There Will Be Skiing In Oregon On Friday -- Timberline Lodge Has Limited Opening For 5/15
Now, this does not mean that every person that wants to get some runs in should get in the car and head up now just to get on the first chair. This opening is very limited and comes with more than a few restrictions, which was anticipated by most who follow the industry. The following list of basic guidelines are for all guests that are able to visit Timberline starting on the 15th:
- Do not visit if you do not intend to follow these guidelines
- Only visit with members of your household
- Complete a COVID questionnaire provided online for skiers or at the front desk for hotel guests
- Wear a cloth face masks at all times indoors and when unable to maintain physical distancing outdoors
- Comply with monitoring and enforcement of COVID prevention protocols throughout the resort, including current physical distancing requirement of 6’
- Continue to practice exceptional hygiene
- Wash hands frequently with soap and water
- Use hand sanitizer when you cannot wash your hands
- Report any confirmed COVID-19 exposure
- Immediately notify Timberline Management if you begin to experience flu-like symptoms or test positive for COVID-19 after leaving our facility
- Voice concerns, ask questions and seek clarification when necessary
- Any Guest who does not strictly adhere to the guidelines will be subject to disciplinary action, up to and including suspension of their day ticket, Season Pass, or issuance of a Notice of Exclusion / Trespass.
As you can see, these guidelines are similar to those found across the country for reopening recreation areas of all types, including those used at Mt. Baldy, CA for the limited skiing and snowboarding opening they had at the end of last month.
For this reopening, Timberline Lodge is requiring a mandatory online reservation for all those that would like to visit the ski area. This includes but is not limited to Timberline Pass Holders, Fusion Pass Holders, Subaru Pass Holders, pre-paid lift tickets, Cyber-Monday lift tickets, Black Friday lift tickets, etc. If you arrive at Timberline without an online reservation, even if you have a season pass or a pre-paid product you will not be allowed access. The online reservation process includes a COVID questionnaire. These reservations cannot be made more than 24-hours in advance and will be treated on a first-come-first-serve basis. The number of visitors that will be allowed at the ski area will be based on these reservations as well, as capacity will be restricted.
The ski area will be open from 9 A.M. to 3 P.M., weather permitting, with restrictions in place, which includes following strict guidelines that will be enforced by the mountain.
A Timberline parking attendant will help with all parking. Please note, parking will not be allowed in the “shop” lot or “crescent”.
Liftlines will be managed with 6’ social distancing. Skiers and riders will be required to wear glasses or goggles, masks, and gloves. You may ride the chairlifts with those you came with, ride single, or ride double on opposite sides of the chair. It will be the guests’ responsibility to ride the chairlift however they feel comfortable. Simply notify the lift attendant of your intentions and Timberline will accommodate.
For the initial opening, there will be no terrain parks.
In order to minimize injuries and incidents, Timberline recommends only skilled skiers and riders visit. It is imperative guests ski and ride safely. Enjoy the ski area, but this is the time for restraint. Please be conservative and practice good judgment. We thank you in advance for respecting the responsibilities and operational parameters of our dedicated ski patrol and first responders. Visitors presenting flu-like symptoms will be treated in an emergency only." - Timberline Lodge Website
Those looking to visit the backcountry in this area will not need to make a reservation prior to visiting. However, those visitors will still have to make a stop at the checkpoint and will be directed where to go from there. Overnight camping will not be allowed in any parking lot at this time. Also, note that uphill access will not be permitted in the active part of the Timberline Ski Area. Uphill access will be permitted only on the climber's route, located on the east side of the Timberline permit area.
Timberline Lodge will be accepting overnight guests, as well. Rooms will have limited availability and, like skiing and snowboarding guests, reservations need to be made in advance. Hotel guests will have to adhere to similar guidelines as the skiing and riding guests.
When checking in at the hotel front desk, all guests will be issued a hotel ID with a lanyard, that must be worn at all times.
Hotel capacity has been determined by our ability to effectively manage COVID protocols and response. Guests can expect enhanced cleaning standards throughout the hotel, including guest rooms, meeting spaces, common areas, and back-of-house spaces. Cleaning products are in accordance with CDC guidelines. Guests will need to restrict gatherings in open areas such as the Head House and back patio. All current social distancing practices are in place with the goal of reducing person-to-person contact." - Timberline Lodge Website
Though there are so many restrictions, this is another example of the light at the end of the tunnel and will be welcome by those that have been missing skiing and riding since the industry shutdown this past March. Hopefully, plenty of winter sports enthusiasts will be able to get their fill.
Photo Credit: Timberline Lodge/FB
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