor washroom visit, according to Vail Resorts’ 2021-22 Winter Operations Plan released on Monday.

The ski operator also announced that face coverings will be required at its properties in indoor environments, including restaurants, accommodation, washrooms, sales and rental outlets and buses, during the ski season 2021-22.

Employees will also need to be immunized “for their safety and protection as well as for the safety and protection of customers and resort communities, and in accordance with recent rules announced under the Occupational Safety and Health Administration of the US Department of Labor. », According to the operating plan.

Vail and Beaver Creek spokesman John Plack said current employees who are not vaccinated have until Nov. 15 to do so.

Vail is still on track for a Nov. 12 opening, according to a statement sent on Monday.

Vail Resorts ski areas in the United States will not require reservations this season, a policy that is consistent with the message broadcast by CEO Rob Katz in a letter to pass holders this spring.

In Monday’s announcement, Katz said the company is fortunate that the primary experience it offers guests is taking place outside.

“However, as we welcome guests from all over the world to the indoor experience of our resorts, we believe it is important to do our part to combat the spread of COVID-19,” Katz said. “We all need the opportunity to enjoy and experience the great outdoors, and we couldn’t be more excited to welcome customers back to our resorts for the 2021-2022 ski and hiking season. “

Other key details of the announcement include Vail Resorts’ plan to operate full-capacity gondolas, “optimizing the movement of guests around its resorts.”

Face coverings will not be required outdoors, in ski lifts, or on chairlifts or gondolas, unless required by local public health ordinances, Vail Resorts confirmed.

Reservations will still be needed for meals, but the company expects “significantly more seating and catering capacity than last season and intends to open reservations a day before, compared to the day from last season ”.

Proof of vaccination will be required for customers 12 years of age and older at all indoor mountain quick service restaurants (cafeteria style), and the requirement includes customers 12 years and older in ski school programs and hiking which include lunch.

The required proof of vaccination does not apply to dining establishments such as The 10th at Vail.

“Consistent with many other large-scale indoor activities and sites, Vail Resorts believes the vaccine requirement is important for the protection of its guests and employees, given the number of people using these facilities and the fact that guests will not wear face coverings while eating and drinking, ”the company said. “This is currently the only part of the resort experience that will require proof of vaccination, unless required by local public health.”

More details on the operating plan are available at snow.com/info/winter-experience.