HomeMy WebLinkAbout13. Mountain Traveler Survey Open-Ended ResponsesMountain Traveler Sentiment Survey | Open-Ended Responses
Vail
Number of Comments
Q 4: Other type of trip (please specify): Once you feel it is safe again to travel, which best describes the place(s)
you will likely visit on your FIRST OVERNIGHT LEISURE TRIP since the virus hit? (Check all that apply)9
4 Lacrosse Tournaments both in state and out of state 1
Dispersed public lands 1
Europe 2
Hotel 1
I'd love to ski, problem is the people OT WEARING MASKS ALL THE TIME. IT SHOULD BE MANDATORY EVEN WALKING OR
SKIING DOWN A SLOPE 1
International destinations, home rentals 1
Road trip with kids, Air BnB stay with pool 1
To my vacation home in vail 1
Q 8: Other (please specify): What would be your biggest concerns about starting to travel again? (Check all that
apply)8
Feeling superior to the community I'm visiting 1
Forced quarantine while at destination 1
International destinations not available for us travellers 1
It's hard to control the Texans and their mask rage!1
Lack of viable vaccine 1
no immediate high risk but general social pressures and concerns. We want to do our part in.1
Others not taking safety measures (distancing/masks) seriously 1
Regulations not being enforced. For example, restaurants not enforcing the wearing of masks and seating more than 50%.1
Q 9: Briefly, are there any particular concerns that stand out for you and/or your household regarding travel?113
.1
Adults not wearing masks properly and not having children wearing masks.1
Airline travel seems unsafe. Less strict (potentially) guidelines in travel destinations.1
Although hotels, private rentals claim to use more and better cleaning protocols, the two times we did travel we found this to be
untrue. Both places were highly rated. It becomes necessary to travel with your own sanitizing products, which is not an easy or
pleasant travel necessity.
1
As part of the older, vulnerable group we must be extremely cautious not to get COVID-19...masks, distancing, and only (long)
day car trips that can be accomplished without an overnight hotel stay.1
At the moment, our family meme era are primarily traveling by car. Very minimal air travel in our family travels. We feel
comfortable eating outside and participating in outdoor activities.1
Availability of aircraft/flights to go where I want to travel 1
Being about to distance and stay safe while getting to destination. Also dinning and everything outside!1
Border closed between us and csnada 1
Eating in restaurants, with limited outdoor seating that is subject to variable weather. I don't want to dine indoors.1
Expecting our first child in 5 weeks - travel is simply not worth the risk 1
Exposing at risk parents 1
First trip I would like to take would be to visit with my Mom but won't since she is mid 90's 1
Flying seems dangerous 1
General health uncertainty and required restricted activities, services and facility access. Restrictions are necessary but a
deterrent to travel.1
General numbers of COVID going up or down in a destination 1
High risk family member, airport security crowds and throughout airports, airplane crowding and air recirculation, eating at
restaurants and gondola rides to ski Vail 1
I am a healthy person . I not obedece I dont have deabitiesor high pressure so I not at all concern ...I prefer to be outdoors place
..for wxample vail.is a amazing destination . A lot of nature not many people and everybody have to use Mask 1
I am very concerned about Hotels especially with Hotels at Ski resorts that have been booking to 100% capacity.1
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I have absolutely no concerns regarding covid!! It is time to open up 100% and get people back to work. The economy is more of
a concern to me and the lasting affects to people. Those that have concerns / health issues can Or should quarantine, wear a
mask . The non-risk group, healthy people should be allowed to function as normal!!!
1
I have canceled two attempts at planning visits to friends and family, both of whom live in 'hot-spot' states - California and
Florida. I recently took a solo road trip to the southwestern part of Colorado and felt pretty safe in my movements based on
where I was and the activities I did - hiking and mountain biking.
1
I hope to receive the covid19 vaccine before travel 1
I just try to be safe 1
I skied at Vail on the last day before the resort shut down in March. I felt very safe on the mountain, even with how little we
knew about the virus at the time. Especially now, skiing seems like one of the safest activities one could do during COVID;
everyone is outside, spread apart, many people already wear face coverings, etc.
1
I'm concerned about inconsiderate actions of others, not wearing masks, ignoring safe distancing recommendations, etc.1
I'm concerned about what to do if I get infected. Who to call, where to stay especially if I'm staying at a hotel and I have to
quarantine myself or any family member.1
Inadequate safety practices by uninformed people 1
Inconsistent application of safety precautions 1
Its mostly the getting there component esp air travel 1
I've traveled to Vail this past summer (2020), and I was appalled at the number of visitors not wearing masks in the village.
Social distancing was difficult with the crowded streets. Many people did not where masks in public areas within our hotel as
required. I take the precautions to the Covid-19 pandemic very seriously, unfortunately, not everybody else does. This
prevented me from traveling as much as I would have liked this past summer.
1
Lack of standardized rules that places and people must follow.1
Let's just stick to facts and get the lifts open..1
Mainly other travelers not being respectful of distancing. We fail safe with hotel and restaurant actions 1
MAJOR concern about OTHERS not wearing masks, distancing, covering their nose, etc., and not complying with CDC guidelines.
