In an effort to manage capacity in support of physical distancing guidelines, Blue Mountain Resort will be managing its hiking trails with a new trail pass system.
“We will use an approach similar to how we manage mountain access in ski season,” says Tara Lovell, manager of public relations for Blue Mountain Resort. “Guests who want to access the mountain and attraction areas will require a pass or ticket.”
Starting on June 6, guests must have one of the following in their possession to access Blue Mountains' trails: Play-All-Day Pass, 2021 5x7 or Ikon Season Pass, Explore Pass, or Play-As-You-Go Base Camp Attraction Ticket.
Lovell says the shift to a pass/ticket system has been done in an effort to protect trail users, while still allowing them access to the area’s recreational offerings.
“We know that as [COVID-19] restrictions ease, Blue Mountain, as the largest destination and employer in this area, has a responsibility to welcome guests back to the Mountain as safely as possible,” Lovell says. “One way that we will do that is by managing capacity where we can to continue supporting physical distancing guidelines.”
As of today, the resort’s trails remain closed, and Lovell says that throughout the closure staff have been conducting extensive work on the trails preparation for summer.
“The hiking trail network has increasingly required more maintenance as it is very popular and there is a lot of wear and tear on the trails and forests both from seasonal changes and pedestrian traffic,” she says. “As with all of our resort offerings, we are awaiting updated legislation prior to re-opening. In the meantime, our teams will be working on the trails to be ready to open in the coming weeks.”
For those who make frequent use of Blue Mountains’ hiking trails, Lovell points to the new Explore Pass, which is $59 for an adult, or $39 for a youth pass.
“The Explore Pass is valid through the entire summer season and allows access to the hiking trail network and the open-air gondola, both up and down,” she says.
Winter season pass holders for next winter (ie. 2020/21 5x7 or Ikon Passholders) will automatically have access to hiking trails and the gondola as part of their summer benefits.
According to Lovell, this is one of many changes the resort will likely be implementing once operations resume following the COVID-19 closure.
“This is just one of the changes our teams have been developing as we reimagine Blue Mountain Resort in our new normal,” she added. “Like many destinations navigating this crisis, our hope is to return to business as quickly as possible while keeping our employees and guests healthy and safe.”
