Posted on 24 Sep 2020

What to expect in Steamboat this ski season

Steamboat Springs this winter

Are you ready for ski season?!

Well sharpen your skis and wax your boards because we’ve peered into our 2020/2021 crystal ball and, good news, it looks like a snow globe! 

THE TRAIL FORWARD

The even better news is that the much-anticipated update of what ski season entails this year has finally been announced by the Steamboat Ski Resort, and there are important details, changes, and deadlines we want to make sure you are aware of. 

RESERVATIONS ARE NOT REQUIRED AT STEAMBOAT

Reservations will not be required to ride the chairlifts or gondola at Steamboat Ski Resort, this winter, however, there’s one caveat, you must buy lift tickets before October 31, 2020, to ensure you have a seat on the gondola or chairlifts this winter. 

WE WILL NOT LEAVE YOU OUT IN THE COLD…

(VERY IMPORTANT: OCTOBER 31, 2020 LIFT TICKET DEADLINE TO GUARANTEE DATES!)
While we always recommend that our guests book their winter ski vacations as early as possible (to take advantage of the best selection of luxury homes and early bird pricing) this year it’s even more crucial to guarantee access to ski lifts.

As a preferred partner of Steamboat Ski Resort, if you reserve a luxury vacation home and purchase lift tickets with Moving Mountains by October 31, 2020, we will lock in your vacation dates to guarantee your seat on the gondola and chairlifts at Steamboat. 

Don’t delay as many preferred dates for our vacation homes have already been booked. Plus, because of capacity restrictions for social distancing and safety, it could be challenging to guarantee mountain access on some of the peak demand ski dates for guests who miss the October 31, 2020 deadline. Walk-up lift tickets will not be for sale this year, as all lift tickets must be purchased in advance. 

YOUR WORRY-FREE WINTER 

We know it’s difficult to plan these days with so many unknowns, however, both Steamboat Ski Resort and Moving Mountains have modified our vacation assurance policies to accommodate an unexpected change of plans.

When you’re reserving your luxury vacation home and lift tickets with us, our guest services staff will explain all of the details of both the Reservation Assurance and Adventure Assurance policies.


WHAT ELSE TO EXPECT:

PLAN NOW, SO YOU CAN PLAY LATER

Because it’s so much more relaxing to have everything taken care of ahead of time, rather than googling where to eat or what to do when you’re not schussing down the slopes! Our guest services team is already excellent at making suggestions for all ages, tastes, and activity preferences. We’ll work together to come up with the perfect itinerary for your stay.

RESTAURANTS

For lunch, most of the on-mountain restaurants will be open, serving up delicious food to fuel your ski day. Grab ‘n go options will be plentiful, outdoor seating will be encouraged with additional outdoor tents for staying toasty.  

Sit down lunch restaurants will require advance reservations. Downtown restaurants also will be socially-distanced (and delicious), with reduced capacity, so reservations, before you arrive, are highly encouraged.

At this time, masks are required for both staff and guests. Guests can remove masks once they are seated at their table, though everyone will need to put their mask back on to move throughout the restaurant.

And, of course, our luxury catered chalets are also an option, eliminating the need for advance reservations or spending too much time in public. 

SKI RENTALS

Ski rentals will be available and reservations are highly recommended. Most ski shops will be limiting rentals only to those who have reserved in advance. We have preferred partnerships with companies that offer in-home fittings and rentals; we will continue to encourage our guests to use those services for the ultimate in ease, relaxation, safety, and convenience.

SKI SCHOOL

Ski school will be operational, though some specialized clinics and daycare will not be available this winter. You can book ski school (in advance) in half-day increments. Book a morning or afternoon small group ski lesson or book both halves for a full day (with lunch back at the chalet or on your own on the mountain).

HOW WILL SOCIAL DISTANCING WORK ON THE MOUNTAIN?

When wearing your skis or snowboard, the length from tip to tail already ensures multiple feet of personal space. Chairlift lines won’t need additional modifications for social distancing. For the gondola, there will be markings and staff members available to ensure social distancing. 

Time slots may be used for loading the gondola during peak times. Chairlifts are already open-air, gondolas will have all vents and windows open to allow for plenty of circulation, and guests will be required to wear masks on the gondola. Gondola cars will be disinfected at the end of each day. 

ROLLER COASTERS, SNOWMOBILING, TUBING, CROSS COUNTRY SKIING


Your favorite off-mountain activities will be in full swing this winter. As with everything else, advance reservations are highly encouraged. Different policies will be in place to ensure social distancing, but fun will ALWAYS be included 

THIS ISN’T THE NEW NORMAL, BUT IT IS THE NOW NORMAL

While planning a vacation in 2020/21 is not as simple as it has been in the past, the need for fresh air, unplugging, expansive views, and making memories with your loved ones is just as important as ever.

Remember, opening day for Steamboat is November 21, 2020, and we’ve already had some snow this fall! Things may look a little different, but the friendliness and fun of Steamboat remain the same!

We can’t wait to see you in Steamboat this ski season. Don’t forget to book by October 31, 2020, to ensure the best luxury vacation rental and to guarantee a spot on the gondola and chairlifts for your preferred vacation dates. 

Find a Residence

LET US HELP YOU FIND YOUR PERFECT STAY AT ONE OF OUR MANY HOMES IN STEAMBOAT SPRINGS, BRECKENRIDGE, VAIL, AND BEAVER CREEK.

FIND A RESIDENCE

Previous Everything you Need to Know about IKON Pass What to expect in Vail this winter Next