Don't want to stand in a lift line, for example, with yahoos described above.1
Many Americans still appear not to be taking this virus and its risks seriously. Travel will be difficult as long as many people are
acting this way.1
My husband had a TIA 3 years ago, so our complete family is aware of the danger with clods that my husband already produces
and Covid that increases that possibility. So we keep our social distance, we take measures at home but we are having a great
time here in vail doing outdoor things, we go to our favorite restaurants, but even when we know a lot of people here, friends
we don't see them I think that is why we have been ok till today thanks God ┱
1
My state has a travel order and if I visit other states outside of the region, I need to quarantine for 2 weeks. I can't afford not to
work for 2 weeks so I can't afford to travel.1
Need to see sustained decrease in case numbers and production and distribution of effective safe vaccine 1
New infant in the home 1
No 10
No need to travel to make myself feel more important than any other human being.1
No, we already had the virus 1
None 5
None at this time 1
None, we are being idiots 1
nope 1
Not comfortable in airports more so than on a flight as there are so many other people. Concerned that my Dad is 89 and has
many underlying conditions. Afraid to travel to him and be even social distanced because of airport and flight. He is in NY and I'm
in CO.
1
Not really. I don't feel that I or anyone in my immediate family is high risk for complications from the virus. I do worry that I
could inadvertently carry and spread to someone who might be at higher risk.1
Not trusting that others around me are being as careful as I am 1
Not worried about myself following the rules/regulations of the area I travel to-I will become very familiar with them and follow
them! But I worry about all the other people not following the rules!!!!! I worry about the the rules being enforced!!!! Hard for
the local people to always insist on everyone following the rules!
1
One family member is high risk and one helps care for 90 year old parent/grandparent- so contact with other people who may
be a symptomatic carriers or others who do not wear masks and social distance is stressful. The Mountains used to be a place I
go to relax and that's not the case at this time if other people are not a careful.
1
Only the hope that all other travelers follow the guidelines set forth 1
Open the us/ Canada border. Canadians who own property in the us should be allowed to visit their respective properties.1
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Other people not taking safely measures 1
Other vacationers who refuse to take adequate precautions.1
Others who don't care enough or are disrespectful of their fellow humans and won't wear masks or socially distance.1
Our advanced age makes COVID-19 more lethal.1
Our country is worlds shit show and we are prohibited from traveling abroad 1
Over crowding at destinations. Having to take airlines. Others coming from Covid-19 hotspots. Others not following best
guidelines - wearing masks, distancing, etc.1
People not following the mask protocols. They endanger us all.1
People think dining outdoors is safer than indoors. It's all the same. The same restaurant workers see over hundreds of people a
day, touch so many gross things and are so busy, aren't able to wash hands as often as they should.1
Personally my life has not changed at all during Covid. But the world around me keeps stopping and starting and stopping again.
I have done little to limit myself (mostly due to the nature of my job) from being 'out in the world'. To my knowledge I have not
contracted the virus and if I have, my symptoms were so mild I did not notice. So thus far, it has not impeded me in anyway. I
would love to travel and have the limitations removed so we can return to normal. Let those concerned about contracting the
virus stay home and let those that want to live their lives continue as normal. I do not agree with living in fear. I have jumped out
of a plane, have been on many treacherous hikes, and drive like a maniac. All things probably more life threatening to me than a
virus - but that doesn't stop me from living. ؤ Just got back from a week in Vail - flew from Palm Beach, FL and have been back
for five days with no signs of Covid. Look at me...I traveled and loved every minute of it and am still fine!
1
Planes are the biggest concern 1
Recirculating air without virus filtration. Planes should filter the air at level of N-95 mask. To expensive to maintain 6' distancing.
Traveling with strangers of unknown origin.1
Restaurants and wait times are a problem. We only feel safe with outdoor seating. So we have gotten condos and made our own
food. Also concerned about crowds. I really miss all the Colorado festivals we normally attend, but you just can't do those right
now.
1
Restaurants not compliant with rules set in place. Cleanliness of hotels/timeshares. Things out of my co trol 1
Safety precautions not being enforced. Tourists walking around without masks, and no enforcement by authorities in all settings.1
Social distancing, cleanliness 1
That other people are taking safety protocols like masks seriously and following the rules about them.1
That we will never go back to normal and I will be stuck at home for the for seeable futurE 1
the biggest issue is I see pictures of people in VAIL without masks when will the town get stricter, they don't even have decent
signs to make sure people put on a mask when they enter a building the little piture on the large poster is so small it is
missed/ignored. people walk on the street and come closer than 6 feet to you without wearing a mask so how do I rate Vail -
totally i=unsafe - you enter a restaurant & the staff may have their mask around their neck not their face and be 2 - 3 feet from a
co-worker - I walked out & resoved never to eat there, if I can see that who knows what is happening back in the kitchen
1
The biggest issue of concern, an issue I have encountered traveling throughout the Covid crisis, is unpredictability. Unless your
trip is designed around either being exclusively outdoors or exclusively indoors it can be very difficult to utilize amenities visit
attractions, frequent restaurants or do other typical activities one would partake in while on vacation.
1
The idiots who don't wear masks. The people who don't take this seriously.1
The inconsistency of rules and the inconsistency of people wearing masks.1
The uncertainty of different rules in different places. Potential closure of borders. Being more than A-day's drive from home
with the potential of getting seriously ill.1
There is a concern of contracting the virus, but I love to travel, dine out, and don't feel closure is the way to solve the problem.
