When it comes to operating safely this winter, we're all in.
While we still don't know exactly what the landscape will look like, we're fully committed to opening safely for Sugarloaf's 70th winter season. With over 1000 acres of terrain, our resort naturally lends itself to social distancing, and although many things will be different this winter, we are confident that we will be able to provide a safe environment for you to enjoy the mountain. Outlined below you will find details on our plans for different areas of resort operation, and we encourage you to review all of this information prior to visiting us this winter.
We're excited to get back on the mountain, and we look forward to seeing you here.
Karl Strand
General Manager
Do Your Part
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Face Coverings
Face coverings are required at all times indoors, except when seated at a table in a restaurant, and in any situation outdoors where 6-foot distancing cannot be easily maintained (such as lift lines or while riding a chairlift). Winter neck gators are acceptable as long as they cover both the nose and mouth. We suggest keeping an extra face mask on you in case one is lost or you find your primary face covering freezing up and getting too uncomfortable.
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Social Distancing
As recommended by the CDC and state guidelines, please maintain a distance of at least six feet from other guests wherever possible. Keep your eyes out for signage to denote safe distancing, and be respectful of those around you.
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Be Flexible
Our staff has worked incredibly hard to plan for this winter, but this season will be new and different for all of us. In many situations we’ll be learning on the fly and adapting to changing rules and realities. Just as we will be flexible with our plans, we encourage you to be flexible with yours. A successful season will require us all to work together.
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What to Expect
Tickets & Passes
Currently we do not plan to require daily reservations for season pass, Ikon Pass, Mountain Collective, or ticket pack holders. Online lift tickets will go on sale in the coming weeks, and we strongly encourage guests to purchase lift tickets online in advance. Online tickets will be priced lower, and will provide contactless pickup at our new Online Express ticket kiosks in the base area. It is possible that lift tickets may be limited or unavailable to purchase at the ticket window on peak days.
Base Lodge Restrictions
Capacity will be strictly limited inside the Base Lodge this season, and gear storage and changing will not be permitted. Guests should come prepared to boot up at their cars, and only bring with them items that can be carried throughout the day (small day packs, for example). Guests should expect to spend minimal time indoors during their visit.
Chairlifts
Our new RFID ticketing system will provide contactless ticket checking at our chairlifts, and guests will be asked to ride the lift with members of the group they travelled with. Lift mazes will be arranged to provide safe spacing between lanes, and all guests will be required to wear face coverings while in line and while riding the lift.
Restaurants
Indoor occupancy in all of our restaurants will be limited in accordance with current Maine guidelines, and face coverings will be required for all guests except when seated at a table. All restaurants will feature expanded takeout offerings, and our new point of sale system will allow for contactless payments and online ordering.
Events
No large scale gatherings are currently planned or scheduled, though this could change if guidance from health authorities changes. All competitions will follow the guidelines of the relevant governing body.
Lodging
Lodging will be available this winter in the Sugarloaf Mountain Hotel and resort condos, and will operate in accordance with Maine guidelines. All lodging properties booked through Sugarloaf, including the Hotel, condos, and private homes, will follow American Hotel and Lodging Association Stay Safe guideline for cleaning and safety protocols.
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Shuttles
All shuttles will operate at 50% capacity, and face coverings will be required at all times while inside the shuttle. All shuttle busses will be sanitized after every drop off, and a second base area dropoff location has been added to reduce congestion. We encourage guests to drop off passengers in the Sugarloaf Mountain Hotel lot before parking to reduce the number of passengers on busses.
Ski School & Daycare
• All daily and seasonal lesson programs will operate this season. Group sizes will be limited, and all programs will meet outdoors on the snow, rather than inside the Base Lodge.
• Daycare will not be available to guests this winter, as our daycare facility will not be able to operate within current state guidelines.
Employee Safety
All Sugarloaf staff members undergo a health screening every day prior to their shift. If team members are feeling unwell or displaying symptoms, they are instructed to stay home. Masks are required for all employees and guests while indoors or in any situation in which it is difficult to maintain a safe distance.
Team members have been trained in stringent cleaning procedures, with increased frequency of scheduled cleanings in all common areas.
Notice
It is important to recognize that when visiting any public space, including Sugarloaf, an inherent risk of being exposed to COVID-19 does exist. While no reasonable steps can completely eliminate the possibility of a virus being transmitted, we are committed to doing everything we can to protect the health and safety of our guests and staff.
Prior to visiting to Sugarloaf, we strongly encourage all guests to review current State of Maine Guidelines for travelers.
Ski Well, Be Well
This plan was developed in alignment with NSAA’s Ski Well, Be Well guidelines. The National Ski Areas Association supports a thoughtful return to outdoor winter recreation. An advisory group of ski industry leaders developed the Ski Well, Be Well operational best practices based on scientific guidelines from experts.