Colorado Gov. Jared Polis on Saturday night issued an executive order to close the state’s nearly 30 ski areas for one week amid the new coronavirus outbreak.
“Never would I have believed that a global pandemic would force the temporary closure of our world-class ski resorts,” Polis wrote in an email announcing the news.
He went on to say that he and his family, like many others, were planning a spring break ski trip.
“Beyond being a major part of our way of life, skiing supports our workers and businesses,” Polis wrote, noting his concern for hourly employees who depend on their paychecks.
Polis called the decision “agonizing” and said he would “take solace in knowing that … we will be saving the lives of hundreds, perhaps thousands of Coloradans in the days and weeks ahead.”
Earlier in the day Saturday, Vail Resorts was the first major ski area operator in the country to announce that it would close its resorts amid the outbreak.
Vail Resorts Chief Executive Officer Rob Katz announced in a statement Saturday afternoon that the company would close all of its North American mountain resorts — including Breckenridge Ski Resort and Keystone Resort in Summit County — and retail stores through March 22. Katz added that Vail Resorts will use that time to reassess its approach for the rest of the season.
Arapahoe Basin and Loveland ski areas soon followed Vail’s lead, and Copper Mountain Resort finally announced its closure after 10 p.m. Saturday. All three ski areas initially committed to stay open but now will be closed through March 22.
“We have every intention of reopening,” A-Basin Chief Operating Officer Alan Henceroth wrote in his blog. “As soon as it makes sense to reopen, we will reopen. It is unclear when that will be.”
Of note, uphill access passholders at Loveland and A-Basin still will be allowed access during the closure.
Alterra Mountain Co. also announced Saturday that all of its North American ski resorts, including Winter Park and Steamboat in Colorado, would be closing, according to a statement from CEO Rusty Gregory, who said each resort would work with guests to cancel their visits.