There are other health and risk factors that are secondary that I feel matter just as much, if not more. Overall, I feel that a 98%
recovery rate for COVID 19 is what needs to be considered rather than the LOW percentages of serious cases and deaths that
result. We need to get back to life, let businesses operate, and get people back outside and active.
1
Those that refuse to wear masks and also the concern about airlines. Some airlines I feel safe with and others I definitely do not.
Locally, mountain towns and tourism from out-of-state also really concern me.1
travel insurance related to Covid, Americans flouting all CDC guidelines and recommendations trusting cleaning staff to do a
proper job in hotel rooms, Air BnB owners to properly clean 1
Travel is expensive and it's just not worth the money at this time during the pandemic 1
Travel right now seems to be the main driver of COVID cases in the area where I live. The local community seems to only have
cases rise when people from other places were allowed to arrive. My concern would be doing that to another community or
bringing something back to mine.
1
Traveling is expensive. If services are limited in a destination I feel that prices should be lower to reflect that it is not the same
experience 1
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Until there is a widely available vaccine, just stay home. Resorts like Vail are just plain dangerous until a vaccine is widely
available.1
Until there is an FDA approved vaccine, I will not participate in events/travel/recreate.1
Unwilling to book lodging over concerns trip won't happen due to Covid 19.1
Value. It is hard to pay premium dollars for a less than premium experience 1
We are in our 60s and my husband has asthma 1
We are only currently interested in outdoor activities at destinations we can reach by car--no interest in being with crowds at
festivals, concerts, etc, though we might go to a socially distanced concert in the park, etc. We won't be doing indoor activities
(restaurants, museums, etc.) for quite awhile.
1
We can follow the CDC guidelines for masks and social distancing, but that doesn't mean other people will. Many people are too
selfish to inconvenience themselves for our protection, so until that changes, or a reliable vaccine exists, we are unlikely to travel
very far, especially by plane.
1
We did a road trip and one issue we ran into was getting fast food on the road. We were not allowed to go inside so had to eat
in the car and could not use the restroom or wash our hands. Not good 1
We feel safe traveling as long as we can keep some level of social distance and people are wearing masks.1
We have already travelled throughout May to July and live in Florida - so not many concerns with our bigger travel plans for ski
season other than limited activities or whether normal opening/operations will be available 1
We have to take seriously requested/required protocol but I believe we need to continue living. We also need to honor our right
to economic freedom.1
We need to get back to normal with precautions to keep us and others safe.1
We recently took a short trip and selected a location and resort we had stayed at before to feel safer. The familiarity of the
location helped us know what to expect.1
We stay safe and follow the guidelines. I'm not comfortable with people visiting Vail from hot spots that are not wearing masks,
social distancing and so on. Because of this concern we have chosen to stay home and hike and bike.1
We want to travel to popular destinations, which in normal years had a normal volume of visitors. However, in CO during the
pandemic it seems there are a lot of travelers into the state from hot spots like NY, CA, TX, etc.1
We will only travel to areas where masks are mandatory 1
We've travelled a few times during COVID, and we feel that it is easy to be safe and smart to protect ourselves and those around
us by 1- wearing masks, 2-washing hands/purely frequently 3- stay distance from other groups and 4- self quarantine/test at the
slightest concern of fever or symptom. We flew frontier, and we felt reasonably on the journey, as in the airport and airline and
rental car company took all had good policies in place, combined with our own sanitizing efforts.
1
What to do with the dog 1
Worried that others do not take the necessary precautions during these times.1
Q13: Other (please specify): Once you consider travel to be safe again, what information would you need to help
make you more likely to visit [Your Resort]? (Check all that apply)7
Dining and bars are open 1
Grocery stores are well stocked 1
It's fine for activities to be closed (like adventure ridge this summer) but I want to know in advance. Managing expectations is
key. Restaurant workers are my #1 concern since it's so high touch. A free and mandated healthcare program for 'front line
workers' might send a strong message to visitors that vail is open for business and serious about stamping out the virus. Free
regular testing for frontline workers.
1
similar concerns of all spots we would be required to travel through 1
Strict enforcement of masks in mask zones where appropriate, i.e. the village. Pictures of handcuffed Texans would be
convincing.1
Vaccine widely available 1
Vail is holding visitors accountable for practicing safety measures 1
Q14: Other (Please specify): Are you a: (Check all that apply)16
Cross country akier 1
Front range day skier 1
Live denver 1
Live in Aurora 1
Motor sports 1
None of the above 1
other 1
Own timeshare weeks in vail.1
Own two weeks @ resort 1
parent of a resident of a mountain town 1
Road and mountain bike cyclist 1
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snow shoer 1
time share in mountain town 1
Trail runner, snow shoer, mountain and road biker 1
we avoid mtns in winter due to traffic concerns 1
We visit Colorado more than twice a year for years 1
Q16: Other (please specify): Did you own a season pass in the 2019/20 ski season? (Check all that apply)9
2 day pass 1
Copper mountain 4pack 1
copper pass/epic 4 day 1
Employee dependent pass 1
Employee pass 1
National Ski Patrol 1
Teacher Pass (Vail, BC)1
US Ski Team Gold Pass 1
Vail Lifetime Pass 1
Q16: Single mountain season pass (please specify where): Did you own a season pass in the 2019/20 ski season?
