Uphill Enthusiasts Urged to Exercise Patience as Vail Mountain Remains Closed: Safety Concerns Addressed
Vail Resorts is appealing to uphill enthusiasts to be patient as Vail Mountain in Colorado continues to be closed for safety reasons. Despite the recent snowfall and tracks spotted on the mountain, Vail Mountain is not yet open for skiing and snowboarding. In an email to the Vail Daily, John Plack, Vail Resorts’ senior communications manager, emphasized the need for patience during the preparations for the ski season and asked guests to respect the closure for uphill traffic.
The closure is clearly marked at the base area, but some uphillers have been seen ignoring the signs. Photos posted on the Vail#Skiuphill Facebook page show tracks in front of Gondola One, despite the No uphill access at this time sign. Vail Resorts is concerned that these uphillers not only put themselves at risk but also disrupt the snow-making operations and other activities on the mountain. Snowmaking is currently underway 24 hours a day, involving the movement of heavy machinery and snowcats, which create hazardous conditions for anyone on the mountain.
While uphill access is granted after hours from 4:30 p.m. to 8 a.m., Vail Resorts is urging uphill enthusiasts to be patient and wait for the official opening. Failure to follow the closure guidelines could result in the privilege of uphill skiing being revoked entirely in the event of an accident.
The uphill community, represented by Ellen Miller, administrator of the Vail#Skiuphill page, is supportive of Vail Resorts’ position and emphasizes the importance of safe uphill skiing. Miller has met with Vail Mountain’s vice president and COO, Beth Howard, and vice president of mountain operations, Steve Johnson, to discuss safety within the uphill community and further support for uphill skiing.
While some neighboring resorts, such as Aspen Snowmass and Copper Mountain, have a more accommodating approach to uphill skiing, Vail Resorts currently offers free uphill access only outside of operating hours. These resorts require uphill passes and have designated uphill routes to ensure the safety of guests and employees.
In a recent survey conducted on the Vail#Skiuphill page, more than half of the respondents expressed willingness to pay for access to uphill routes during operating hours at Vail, Beaver Creek, and Arrowhead. However, Vail Resorts cites safety considerations and limitations on safe ski and snowboard egress as reasons for the restriction on daytime uphilling.
Vail Resorts urges guests to adhere to the designated uphill routes (Riva Ridge and Simba) and to check the uphill information hotline for conditions and route changes. Deviating from the approved routes poses risks to both guests and employees due to ongoing operations on the mountain.
As the ski and snowboard season approaches, Vail Resorts hopes for the cooperation and understanding of all enthusiasts while they work diligently to prepare the mountain for a safe and enjoyable experience.
