Updated Nov. 18 at 5:26 p.m.This story has been updated with the latest information from the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, which finally released its new guidelines regarding ski areas.
Ski areas in counties listed at Level Red, or “severe risk,” on the state’s COVID-19 dial will be allowed to remain open when new restrictions go into place starting Friday.
Summit County, where Keystone, Arapahoe Basin and Breckenridge are already in operation, is one of 15 counties that will move to Level Red on Friday. Another Summit County resort, Copper Mountain, is scheduled to open in two weeks.
According to an email from the Colorado State Joint Information Center sent Wednesday evening, the new dial level announced Tuesday by Gov. Jared Polis “does not affect ski resort on-mountain operations specifically.” Ski areas in Level Red counties must suspend indoor dining and provide takeout and grab-and-go or outdoor dining, “but may still operate their lifts according to their approved plan.”
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The statement also said facilities “essential for health and safety like restrooms” can remain open. Families also may go indoors “to warm or shelter from inclement weather.”
The Loveland ski area is in Clear Creek county, which also will be at Level Red. Winter Park is in Grand County, which is at Level Orange.