Sugar Bowl and Royal Gorge unveil plans for the 2021-22 season including reopening of The Hotel

Sugar Bowl Resort and Royal Gorge Cross Country have announced the plans for the upcoming season, including mandatory vaccinations for all staff. Advance purchase will be required again this season for all visiting guests.

The resort also has plans to reopen The Hotel at Sugar Bowl and all lodges, bars and restaurants at both resorts.

Sugar Bowl will also resume selling season passes later this week, allowing skiers and snowboarders the opportunity to purchase a pass for the first time since the resort paused sales in April.

“We’re looking forward to a much more ‘normal’ ski and snowboard season, though we’re still mindful of COVID and the importance of protecting public health,” said Greg Dallas, President and CEO of Sugar Bowl/Royal Gorge. “As an independent, family-owned company, we can adapt quickly if needed.
We’re confident our guests and staff will have a fun and safe experience at our resorts this winter and we’re eager to welcome them back.”

While resort officials acknowledge some COVID-related challenges could linger into the winter, they do not foresee any government restrictions that would affect the core skiing and snowboarding experience outdoors. Face coverings will not be required outdoors, including in lift lines or while riding chairlifts.

Inside, the resorts plan to offer more access than was available last season, including the reopening of base lodges, Belt Room Bar and other favorite outlets. The Hotel at Sugar Bowl will reopen on December 9, 2021, with reservations accepted starting Thursday, October 7, initially for stays through the Christmas and New Year’s holiday periods.

So long as California and the CDC continue to recommend indoor face coverings, the resorts will encourage all guests to wear a mask inside to protect younger guests who are not yet vaccinated.

VACCINE REQUIREMENT FOR STAFF
Vaccinations will be mandatory for all Sugar Bowl and Royal Gorge staff members as a condition of employment this winter. Resort leaders say the requirement will provide a measure of safety for staff who are in constant contact with guests, improve workforce stability and reduce the frequency of
employee quarantines that can disrupt resort operations.

The resorts do not plan to require guests to show proof of vaccination in order to visit or participate in resort activities.

ADDITIONAL SEASON PASSES AVAILABLE
With confidence that the 2021/22 ski and snowboard season will less impacted by COVID than last year, Sugar Bowl is ready to release additional season passes for sale.

“We really want to maintain an uncrowded experience for our guests,” said Dallas. “We’re comfortable releasing a few more season passes, but there is a limit on the total number of passes we will sell.”

Sales of Sugar Bowl’s Unrestricted, Slightly Restricted and Midweek Passes will resume Thursday, October 7, at noon. With a limited quantity available, the resort expects a quick sell-out. Pass prices and purchase links are online at sugarbowl.com/seasonpass.

Royal Gorge season passes remain sold out and will not be included in Thursday’s release.

Both resorts plan to launch sales of daily lift tickets, rentals and lessons next month. Similar to last year, guests must purchase online in advance of their visit.

“Knowing who is coming – and when – allows our team to plan ahead. We can also communicate with guests before they arrive, letting them know what to expect, which is something they really appreciate.”

OPENING DAY PLANNED FOR FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 26
Sugar Bowl and Royal Gorge are tentatively planning to open for the winter season on Friday, November 26, 2021, weather and conditions permitting. Daily operations are planned at both resorts throughout the ski and snowboard season.

The company is seeking more than 500 winter staff, with season-long free skiing or riding privileges for those who commit to at least 16 hours of work each week. On-site housing is available with some positions. Job descriptions, online applications and a schedule of virtual and in-person hiring events are posted at sugarbowl.com/employment.

For more information about Sugar Bowl | Royal Gorge, visit sugarbowl.com and royalgorge.com.

One of the oldest ski resorts in California, Sugar Bowl has a storied past with ties to Austrian ski culture, Hollywood and Walt Disney. This special place helped bring skiing to “sunny California,” was home to the state’s first chairlift, and the west’s first ski gondola.

- Sugar Bowl / Royal Gorge Press Release