(Check all that apply)4
Arapahoe Basin 1
Keystone 1
Taos 1
vail 1
Q18: Other concerns (please specify): What concerns do you have about buying a season pass or multi-mountain
ticket/pass for next winter? (Check all that apply)10
Ability to utilize the pass for more than one trip 1
booking lodging if trip uncertain 1
Hope to work a PT job to get a pass 1
I have never purchased a pass due to the high cost 1
I was hit by a snowboarder last year and suffered a knee injury.1
Suggestion n of reservations for skiingvwhile living in the ski town sounds too inconvenient 1
Too expensive 1
Vail mtn open or very limited 1
Will have newborn so I won't purchase pass but husband will 1
will the mountain open and be open long enough to get value out od a pass and will there be somewhere to go inside & eat my
safely prepared food and or get warm 1
Q19: I skied less than intended for other reasons (please specify): Did you ski as much as you intended in the
winter 2019/20 season, or did you ski less than expected due to early resort closures from COVID-19?17
bad neck 1
both early resort closure and minor health issues 1
Broke my ankle in Dec 1
Busy work travel 1
Didn\'t Ski at all 1
Family circumstances.1
For financial reasonI didn\'t get a pass last year. Glad I didn\'t, given how the year ended. My concern is that the resorts will
either only be partially open, or have to shut down.1
Got sick 1
I was hit by a snowboarder at the end of January. I had skied too much already for Vail Resorts to give me a refund.1
injuries 1
Kids 1
knee surgery 1
Pregnant 1
Season ended before I used all my ski days on the 4 packs purchased 1
Too expensive 1
travel to 1
work related 1
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Q21: What are the primary reasons you anticipate skiing/snowboarding less next winter 42
Although we will visit Vail, uncertain how much we will ski or board. Depends on how things go. If winter brings major covid
increases than probably not much skiing 1
Because I do not know how my knee will perform. Also, there will be long lift lines at Vail for social distancing. They were
already long because of over crowding on the mountain.1
Because of covid19 safety 1
Border restrictions between United States and canada May have to ski in Canada only 1
Closure or disruption of operations of resorts and travel options 1
Closures 1
Coronavirus may force the mountain not to be open for skiing 1
Covid 2
covid 19 interfering with planning 1
Covid accommodations, i.e. reservations to ski, is the biggest, seems it's going to be highly inconvenient for a season cardholder
who lives in the ski resort town 1
COVID traveling to other small towns 1
Cv-19 1
Doing other things.1
Don't think I'll feel comfortable traveling for New Year's, when I've typically come to Vail.1
Family's safety 1
Friends won't travel 1
Hassle factor of expected lengthy lift lines and reduced lift capacity and reduced on mtn amenities 1
Health measures to ensure safety so they may be closed or limit the number of visitors 1
I feel that we will have closures due to Mountains will not restrict people who are coming from Hot Spots. Resorts should have
stricter requirements for guest travelling from out of state. For instance a quarantine of 7-5 days before travel plus testing within
72 hours of travel.
1
I have a high doubt that ski areas will be allowed to be open. Controlling lift lines, the lodges on cold days, and sitting on lifts
while controlling numbers may create miserable and long lift lines. It just doesn't seem to be possible to distance.1
I think lines will be long 1
If we don't travel, we don't ski 1
I'm guessing there will be limits on the ski resort. Also, I usually ski several days with my students and I'm not optimistic that will
look the same.1
Inability to travel.1
Lack of social distancing in rest areas and dining halls. I definitely use them for at least an hour to keep warm and I would hate
to have to make a reservation to get there.1
Lack of vaccine for Vid-19!1
Later opening and earlier closure 1
Limiting travel due to covid, but also personal reasons (recently married)1
Mountain closures 1
negative possible health effects to family due to virus 1
Not sure where we will be with the coronavirus and whether it's going to be safe, particularly since vaccine won't be widely
available to after ski season most likely 1
Pandemic 1
Primarily, I moved from Vail to Cape Cod. Secondarily, I don't know if resorts will open and if they do, these east coast resorts
usually have very long lines already. I'm not comfortable in large groups of people yet.1
Resort availability 1
Safety related to travel and prevalence of virus and government travel restrictions (Canadian resident)1
Skiing may be OK but lodging and meals are difficult without huge precautions being taken and ensuring that people social
distance in lift lines and in mountain villages 1
The abysmal failure of the Trump administration and most republican governors and policymakers to address the COVID crisis
with appropriate and rational policies. This continuing failure will likely limit the availability of safe ski lift options. Gondolas are
particularly unsafe and perfect for virus transmission. Large numbers of skiers and snowboarders come from states that have
deliberately failed to address and contain the spread of the coronavirus. These visitors put all of us at significant risk.
