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Posted on 24 Sep 2020

What to expect in Vail this winter

Are you ready for ski season?

Hold onto your helmets, because Vail Resorts has made some Epic announcements for the 2020/2021 ski season. What was the big un - VAIL’ing of last week? The new Epic Pass priority

ski days, exclusive Epic early season access, and the reservation system that will keep you safe and socially distant while still enjoying your favorite ski mountains in Epic fashion. 

Here are the details, changes, and deadlines from this much-anticipated ski season update for Vail and Beaver Creek that we want to make sure you are aware of.

VAIL AND BEAVER CREEK’S NEW RESERVATION SYSTEM 

While we’ve always been fans of the Epic pass, now it makes even more sense to “Goo Epic”. To ensure social distancing, Vail Resorts has implemented a new on-mountain reservation system for skiers and riders. While Vail is confident that most ski days will be able to be accommodated at any time, Epic Pass holders get priority access with Vail and Beaver Creek’s new reservation system. 

DON’T GET LEFT OUT IN THE COLD
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 your access to ski lifts. 

Lift tickets for those who don’t buy an Epic Pass, won’t be available for advance purchase until December 8, 2020, after Epic Pass holders have reserved their spots first. With restrictions on how many skiers can be on the mountain on any given day, those who aren’t buying an Epic Pass could be left out in the cold.

If you do buy an Epic Pass, you not only have exclusive early season access to ski the mountain (through December 7, 2020), you also get priority access to the reservation system before the general public does.

The reservation system opens exclusively to Epic Pass holders on November 6, 2020, until regular lift tickets go on sale and reservation access is given to everyone on December 8, 2020.

PRIORITY RESERVATION DAYS FOR THE CORE SEASON

Don’t worry, you can reserve your favorite ski week or that special weekend with the pass perk of reserving up to seven Priority Reservation Days for the core season (Dec 8- April 4) before the season begins (and, more importantly, before lift tickets go on sale to the public).  Make your plans between November 6-December 7 for the best availability. If you cannot get the Priority Reservation Days you want by Dec. 7 and have not used your pass, you can get a refund with Epic Coverage.

YES, YOU CAN MAKE “WEEK-OF” RESERVATIONS

As a pass holder, you can make as many week-of reservations during the season as your pass type and availability allow. Week-of reservations are in addition to your Priority Reservation Days. As you use your Priority Reservation Days, you can book new ones, holding up to seven at any time, or as many as your pass type allows.

FOUR EASY STEPS TO RESERVE YOUR PREFERRED SKI DATES:
Here’s a simplified version on how to make sure you get your preferred ski dates, this year. 

1) Buy your Epic Pass

2) Book your priority reservation days before December 7, 2020

3) Enjoy exclusive access to ski and ride early season

4) Reserve more days all season long

WORRY-FREE WINTER 

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

When you’re reserving your luxury vacation home, our guest services staff will explain all of the details of the Moving Mountains vacation rental change policies in case you need to make changes to your reservation. We also recommend purchasing our trip insurance for covered events. And, new this year, Epic Pass coverage eliminates the need for additional ski pass insurance.

HERE’S WHAT TO EXPECT IN REGARDS TO OTHER VAIL AND BEAVER CREEK AMENITIES, ACTIVITIES, AND SERVICES THIS WINTER:

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, and outdoor seating will be highly encouraged. Capacity will be monitored at the door, so if a restaurant is already at capacity, guests will be encouraged to find a different mountain restaurant or wait outdoors until a table is available.

Sit down lunch restaurants will require advance reservations. It’s recommended that you avoid peak times, eat before noon or after 2 pm, or enjoy a big breakfast and power through until apres-ski and dinner.

Vail and Beaver Creek village 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 daycare and group classes for 3 and 4-year-olds will not be available this winter. For 3 and 4-year-olds, private one-on-one or private family lessons are recommended. For all other ages, you can book a full-day ski school (in advance), and lunch is included. Each ski school class of less than 6 will be considered a cohort with requirements for a pre-arrival self-health screening. Employees also undergo daily screenings. A separate mountain reservation will not be necessary if you’ve booked a ski school lesson. No walk-up lessons will be available, all lessons need to be booked in advance. Private lessons will also be available. 

