Skiing and snowboarding are winter sports beloved by many, but they’re also pastimes that rely on tradition. And from a ski operator’s perspective, there are so many different pieces that have to seamlessly match up, from dining to grooming the slopes, safety patrol (and explosives), hospitality – not to mention the whims of Mother Nature – that it’s not easy to make drastic changes. Yet that’s just what ski resorts had to do in the face of the Covid pandemic.

In this episode, Rusty Gregory, the CEO of Alterra Mountain Co., and Natalie Ooi, the program director of the ski area management program at Colorado State University, shared with Travel Weekly editor Robert Silk (who also handles our ski coverage) and host Rebecca Tobin several facets of skiing and riding a la 2021: the challenges of having to prep for the unknown. Massive investments in technology that are enabling services – from food to ski instructors – to be brought directly to guests. Unexpected guest behavior in the face of the pandemic. And the “new” measure of success.

Plus, our favorite ski runs of all time.

Related coverage: Focus on Ski: Skiing apres-pandemic https://www.travelweekly.com/North-America-Travel/Focus-on-Ski-Skiing-apres-pandemic A weekend in Vail: Ripping powder and retreating to the lodge https://www.travelweekly.com/North-America-Travel/Vail-resorts-restaurants-and-ripping-powder

Hitting the slopes is popular, even with apres-ski sidelined https://www.travelweekly.com/North-America-Travel/Hitting-the-slopes-still-popular-even-with-apres-ski-sidelined

Alterra won’t require reservations by passholders https://www.travelweekly.com/North-America-Travel/Alterra-will-not-require-reservations-from-ski-pass-holders

Vail reservations policy sets a precedent for ski areas https://www.travelweekly.com/North-America-Travel/Vail-reservations-policy-sets-precedent-for-ski-areas

Ski operators expect serious challenges for 2020-21 season https://www.travelweekly.com/Travel-News/Hotel-News/Ski-operators-expect-serious-challenges

Ski resorts suddenly shutter https://www.travelweekly.com/Travel-News/Hotel-News/Ski-resorts-suddenly-shutter-coronavirus 

Prepandemic coverage: Focus on ski: Backcountry bonanza https://www.travelweekly.com/North-America-Travel/Focus-Ski-Mountain-Travel-Backcountry-Bonanza

Prepandemic coverage: Focus on ski: Indie slopes https://www.travelweekly.com/Travel-News/Hotel-News/Focus-on-Ski-Mountain-Travel-Indy-slopes

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