1
the virus and expense 1
Traveling to resorts given covid 1
Vaccine not widely available 1
We don't know what will be open, we don't want to be around tourists travelling to vail from hot spots. We don't know what we
will be able to afford since I have been out of work since march.1
Q21: What are the primary reasons you anticipate skiing/snowboarding more next winter?47
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Access to mountain home near ski area and senior pass.1
Because I didn't get a full season due to 2019/2020 resort closures.1
Because I want to.1
Because most othe things will be closed 1
Because the season was cut short last year. We had anticipated at least one more trip. I typically ski between 15-22 days per
year.1
Covid being handled 1
Didn't get enough last season 1
Favorite activity cut short last year 1
hopeful ski resorts will be open with precautions in place, possibly some type of reservation system to control crowds 1
Hopefully, no Covid closures 1
Hopes that the covid issues will be better and health concerns from last year have been resolved. Have skied many more days in
years past.1
I am crossing my fingers that the pandemic will be over 1
I am hoping the season doesn't end early.1
I am not as busy at work as I was last season and the season was cut short by 5 weeks.1
I am retired 1
I didn't get to ski as much as anticipated Do closerbof mountains, due to Covid19 1
I expect Vail to be open for the full season.1
I love to ski 1
I want my son to learn how to ski.1
I will make myself go out as often as possible in case there is another shut down 1
I won't be traveling for business 1
I work as a ski instructor 1
if open I will try to get out everyday, presuming it is safe 1
I've been planning it for a while 1
Lack of work 1
longer time in vail 1
Love of the sport.1
Make up for last year 1
More available time.1
More time off from work and school 1
More trips planned as long as the resorts open up safely.1
Moved from San Diego to Denver and bought an epic pass. Plan to be out as much as possible with my work schedule 1
No early closure 1
Not traveling as much for work so I will prioritize skiing in Colorado where I live 1
Proximity to the mountain, more reliable work schedule, potential that lines will be shorter if people stay home due to the virus.1
Remote work flexibility changes the game for me. I can run my business from Vail. I'll stay longer when I'm there.1
Resort hopefully will stay open longer 1
Season cut short last year. Hope that doesn't happen this year.1
take kids for first time 1
The kids are getting big enough 1
The resorts being open for business through Memorial Day 1
to make up for days missed last winter 1
to make up for lost days in 2020 1
We are looking to purchase a vacation home in Vail so we can ski more often 1
We plan to ski resorts, but will go far into the back-country if the resorts are forced to close. In 2020 we honored the
restrictions, but are committed to alternatives this year.1
we purchased a house in Frisco summer 2020 1
Weather and positive approach to Virus 1
Q22: Other (please specify): What is your typical travel pattern for skiing or snowboarding trips?20
be there 1
don\'t have to travel really 1
fly and stay for 2 weeks 1
Fly for a 10 day vacation 1
I live at the base of a ski lift.1
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i live in ski town. Usually 1 big trip flying somewhere 1
I live in Vail 1
I live in vail so I don\'t travel to snowboard 1
live in Stowe, have conod at Whistler & relatives in Vail.1
live in the ski town 1
Local 2
Part time employee 1
Resident 1
Residential on snow 1
Ski local.1
stay at home resort 1
Stay at my house in Vail and take the bus 1
Walk to bus or gondola 1
Work as a ski instructor 1
Q23: Yes (How? Please specify): Do you anticipate your skiing/snowboarding travel patterns changing next winter
compared to your usual travel pattern?43
closer to home 1
Could fly less 1
Covid May well change the verything. Need us/ Canada border to open 1
Day 1
Depends on virus spread and resort capability. With no on mountain food, it\'s difficult to go - and pack and carry your own food.
At the same time, lodges get really packed a lunch - which still may not be safe 1
Depends upon airline flights 1
Don\'t anticipate coming to Vail for New Year\'s 1
don\'t expect to take big travel trip and will stay local.1
don\'t want to fly 1
Driving distance travel 1
Far less travel.1
Fewer trips 1
Health concerns 1
https://lincolnproject.us/team/endent on buses to get to the lift, unclear how that will be 1
I moved from vail to Cape Cod. I\'ll drive and stay overnight.1
I won\'t be traveling to ski 1
I\'m concerned about there being reservations required to ski in-resort and not being able to obtain reservations whenever I
want them.1
if there\'s no vacine, I will only ski Stowe or other VT places.1
It depends on the Ski area how they are going to handle Covid for the next ski season 1
likely not flying 1
may drive to Vail from Pennsylvania if we go at all 1
May not drive to other places 1
May not go if COVID is still rampant.1
More day trips only 1
More Driving 1
Not going without a vaccine 1
Not skiing weekends 1
Only driving 1
Overnight stays 1
Probably will drive more 1
relocation 1
See other answers. Must have safe ski towns- or maybe other options for lunch on the mountain that would be outside 1
Waiting later in the year to feel safe flying 1
We will likely drive as opposed to flying.1
Will drive 1
will drive ONLY; no flying 1
Will not air travel until me and my family get a viable vaccine for Covid 19.1
Will not be flying anywhere to ski, hoping to do shorter road trips around the state 1
Will not fly to u.s,1
Will will go only if Vail is fully operating 1
Won\'t be traveling to ski 1
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would consider driving and longer trip 1
Would stay in my home country and not travel to USA 1
Q24: Any comments about how ski areas responded to the conoravirus pandemic?62
...was disappointed with 2019/2020 pass insurance which did not recognize the pandemic as an insurable event for a full refund
of an unused pass due to early closure of the Vail resort 1
Again, my uncertainty over the resorts opening, or if they do, having to shut down one or more times has me reluctant to
commit to buying an expensive pass for this season. I still haven't decided. If I choose to buy a pass, I would want assurances that
I would receive a refund if the resorts shut down. I am a public school teacher; a ski pass is a big expense for me.