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 and gondola lines will have markings for social distancing. Only related parties (groups skiing together) will be permitted on a gondola or chair together. Singles will be seated on either side of a 4-person chair or on opposite sides of a large gondola car. Gondola cars will be disinfected daily. Though there may still be some crowds at certain peak times of the day or year, the managed capacity through the reservations system will help alleviate crowding. Face coverings will be required on the gondola, in the lift lines, and in all facilities. 

ADVENTURE RIDGE

Details on what on-mountain activities (besides skiing and snowboarding) will be available are coming soon.

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

While planning a vacation in 2020/2021 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 Vail is November 20, 2020, opening day for Beaver Creek is November 25, 2020, and we’ve already had some snow this fall! Things may look a little different, but the friendliness and fun of Vail and Beaver Creek remain the same!

We can’t wait to see you in Vail and Beaver Creek this ski season. Don’t forget to book early to ensure the best luxury vacation rental and to get the exclusive Epic Pass access 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

Moving Mountains

Our Featured Properties

Featured Property Sirius Ridge
Sirius Ridge
Vail
|
Duplex / Townhome
|
2,668 sq. ft.
Boot Dryers  |  Private Hot Tub  |  Mountain View
Bedrooms 4 bedrooms
Bathrooms 5 full baths
Guests 10 guests
Featured Property Chalet Schuss
Chalet Schuss
Vail
|
Condo
|
2,175 sq. ft.
Boot Dryers  |  Walk to Gondola  |  Balcony
Bedrooms 3 bedrooms
Bathrooms 3 full baths
Bathrooms 1 half bath
Guests 8 guests
Featured Property Chalet Crevasse
Chalet Crevasse
Vail
|
Condo
|
1,765 sq. ft.
Walk to Lift  |  Mountain View  |  Pool - Communal - Year-Round
Bedrooms 3 bedrooms
Bathrooms 3 full baths
Guests 6 guests
Featured Property Piste Penthouse
Piste Penthouse
Vail
|
Condo
|
2,721 sq. ft.
Ski Shuttle  |  Private Hot Tub  |  Mountain View
Bedrooms 4 bedrooms
Bathrooms 5 full baths
Guests 8 guests
Featured Property Beacon Retreat
Beacon Retreat
Vail
|
Duplex / Townhome
|
2,862 sq. ft.
Ski Shuttle  |  Private Hot Tub  |  Mountain View
Bedrooms 3 bedrooms
Bathrooms 4 full baths
Bathrooms 1 half bath
Guests 6 guests
Featured Property The Savory Lodge
The Savory Lodge
Vail
|
Home
|
8,948 sq. ft.
Ski Shuttle  |  Private Hot Tub  |  Forest View (heavy trees)
Bedrooms 8 bedrooms
Bathrooms 9 full baths
Bathrooms 1 half bath
Guests 20 guests
Featured Property Bergrose Lodge
Bergrose Lodge
Vail
|
Duplex / Townhome
|
4,011 sq. ft.
Walk to Gondola  |  Private Hot Tub  |  Mountain View
Bedrooms 5 bedrooms
Bathrooms 5 full baths
Bathrooms 1 half bath
Guests 12 guests
Featured Property Timber Haven
Timber Haven
Vail
|
Home
|
5,422 sq. ft.
Private Hot Tub  |  Forest View (heavy trees)  |  Pool Table
Bedrooms 5 bedrooms
Bathrooms 5 full baths
Bathrooms 2 half baths
Guests 14 guests
Featured Property Wayfarer Lodge
Wayfarer Lodge
Vail
|
Home
|
5,659 sq. ft.
Ski Shuttle  |  Private Hot Tub  |  Sauna
Bedrooms 4 bedrooms
Bathrooms 4 full baths
Bathrooms 1 half bath
Guests 8 guests
Featured Property Serenvale Retreat
Serenvale Retreat
Vail
|
Home
|
3,838 sq. ft.
Ski Shuttle  |  Forest View (heavy trees)  |  Pet Friendly
Bedrooms 4 bedrooms
Bathrooms 4 full baths
Bathrooms 1 half bath
Guests 9 guests
Featured Property Ethereal Lodge
Ethereal Lodge
Vail
|
Home
|
5,742 sq. ft.
Ski Shuttle  |  Private Hot Tub  |  Mountain View
Bedrooms 6 bedrooms
Bathrooms 6 full baths
Guests 14 guests
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