Colorado Ski Season 2020-2021

November 18, 2020 By Claire Garlick Leave a Comment

Colorado Ski Season: Guide on when resorts open, COVID-19 rules

The 2020-21 Colorado ski and snowboard season is here. And like most things this year, it will look a little different due to COVID-19.

The good news is that most of the time when skiing or snowboarding — coronavirus pandemic or not — you’re probably already wearing a mask. The bad news is, well, Colorado ski season will not only look different in general, thanks to the coronavirus pandemic — it’ll also look different from resort to resort.

While there’s currently no statewide mandate on how to keep people safe during ski season, the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment has put out guidance for ski areas to follow, in order to reopen. Using that guidance, each ski area (with assistance from their local health agency) will develop their own COVID-19 rules for visitors.

Those plans must be approved by the state before the mountain can reopen to the public. And if a ski area is part of a family of resorts (like Vail Resorts) or a pass provider (like Epic Pass), there may be even more specific rules that apply. When in doubt, check the ski area website or give them a call if you can’t find answers online.

So, what should you consider before going skiing in Colorado this year?

Figure out if you need a reservation first. Some ski areas are requiring them, some aren’t — and some are giving first priority to pass holders. Skiing multiple mountains in one day? You’ll need to check what the requirements on each mountain are.
Buy your ticket in advance. Even if the resort may plan to have onsite lift ticket purchasing available, those plans could quickly change based on COVID-19 restrictions in that county, or due to exposure. Buying your ticket online or over the phone is a safer bet.
Check out your parking and shuttle options. The Winter Park Ski Train is out of the question this year, and the Snowstang buses that serve Arapahoe Basin, Loveland and Steamboat Springs may not be operating either. Also — shuttles from parking lots may require extra time due to reduced passenger capacity and social distancing measures.
Pack a lunch. Check the ski area’s website to see what dining options are available. Capacity at cafeterias will likely be reduced, full bar service may not be available and some on-mountain dining areas may be closed. If you really need that bowl of chili instead of packing a sandwich, bring a credit card — many ski areas have resorted to cashless transactions.
Know that you may not be able to ride the chair lift or gondola with your group. Whether you can all ride together in the same chairlift or gondola will depend on the rules of each resort. Make a plan ahead of time with your group to stay in touch.
Mentally prepare for this year to be different. Physical distancing measures, face coverings, temperature checks, reduced Après-ski gatherings and more are all on the table. Measures will vary from resort to resort.

Colorado Ski Area And Resort Opening Dates For 2020-2021

All the dates listed are subject to change.

Article originally published at https://www.cpr.org/2020/11/11/colorado-ski-area-opening-day-coronavirus/.

Garden of the Gods Park Receives More Than $360,000 to Support Visitor Experience

October 27, 2020 By Claire Garlick Leave a Comment

Garden of the Gods Park receives more than $360,000 to support visitor experience and public safety programs

The Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services Department received a donation earlier this month totaling $367,826. Funds will support the visitor experience, public safety programs and the next phase of restroom construction in the ever-popular Garden of the Gods Park.

The generous donation was made by the Garden of the Gods Foundation, with $50,000 from the Garden of the Gods Trading Post.

“We are extremely grateful for the wonderful collaboration between the Foundation, Trading Post, and the City,” said Karen Palus, Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services director. “This is such a great example of community organizations working together toward a common goal, which in this case, is enhancing and protecting Garden of the Gods Park for the enjoyment of generations to come.”

The Garden of the Gods Foundation, a local 501(c)(3) organization created in 1994, works to improve the quality of Garden of the Gods Park by gathering resources and distributing grants that enhance and protect the park. It also owns and operates the Garden of the Gods Visitor & Nature Center, which was built to give back to the park. Since its founding, the Foundation has granted more than $4 million to Garden of the Gods Park, a registered National Natural Landmark.

“The Garden of the Gods Foundation is proud of its long-term commitment to preserve and maintain the Garden of the Gods Park,” said Jan Martin, president of the Garden of the Gods Foundation. “Our annual contribution to the parks department to enhance and protect this park feels even more significant in 2020, and we thank the thousands of visitors who have continued to patronize the Visitor and Nature Center and the park itself despite the challenges of this year. Every purchase made in the visitor center supports the park.”

The Visitor & Nature Center was closed for several weeks in March and all of April and May due to the COVID-19 pandemic. It reopened to the public in June.

Article originally published at https://coloradosprings.gov/parks/article/news/garden-gods-park-receives-more-360000-support-visitor.

Colorado Springs – Tejon Street Named “Great Streets” 2020 Winner

October 21, 2020 By Claire Garlick Leave a Comment

The American Planning Association of Colorado named Tejon Street as the “Great Streets” 2020 winner of the Great Places Colorado program. Winners in the program represent the gold standard in terms of having a true sense of place, cultural and historical interest, community involvement and a vision for tomorrow.

“I am thrilled Tejon Street has been selected as one of the 2020 American Planning Association ‘Great Places in Colorado.’ Over the last 50 years local planning efforts have focused on creating a vibrant Downtown, centered around Tejon Street,” said Mayor John Suthers. “This vibrancy is the direct result of interventions over decades by planners, economic developers, and local organizations seeking to create a place that is memorable and important. Tejon Street is truly an unparalleled atmosphere that makes Colorado unique.”

As a result of intentional planning and programming by the City of Colorado Springs and Downtown Partnership, Tejon Street hosts activity that is not seen in any other part of Colorado Springs.

Tejon Street exemplifies four key criteria evaluated by the American Planning Association of Colorado for the award:

Livable built environment: including wide sidewalks, patio dining and updated streetscaping.
In harmony with nature: integrating with Acacia Park and Alamo Square, connectivity to a robust trail system and use of natural landscaping.
Supporting a resilient economy: a mix of businesses and promotion of cultural programming, such as engaging festivals, parades and activities like Dine Out Downtown, as well as building and façade enhancement grants.
Fostering a healthy community: promoting walkability with walking tours, outdoor activities like Skate in the Park, and robust public art that enhances the pedestrian experience.
Tejon Street has been guided by master plans since 1971, with updates in 1992, 2009, and the Experience Downtown Master Plan in 2016. As a Form-Based Zone (FBZ) district and a state-certified creative district, specific public space standards are realized as new developments continue to occur Downtown, ensuring the spirit of a pedestrian friendly “Main Street” endures.

About Downtown Partnership

Downtown Partnership is the lead nonprofit organization ensuring that Downtown Colorado Springs serves as the economic, cultural, and civic heart of the city. For more information visit www.downtowncs.com, or contact Downtown Colorado Springs at 719.886.0088.

Article originally published at https://coloradosprings.gov/mayors-office/article/news/tejon-street-named-great-street-part-2020.