1
Can't really answer until the resorts are opened for skiing. Last year caught everybody by surprise and the shutdown was state
mandated so there was no response by the ski areas to speak of.1
Colorado resorts forced to close so ski area management and decisions really not a factor 1
Don't know how to social distance with crowds at Vail, buses, restaurants, gondola, lodges, hotels 1
Felt they closed to soon and did not handle the treatment of pass holders and seasonal employees very well 1
I don't believe the Epic or Ikon passes are sold with enough insurance to the buyer against closures, or enough strict
enforcement of safety measures. I am betting that Blue Sky Basin will be a shit-show again this winter, and tourists will ruin it for
locals. I hope to see police officers at the lift lines. The only thing I hate more than the masks is seeing a ski resort close for the
winter. I am a calm person who adheres to regulations, but anticipate being a part of the angry mob dealing with the mask
naysayers that during their vacation could ruin my entire ski season. Ski town people get the impact, employees have felt the
pain, and resorts need to go to extremes to force safety for everyone's benefit. Yes, it is fair to say as a 25+ year passholder, and
regular visitor to the Vail area that it is expected that those that are not compliant will be swiftly excommunicated from the
village; handcuffs, photos for the front page of the newspaper, and shown on Vail TV.
1
I feel safe on the mountain, outdoors is the best place to be!1
I feel the resort did what it felt it needed to do at the time given limited information. I believe the information we have now
justifies opening for the 2020-21 season.1
I give the ski areas a poor response in the ski area response question because when we skied before the resorts were closed, the
buffets/lunch areas had NO hand sanitizer and no precautions being taken. Skiing itself isn't the issue because you can space
people in lifts and we are OK wearing a face coving to ski. It's the lunch options that are concerning
1
I have been concerned about the lack of follow through by the town with the Sunday market & the resulting crowds. It is an
invitation for more Covid 19 for our community. I also think others of us who live here part time (30 years) are not receiving the
full scope of the increase in cases since Vail opened up more to tourists. Too many walking around town are NOT wearing masks.
1
I really appreciated Vail giving discounts for next season, and I think it was right to shut down. I know it was difficult on
employees, especially those in employee housing and I think informing employees could have been handled better.1
I say 'very good' because the resorts were quick to recognize the potential danger from and numerous unknowns about the
virus, and (rightfully) took the conservative route to shut down for the season. However, now that we know so much more about
how the virus spreads, I believe it will be very possible to have a safe, open 2020/21 season.
1
I think large-scale events that attracted international visitors should have been shut down more quickly. For example, the Burton
US Open in Vail was the likely source of our initial cases but it was allowed to proceed with no restrictions despite the fact that
the virus was a known threat at that point.
1
I think the reacts according the info they had at that time.1
I think you can socially distance on the hill and believe ski resorts should open but limit capacity 1
I thought they were implementing distancing appropriately until shut down by the state. I don't think it would be that difficult to
distance skiing on the mountain, but eateries & crowding in the village would pose a problem.1
I was disappointed they closed down so quickly in the spring. I know there was too much uncertainty at the time, but it seemed
rushed.1
I was here in Vail in February I skied every day but there were any measures to prevent COVID. We didn't get it but I know
people that did get it here in Vail.1
I wish a distinction could be made between safety measures indoors and outdoors. I would feel very comfortable sharing a chair
on a chair lift with strangers as it's outside and we would be masked.1
I wish more summer mountain activities were open 1
If I had a guarantee that I would be fully refunded for my season pass and any lodging, then I would probably go ahead and
purchase season passes and plan several trips (a few overnights).1
I'm waiting to see how social distancing and mask wearing enforcement will be implemented by the resorts this coming ski
season. If enforcement is poor on the lifts and in the corral, I won't ski much.1
Page 9
In retrospective of what happened in March, it would be nice ski resorts would apply an after vacation survey about (1wk, 2wks
after, or both), trying to: a) get to know if someone got it from the ski resort b)trace cases better c) design course of action. This
way you could have a 'real time ' (with a 2 wk delay) indicator and could actually make it public in order to incentivize travel and
occupancy. Also, you could share with visitors (via Email) all the new safety protocols that are taking place at hotels, restaurants,
ski rentals, car rentals, etc. This way each family can further adapt their own strategies around covid19.
1
It's not all on the ski resorts. People must take responsibilities for their actions.1
Keep up the good work of helping all of us to stay safe and healthy.1
Lack of information is frustrating 1
lets keep Vail open with the right measures, as a tourist we are willing to comply with the rules set by Vail. thank you for the
great service 1
my biggest concern is chair lift and gondola travel (and standing in line to board a lift)1
My main concern was over how many of the employees were treated and how some were stranded or kicked out of employee
housing with little notice and without much support. Beyond that, the only safe thing to do is to not allow crowds which means
closing a mountain. The response to the desire to open this summer over concerns of local communities has been pretty poor
considering that the main driver of the virus in some of those communities is outsiders bringing it in.
1
No 2
No comments 1
not clear what they are doing 1
Not sure why disc golf would be taken away. Can't distance much more than that game. It's annoying to get glares when I don't
have a mask on outside. The CDC recommends that you should wear a mask when not able to social distance outside for 15
minutes or more. Please make your customers aware of this fact. Also, the virus dies almost instantaneously when exposed to
UV rays. I have no problem being asked to wear a mask indoors, if I am not socially distant especially. Please help educate folks
on the guidelines, recommendations and practices to follow. I will not come back if I feel unsafe due to my fellow man seemingly
threatening me over outdoor mask use (or lack thereof.) Be better Vail.
