Crystal opens with new rules for visitors, employees

Make sure you have a reservation and be conscious of your social distancing.

By Kevin Hanson • June 3, 2020 11:50 am
“While closing in March was the right thing to do, it’s time to begin taking small steps back towards doing what we love,” Crystal Mountain wrote on its website. More information about the mountain reopening for spring can be found at https://www.crystalmountainresort.com/things-to-do/spring-skiing. Photo courtesy Crystal Mountain
“While closing in March was the right thing to do, it’s time to begin taking small steps back towards doing what we love,” Crystal Mountain wrote on its website. More information about the mountain reopening for spring can be found at https://www.crystalmountainresort.com/things-to-do/spring-skiing. Photo courtesy Crystal Mountain

Skiers and snowboarders have missed their winter recreation for more than two months, but a favored destination – Crystal Mountain – is back in business.

The popular resort opened Monday, June 1, with new expectations for both guests and employees.

“Since closing on March 15, our team has been focused on planning and preparing for a safe return to the mountains,” the Crystal website states. “This includes enhanced cleaning protocols, physical distancing measures, mask and other PPE usage, and other policies across all aspects of our operations.”

“Everyone must follow these new guidelines for the safety of our employees, guests, and the community.”

Here are some of the guidelines that will be enforced.

• All visitors must have a reservation, including pass holders, without exception;

• Physical distancing must always be maintained, including in parking lots, restrooms, retail, food, and lift lines;

• there will be no tailgating allowed in the parking lots;

• guests are “strongly encouraged” to wear a mask, gloves, and goggles/sunglasses;

• visitors are expected to practice good hygiene, washing their hands frequently or using disinfectant;

• anyone riding a Crystal chairlift or gondola should be only with members of their household;

• with few exceptions, there are no indoor facilities open, so be prepared to be outside for the duration of a visit.

The Crystal website warns that failure to cooperate with physical distancing and updated resort policies will result in a loss of skiing/riding privileges.

In addition to guest expectations, Crystal had noted that: staff will be required to wear a mask or face covering, complete a daily health screening prior to starting their shift and use gloves when handling guest items.

Also, enhanced COVID-19 awareness training has been implemented for all resort staff.

Crystal’s restrooms will be cleaned and sanitized hourly and other high-touch services will be disinfected throughout the day. Gondola cabins are sanitized immediately following each use and there will be nightly “deep cleans” of high use areas.