2020-21 Modified Operations
Dearest Friends & Family,
As the morning fog settles into the valleys, those first 40-degree days foreshadow that our favorite season is fast approaching. The warm greetings I get any time I’m out and about (which is rare these days!) are immediately followed by the question, “What’s going on this winter?”. Like so many of my friends and neighbors, I am sure that's on your mind as well.
For the last 85 years you have been able to count on Suicide Six, and the strength of this small mountain community, along with 51 years of the Nordic Center too… Our commitment to safety, the best guest experience, and quality snow are unwavering. Your investment in, and need for rewarding, wholesome, and inclusive fun is more valuable than ever and remains safe with us. With all the uncertainty in this world, that’s a very good thing.
Will it be different? Yes, most everything is these days.
Will it still be uniquely us? Absolutely.
Photo by Bob Crean
Tickets & Season Passes
Last year we dropped our pass pricing across the board, and rolled out deals that provided an accessible and affordable pathway to winter fun for everyone. We delivered with another outstanding season sharing the joys of outdoor recreation with many new friends and families. In a world of rising costs and rising prices, we’ve decided to hold pass pricing for this season.
We’re also rolling out a new product, as a way of saying THANK YOU to the community members that have put themselves in harm’s way to shepherd us through these trying times. Our Heroes Pass will honor our active duty military, veterans, and their spouses, as well as any and all healthcare and healthcare support workers. It’s our honor to serve you, if only in a small way, in return for how you’ve taken care of us.
We’ll also put our money where our mouth is, and guarantee your '20-'21 season. If unforeseen forces align that limit our season to 30 operating days or fewer, we’ll allow you to roll your season pass forward to the ‘21-‘22 winter season. With our value-based pass pricing, buy-back on a season pass ranges from just under 2(!) to 6 days of skiing, so we’re sure you’ll get your money’s worth.
Daily lift and Nordic trail tickets may be limited at peak periods, and we are encouraging our guests to purchase online in order to limit in-person transactions. We are holding fast on our day ticket pricing as well. Since the resort will be operating with reduced sales, you should expect that the re-sellers you are familiar with will not be selling our tickets at deeply discounted rates. You will always find the lowest available ticket prices at our online store.
Operations
We intend to modify our operating schedule to 5 days per week, aside from peak and holiday periods, with the lifts and lodge open Wednesdays through Sundays.
Uphill travel will be allowed on non-operating days, provided there is continued respectful and safe coexistence with our operations teams. This pandemic and the cultural shifting of our society has challenged us to evaluate all areas of the resort. I am incredibly proud of our team and thankful for their steadfast approach to resuming our summer operations. During this period, they have been formulating, learning, and adapting to new constructs amidst uncertain times. Many of these adaptations are guiding our plans for the winter season.
We will be requiring all guests and employees to wear face coverings in every part of our operations, which includes while inside all buildings, loading and riding the lifts, and during all ski and snowboard lessons. No one will be permitted (over the age of 2) on the premises without a face covering. This includes our parking areas and all public spaces. The ability for us to enjoy this ski and snowboard season requires everyone’s cooperation and we believe face coverings are the keystone to this success.
Additional Changes
Our historic ski area and lodge will embrace the renaissance of the classic days of my youth, where we used to suit up and boot up at the family car, and often tailgated or limited our trips into the lodge. Family and friends only brought bags inside at lunchtime or on breaks, and took more of a ‘drop-and-go-ski’ attitude to our cherished days on the slopes. This simplification of the ski experience, and the mindset that everything old is new again will serve us best in these times. Traffic patterns will be established to promote social distancing, and the lodge will have interior capacity restrictions and limitations on bags, and likely with length of time limits on peak days at indoor seating areas. Additional cubbies and shelving will help accommodate these practices. We’ll also be creating some additional outdoor seating areas on our grounds with spots to warm up on cold days, to extend your comfort and playtime.
The Corduroy Café will offer the same high quality, chef-prepared and inspired food, served in wrapped, ready to take-away packaging. Perley’s Pourhouse will offer an alternative to seated restaurant and bar service in order to ensure a safe and distanced après experience.
The Nordic Center will have an expanded lodge footprint, allowing for more space in both retail and additional guest comfort areas. Seasonal leasing of equipment will be available starting earlier in the fall, for you to ensure your family has the right gear to get out and play.
These changes will be a break from the “normal” for all of us and are necessary to protect the health and safety of everyone. We will continue to follow the guidance of our public health experts, and our state government officials as we make further plans. Updates will be posted on our website in the coming weeks. I ask for your patience as our teams continue to develop and implement these changes. With responsible actions and determination shared by us all, we can - and will - enjoy this winter, together.
Sincerely,
Tim Reiter
General Manager; Suicide 6
