Ski Season Is at Risk, Especially for Vermonters

[throbster]

Good perspective...

https://snowbrains.com/vermont-sees-red ... ermonters/

[easyrider16]

The reality is that Vermont’s spike in cases came exactly at the opposite time of interstate travel trends, and it has not been traced back to travelers, but directly to Vermonters socializing with each other just like the majority of cases in every other state. 

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[skidogg]

I opted out this year,
vt. don't want me ok
but how do you run aski area that people can't go to?

[Finn]

Hi Skidogg,
You can't run a ski area if people can't show up to enjoy skiing.
Not only that but the related ski shops and restaurants will sadly see a loss of income.

Where I work I am tested weekly.

Cheers.

[jayisking]

This article seems a tad biased, but I understand since it's written from the perspective of a New Yorker looking North.

I was a New Yorker until last year when I moved to VT. I couldn't have picked a better time. Were I still a New Yorker, I would be currently losing my mind over the prospect of no VT ski season. But as a VT resident (yes I know I'm not allowed to call myself a Vermonter) I am proud of this state, and of the governor. I bristle at the suggestion that the reaction to the pandemic has been overblown. VT has consistently had the lowest numbers in the entire country. That is not coincidental. It is due in large part to the governor's swift reaction and tireless resolve.

I'm not sure that it's a fair correlation to say that the ski season for VT residents is in jeopardy. I think it is far too early to make that call. Jay Peak wrote its Covid policy with the explicit understanding that they would likely be operating for the season without their Canadian customers, as well as people from many nearby states. Even with the new guidelines, I do not see that changing.

Maybe my perspective is blinded by self-interest. I really hope not.

[easyrider16]

I'd suggest VT's low numbers have more to do with population density than the governor's actions. Not saying they're wrong by any means. But most New England states have been equally strict with their protocols. VT has the advantage of very low population density.

As to the ski season, either there will be one or there won't be for everyone. If the state needs to keep out-of-staters away, the only way to reliably do it is to shut down the ski resorts completely. I don't see these places staying open just for locals (just like last season).

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[urungus]

I'd suggest VT's low numbers have more to do with population density than the governor's actions. Not saying they're wrong by any means. But most New England states have been equally strict with their protocols. VT has the advantage of very low population density.

Vermont’s population density is 31st out of the 50 states, which makes it pretty average, not “very low” https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_s ... on_density

[Bubba]

There was an article I think posted a month or two ago that addressed the reasons for Vermont’s success. Population density was cited but government efforts and public cooperation were the key factors.

[mogwai]

Honestly the only option that is feasible is to close all resorts at least until February. See how the country is trending case-wize and go from there. There will be thousands of "violators" if even one lift spins

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[easyrider16]

I've been reading and hearing that the biggest vectors for this virus are bars, restaurants, and gyms. If the numbers got bad enough, seems to me the best idea would be to shut those down, not things like ski resorts and travel restrictions. Not sure the politicians are going to go that way, but they should.


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[boston_e]

I've been reading and hearing that the biggest vectors for this virus are bars, restaurants, and gyms. If the numbers got bad enough, seems to me the best idea would be to shut those down, not things like ski resorts and travel restrictions. Not sure the politicians are going to go that way, but they should.


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This would seem more logical to me. The greater risk for spread is from the 20-somethings that fill up the PickleBarrel, not the family who sticks to themselves to ski and gets takeout from Sushi Yoshi or iPie.

[LarryAck]

Don't forget about indoor sporting events. This hold thing started with a indoor hockey game that infected 45 people. Maybe its not such a priority to have indoor high school and college events which jeopardize the whole state and an increase in COVID cases.

[Guy in Shorts]

Back in the day on patrol in the North Atlantic on a ballistic missile sub they would wake us for "Battle stations missile". The crew would spring into action making ready to launch our nuclear might onto the world. The message that this was a drill and to stand down would end the exercise. Question of if this were my last day what would I have done? Skiing at Killington was often the choice to allow me to return to sleep.

Realtime proper use of PPE has been part of my world for a very long time. Working at the nuclear plant fighting a fire inside the reactor containment is something I checked off my bucker list. Simple face covering is all I need to protect myself from this threat.

My plan to live every day as if it was my last including skiing every day that can remains steadfast.

[Big Bob]

Don't forget about indoor sporting events. This hold thing started with a indoor hockey game that infected 45 people. Maybe its not such a priority to have indoor high school and college events which jeopardize the whole state and an increase in COVID cases.

Last summer Covid surged in the south when people went inside to escape the heat and enjoy the air conditioning. Now with colder temps in the north, more are going inside to escape the cold and enjoy the heat, thus increasing the spread. Recreating outside will have little spread in my opinion. Last summer saw very few cases in the Northeast despite the increased tourism with most doing outdoor activities. Stay out of the indoor spaces as much as possible and you should be fine. Wear your face covering and don't travel if you are ill.

[noknees]

Back in the day on patrol in the North Atlantic on a ballistic missile sub they would wake us for "Battle stations missile". The crew would spring into action making ready to launch our nuclear might onto the world. The message that this was a drill and to stand down would end the exercise. Question of if this were my last day what would I have done? Skiing at Killington was often the choice to allow me to return to sleep.

Realtime proper use of PPE has been part of my world for a very long time. Working at the nuclear plant fighting a fire inside the reactor containment is something I checked off my bucker list. Simple face covering is all I need to protect myself from this threat.

My plan to live every day as if it was my last including skiing every day that can remains steadfast.

My plan too....like your plan!