1
Open please. And stay open.1
Quick and definitive response at Vail 1
Resort could have communicated better About closure.1
see above 1
Ski resorts need to be VERY careful. There's a reason why Vail was a hotspot in March. Please take this into consideration.1
skiing is a socially distant sport with gloves and many masks. Don't think chair lifts or mazes w short lines are the issue. Gondola
is bit tricky. It's really the social activities in ski town - apres, dinner, bars, etc where ppl will get sick and need to be careful. How
can restaurants survive when the outdoor seating is limited. Bars and dance clubs are not great idea.
1
skiing itself can be easily social distanced and face coverings are needed at times due to the cold. Issue becomes the starting
areas where crowds happen - and lessons for younger skiers who are a part of our group and need lessons/care in order for us to
ski.
1
Some of the rules are piling on. For example, walking in only one direction is overkill.1
Still developing operating plan for 2020-2021 ski and board season. I Haven't seen a plan yet that will open ski areas Safely &
effectively.1
The credit I got on my pass was meager at best. I was planning on doing most of my Vail skiing in the spring and I had about 5
days on my pass. I got a $149 credit for this upcoming season. I feel ripped off and it's a gamble I'm not sure to take at this point.1
The food and beverage facilities should have reacted much faster to concerns, as I remember eating around people coughing
and feeling like I should leave.1
The resorts should place a higher standard of restrictions for guest traveling from Out of State.1
The ski industry reacted too slowly to the extensive evidence of significant risks arising from coronavirus.1
There needs to be consistency in changes and communication in changes now 1
This should be relativity easy to make safe if you can enforce the mask mandate 1
Understand closures, would have preferred to see reopening 1
Vail closed after we departed Cases were already reported on March 6 1
Vail did everything they could to remain open 1
Vail not enforcing masking or social distancing then s summer is really disappointing and discouraging for this upcoming season
jon@apsmd.us 1
Vail Resorts has been very limited in their communication for winter and summer.1
Vail Resorts should have closed earlier, even Thursday (3/12) or Friday (3/13) once it became clear we were in a bad situation. It
wasn't safe for local workers or travelers to potentially be exposed when we didn't really understand how the virus worked.1
Page 10
We feel very strongly that it is imperative to open up for business while being smart and responsible about means and methods
to control the virus spread. The economic, health, and emotional toll of a lockdown appears to be far greater than the threat of
the virus itself. The virus is dangerous, but it is NOT a magical zombie virus. It is a risk to be managed. We should take strong
precaution (masks, distancing, self quarantine or test if concerned), while also living a regular and full life.
1
We were in Vail 2 weekends ago for 5 days -- it was appalling at how little enforcement there was to ensure people wore masks
and social distanced -- both in town and in the resort. It was largely clear from where the majority of violators came from, either
by license plates or baseballs and t-shirts with states' and universities' names, etc. That Eagle County was the epicenter for
COVID in Colorado made it all the more shocking that this behavior was tolerated.
1
We were in Vail the first week of March when all of this was starting - I don't know what happened after we left other than it
was a hot spot.1
We were in Vail when it closed. CEO's recent letter to Stowe staff ( my partner is a ski instructor at Stowe) was a well stated
letter regarding opening of the resort next season & identifying his concerns for the safety of his customers and the local
community, which I very much appreciated.
1
While unfortunate for everyone involved, overall they made the best decisions given the situation.1
While Vail Resorts did offer a discount for this year, it was minimal AND they raised their price for the EPIC pass which ate into
the discount.1
Q24: Other (please specify): Overall, how would you rate the response of ski areas to the coronavirus pandemic?5
closing was necessary not because of skiing but because of what ppl do when they aren\'t skiing.1
Overreacted 1
perhaps late to realizing a problem and then needed spacing between the lines as they regulated getting on the gondola, then
abrubtly closing without giving notivce that it was being contemplated, those poor folks who arrived the day the mountain
closed & couldn\'t get out for several days
1
Should not have closed resort or restricted rentals.1
They tried to stay open longer than they should have and created huge lift lines for several days before closing the resort.1
Q32: Do you have any further thoughts you would like to share about any topic we didn’t ask you about?64
1963 1
As a director of Microbiology at a hospital, I am deeply concerned about the safety of the coming ski/winter season. People are
simply stupid and don't listen to rules/regulations. My lab then sees these patients test positive...1
Asked when I visited Vail in last 12 months, gave options of Spring 2020 or earlier. We just returned from a trip there, we visited
in July 2020.1
Asking for travelor sentiment is a great idea. I'm happy to participate in surveys like this in order to help inform vail associates for
the future 1
Be as safe as possible 1
committing to lodging during the ski season is difficult in current situation 1
Covid19 safety with equipment rentals 1
Don't go overboard in the COVID response. We are recreating outdoors and are reasonably safe. Open the restaurants to
normal capacity. Let the residents of Eagle County return to work! This virus will be with us for another 2-3 years, so keep Vail
open with reasonable precautions. It is the personal responsibility of high-risk individuals to isolate. It is not appropriate to foist
onerous and unnecessary restrictions on the vast majority of the population.
