The year’s winter recreation season is approaching, and people are ready to get outdoors for skiing, snowboarding, snow tubing, and more. Just as summer and fall recreational businesses had to deal with operating during a pandemic for the first time, winter recreational operators will have to do the same. The good news for winter recreation businesses is we now have a better understanding of what best practices to operate during COVID-19.
This upcoming winter season will look different from new safety standards and reservation systems to capacity and food operations. With the right plan in place that mitigates risks, winter recreational businesses will stay open and safely serve their eager customers.
Best safety practices for snow businesses
Safety will be priority number one for all businesses in the winter. In popular winter snow businesses like snow tubing, customers will not be surprised to see several safety measures they’ve been seeing in locations throughout the summer and fall months. Snow businesses will continue with the following safety measures:
- Face coverings over the mouth and nose will be required indoors, ski lift lines, and ski lifts.
- Plexiglass barriers will be installed at all purchase point areas.
- Guest capacity will be limited to ensure recommended physical distancing.
- Employees will be required to stay home if sick or if they experience symptoms.
- Guest will be asked to stay home if feeling sick.
- High touch areas will be undergoing frequent sanitation by staff members.
- Contactless payments will be available.
Snow business reservation system changes
Due to capacity limitations, snow businesses are adopting new reservation systems seen over the summer and fall months in other amusement and entertainment industries. Colorado’s Breckenridge Ski Resort will have a reservation system in place, allowing pass holders to make an advanced reservation for peak season times and, pending availability, make day-of reservations. Capacity at ski resorts will be based on resort size, open terrain, and typical visitation numbers.
Food areas and concessions
Dining spots will likely be open with state-mandated limited capacity. Many resort restaurants are using apps to make reservations and send notifications to customers. The apps allow guests to book tables at restaurants for a specific time slot. Take out, and food pick up areas with reserved parking spots will be expected throughout resorts. Expect to see increased outdoor seating areas with cozy fire pits for eating and resting.
Make sure your business is covered
With all of the changes to operations in 2020, it’s still important to make sure you have the right insurance coverage for your business. Snow businesses have a big liability when it comes to all of the injuries that happen each year. It’s estimated that 600,000 people nationally get injured each year because of skiing and snowboarding. Slips and falls account for 9 million visits to emergency rooms every year.
McGowan Allied Speciality Insurance specializes in amusement and entertainment insurance. We provide general liability, property, active shooter, equipment coverage, and a lot more.
