Taking the Kids: Spring skiing

Eileen Ogintz, Tribune Content Agency on Mar 4, 2021

Book two nights at the slope-side Blake in Taos Ski Valley in New Mexico and get two adult lift tickets free.

Spring, of course, brings warmer-and longer days — and typically discounted lodging deals. Some restrictions are being relaxed as COVID cases come down. In Colorado, for example, more counties are lifting capacity restrictions so there is increased indoor dining and resorts are permitting guests to share lifts and gondolas, cutting wait times.

Still, says the NSAA’s Isaac, “Skiers and riders can expect to see ski areas continue to enforce mask requirements and physical distancing through the winter season and into the summer. We will continue to take our cues from public health experts.”

“The biggest thing continues to be Know Before You Go,” said Chris Linsmayer, a spokesman for Colorado Ski Country USA. “I think people should expect that pre-purchase is still the norm for things like lift tickets, rentals and ski school. Grab and go and outdoor dining continues to be the norm,” he said.

The day we visited Copper, families were enjoying the sunshine on the slopes and off, enjoying pizza at Sawmill Pizza (heated tables), burgers at Downhill Dukes and tacos from Sendy’s Food Truck.

“Definitely there are lines ... definitely more of a hassle,” said Cindy Roper, from Fort Collins, Colorado, at Copper with her daughter and grandchildren. “We’re just glad they can get outdoors and ski,” she said, adding, “We haven’t seen anyone unhappy up here.”

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(For more Taking the Kids, visit www.takingthekids.com and also follow TakingTheKids on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram where Eileen Ogintz welcomes your questions and comments. The Kid’s Guide to Philadelphia, the 13th in the kid’s guide series, was published in 2020, with The Kid’s Guide to Camping coming in 2021.)