1
Don't make surveys so long.1
Early communion is key for the upcoming ski season and how the resorts are addressing COVID-19 1
Get the us/ Canada border opened 1
Good luck. I hope you guys can open and staff the resorts and that we have a great snow year. Wouldn't that be nice?1
Have more outside dining available.1
Health Rules must be ENFORCED! I am in Vail now and people aren't wearing masks or maintaining social distance!1
I can't recomend to any friend or acquaintance that they come to Vail while I see the laxness with respect to masks, and no
attempt to even but up a big sign saying stop do not enter unless & until you have a mask on - Further some restaurants are lax
about their employees wearing a mask inside & being to close to co-workers - even the Mayor's place Vendatta's has violations
of that int he post mandatory masks inside era Worries me greatly
1
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I do not agree with the way Vail Resorts cuts corners on summer and winter activities. They should not shut down a trail just
because the spread hay, or there is some snow on the trail. We come here in the summer to hike, and they should open up the
Gondolas earlier to facilitate the users. And they should not shut down runs and ski lifts early before the ski season ends. And
they should allow dogs on the gondolas. It is time to become competitive with other ski resorts in the area.
1
I have a toddler so haven't been skiing recently related to that 1
I hope Vail opens for skiing and we can come this year. Missed coming last year when the mountain closed early!1
I think CEO Rob Katz is doing an impressive job.1
I think the permission for consuming alcoholic beverages on the streets of Vail and Beaver Creek was a brilliant way to help the
food & beverage industry attempt some sort of recovery. I didn't see any examples of this policy being abused during my week
long visit.
1
I think Vail is awesome. The town, resort, and employees are all top notch. I went overboard on my responses to give a very
clear perspective on what I feel is in the best interest of keeping the town and resorts open. Thanks for asking!1
I was just in VAil. Loved going. Did notice at Pepis restaurant they were seating every table inside and out. Also noticed every
restaurant with a bar had bar stools not socially distanced at the bar( Minturn bars, Uptown in Edwards, Red Onion- not as safe
as in other parts of CO
1
i won't be going heli skiing or going abroad this year. I only bought epic pass for my local resorts. I was only able to use ikon pass
2 days last yr so did not buy pass for this yr.1
I would be completely heartbroken if I couldn't ski this winter!1
I'm very nervous about VR prioritizing visitors over locals, like reducing local ski days/etc. This is significantly less safe when it
comes to bringing in the virus, and isn't fair to locals. We work here, and work hard, so we can enjoy the benefits of this
beautiful place. It's tough to think we'll be working hard without any of the benefits this winter, and still be overly exposed to
the virus by travelers.
1
It's not the same experience going to vail when restaurants don't have enough seating, breakfast buffets aren't available, limited
use of pool, jacuzzi, spas. Understand the need to limit crowds but the prices should also be lower since the experience isn't the
same
1
Just returned from Vail, the service in the restaurants was very poor and Vail didnt feel the same as it has in the past.1
Keep the economy open.1
Missed some of our fav things...ice skating, rodeo. But impressed and pleased with safe alternatives that were provided.1
More work to improve safety & Covid-19 protection I-70 to Denver. And EGE, DEN airports.1
Na 1
No 7
No, I appreciate the opportunity to complete a survey.1
No, just see my other paragraph.1
None 2
nope 2
On the question about visiting Vail, we usually visit different areas and resorts. So not unusual that we wouldn't come back to
Vail every year. We also own a timeshare in Park City - which tends to bring us there in the Winter ski season and Colorado more
in the summertime.
1
Open all events!1
People need to take responsibility for their actions.1
Please do everything you can to maintain healthy guidelines so that my family can enjoy Vail in 2020. Thank you!1
Please open the mountains for skiing this winter!!!1
Resorts like Vail are desperate for guests and will do virtually anything to get guests to come. Many of Vail's small businesses will
fail and can not be saved. No amount of wishful thinking will change that. I would not go inside any small business under the
current situation.
1
Ski resorts better enforce social distancing and mask wearing rules in areas where it is necessary or I won't be visiting the resorts
much this coming season.1
Specifically, I am concerned about the safety of people riding the gondola cars at Stowe. It's impossible to keep safely distanced
in one and enforce the rule of one car per family. And, how do we really identify that people are really a family in each car?1
Take care of the employees; moderate wage increases needed if you expect to run anywhere approaching normal ops.. Don't
even think about reducing employee pass access or you will be working with skeleton crews 1
The resorts need to place Higher restrictions than what is mandated 1
The use of masks in Vail, Frisco, Breckinridge, and Leadville was practically universal. I was very comfortable at the Vail Farmer's
Market, as well as stores and restaurants across the Front Range.1
This too shall pass.1
Time to get back to life. Let's Go!!!1
Page 12
Vail is beautiful and cleaner than Aspen. Keep it clean and pick up the some the the scattered garbage along both sides of
Frontage road.1
Vail needs a second lift out of the Village. The gondola will be a disaster this season.1
Was just in vail in july and it was amazing!1
We have visited Vail and other mountain areas In Colorado every Summer for 27 years.1
We would love to plan a ski trip, but we are unsure of the process and out ability to get on mountain. We ski with realities who
live out there so we are also concerned that we will all be able to get on mountain together. It's awfully late to not have shared
some form of a plan or vision for the ski season. We were just there for summer activities and found it difficult to get info on
what was/was not open
1
When we visited Vail many shopkeepers and residents were not wearing masks and there were largish gatherings in Vail Village.
It was a bit uncomfortable.1
You should have self-employed as part of employment status. My husband and I are Realtors. We love Vail in the summer for
cycling and usually spend our wedding anniversary there in July. We were there this July but you didn't have that as a choice so I
checked Spring 2020.
1
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