HoliMont Ready for Ski Season
HoliMont Ready for Ski Season
Expect to ski and ride this winter; HoliMont is preparing for opening day.
photo/Christopher Cove covenaturephotography.com
As the autumn-colored leaves of October have all fallen from their branches and landscapes begin to display dustings of snow, only one thing is certain: winter is coming. Similar to most ski resorts across the country, HoliMont in Ellicottville, NY is revisiting its operations plan in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Just last month, Governor Andrew Cuomo announced that starting November 6th, New York ski resorts may reopen in limited capacities, allowing residents of the state to participate in outdoor activities without the need to quarantine upon return.
In order to abide by the safety protocols put forward by the state, HoliMont is set to adjust a large majority of its operations while maintaining an entertaining environment that will serve all who visit the resort this upcoming ski season. One of the largest shifts of operation will include the reduction of indoor capacity allowed in the chalet and buildings.
“As we near opening day, we will be reviewing our traffic, revenue and environment relating to the pandemic, and continue to open the mountain areas as we are able to,” HoliMont Snowsports Director Travis Widger said. “We are going to start by opening four chairlifts - Cascade, Exhibition and Chipmunk along with Sunset - in some capacity.”
Apart from following standard safety measures such as having staff wear masks, HoliMont also plans on reducing the crowding of people in confined indoor and outdoor areas. The lodging areas which are typically crowded during lunchtime will transition to a longer lunch period of an hour and a half, in order to allow visitors to safely and comfortably enjoy their meal. Resting areas that don’t have HVAC-units will be provided with standalone air purifiers in order to erase any potential pathogens that are carried with the COVID-19 virus.
In addition to the changes within public areas of the resort, HoliMont will also withdraw its daycare service, HoliTots located in the HoliCenter, for the time being. The resort will continue to run its snowsports programs along with its competitive teams, without much interruption.
Alongside the updates currently being planned for the operation of the resort under recent safety guidelines, HoliMont has also been working toward a better water inlet system responsible for pumping water to the mountain. The project started with replacing old piping from Saddle Pond at the top of the hill with new piping and equipment, and will now result in a huge improvement in the possible volume of water pushed onto the slopes of the resort for snowmaking.
While the COVID-19 virus may have halted outdoor plans for many families this year, HoliMont is preparing to spin its lifts for its members and guests, as well as to the public during weekdays, continuing that memorable outdoor experience that HoliMont is known for.
“We are asking people to show up ready to ski or ride, to take advantage of this time because we want to limit our time indoors,” Widger said. “We are looking forward to a fun and healthy season, despite the current state of our world.”
With HoliMont’s expected opening day right around the corner, set to be December 18th, those who wish to experience their first ride down the mountain are invited to apply for the resort’s Trial Membership offer. The membership includes one season of passes without commitment, 50% off programs, guided tours and more. For those seeking a shorter stay, the resort is again offering a 10 Weekday Experience pass for just $429.00. Full details on these opportunities can be found at holimont.com or call 716-699-2320.