Vail Resorts is suspending operations at all of its North American mountain resorts and retail stores from March 15 to March 22. That includes Vail, Beaver Creek, Breckenridge, Crested Butte and Keystone. A statement from the resort company said it will be using the time to “reassess [its] approach for the rest of the season.”
The statement also said both seasonal and year-round employees will be paid during the upcoming eight-day period, without needing to use any vacation or sick time.
“Our lodging and property management operations will remain open to service the guests we have on location or those with existing reservations, but we will not be taking new reservations for this upcoming week,” the statement said. “Epic Mountain Express, our Colorado shuttle service, will also continue operations to support the travel needs of our guests.”
Colorado Governor Jared Polis was quick to issue a response to the suspensions.
“I commend Vail Resorts for taking this difficult, responsible step and urge other mountains and resorts to do the same,” Polis said in a statement.
In an interview with Aspen Public Radio on Tuesday, Aspen Skiing Company communications director Jeff Hanle said SkiCo would follow recommendations from the county and the state regarding closure of ski operations.