Showdown Montana near Neihart is gearing up for the ski season and has released details of its plan to help keep visitors and staff safe during the COVID pandemic.
Showdown plans to open for the season on Friday, Dec. 11 The popular ski area had to cut short its 2019-2020 season back in March.
"I think the main message is just to hang in there with us. We need a lot of cooperation from our guests. It is going to be a different winter up here at Showdown. We've made a lot of accommodations to our normal operations,” said Katie Boedecker, the general manager.
Showdown released its COVID plan on its website; here is an overview:
In order for us to operate as safely as possible for our guests and employees, it's important that we lay down some ground rules.
It's not complicated...
If you're not feeling well or you've been exposed to someone with COVID-19, stay home.
Wear your mask or face covering in the lodge and in lift lines. If you refuse, plan on losing your skiing privileges for the season.
Practice social distancing whenever possible.
Showdown will be following these ground rules, as well as state of Montana guidelines and the guidance set forth by the National Ski Area Association. In addition, Showdown has made operational changes in every department.
State Guidelines
- We're operating under phase 2
- Masks required indoors
- 75% lodge occupancy
- If you are planning to visit from out of state, we encourage you to review travel guidance from both your local health authority as well as the state of Montana
An inherent risk of exposure to COVID-19 exists in any public place where people are present. By visiting Showdown Montana, you voluntarily assume all risk related to such exposure. You must follow all posted instructions and directions to help minimize the risk of spread of COVID-19. Failure to comply will result is loss of skiing privileges for the season.Our health and safety policies may be revised at any time & they will be updated on our website accordingly.
Other changes at Showdown include an outdoor takeout window and no-contact ordering kiosks for food, and additional outdoor seating.
Similar precautions and guidelines have been implemented at other Montana ski areas.
“It’s been almost full-time in our planning since we closed on March 15,” said Big Sky Resort general manager Troy Nedvad. “Obviously our summer has been a lot of opportunities to test our operations on a smaller scale. We’ve obviously been working on all the industry data — both state and county information — as to figuring out our operating plan for this year.” Click here for more information.
“When we start looking at COVID-19 precautions and how to most safely operate this winter, one of our biggest issues was the amount of inside-seating we have,” says Travis Crawford, Great Divide general manager. “So, what we came up with, was the ability to build a new facility and increase that by just shy of 100 total seats, which gives us a lot more options.” Click here for details.
Lookout Pass on the Montana/Idaho border opened up for the season on Saturday, Nov. 14. Lookout officials say their COVID-19 protocol and planning helped over 550 guests enjoy the mountain for opening day. Click here for more information.
