The Times - Serving Waitsburg, Dayton and the Touchet Valley

DAYTON-Kim Clark, General Manager of Bluewood Ski Resort, said the forecast is for a "good, strong snowfall all winter long," and he is keeping his fingers crossed.

Clark said the goal for the upcoming ski season is normal operations with as few disruptions as possible.

"We know there is a huge pent up demand out there, as shown by our spring season pass sales. We're excited about the season ahead and can't wait to welcome guests back up to their hometown ski area."

Bluewood Ski resort is part of the National Ski Area Association. Its members have been watching summer and winter recreation programs world-wide to see how the COVID-19 situation is being handled in other areas. They have also developed a national initiative called "Ski Well. Be Well. Don't Be the Reason We Lose our Season".

He said staff at the Bluewood Ski Resort are preparing for and willing to respond to federal, state, and local public health recommendations regarding COVID-19.

Significant changes are planned to make the health and safety of the Bluewood "family" a top priority.

Social distancing protocols will be applied on chair lifts and queuing lines. Mandatory face coverings will be required inside buildings and in lift lines. Limits on the daily ticket sales may be imposed, and there will be limits on the number of people allowed inside the lodge at any given time.

Construction is underway on two new buildings to help eliminate long lines at the lodge's lower level.

A 1,956-square-foot building is being constructed at the upper corner of the parking lot, left of the lodge, to house Rentals and SnowSports. The "Hub" will be the place to pick up rental gear and sign up for lessons.

People will now get their reserved and pre-paid tickets at the newly constructed 450 sq. ft. yurt, located at the base area, close to where the ski racks have been.

Clark said moving Rentals, SnowSports, and ticket pick-up areas to the new outbuildings would free up space inside the lodge for a new dining area and snack station.

Clark doesn't expect any limits on season pass holder visits or any mid-week visits, and he is confident pass holders can be safely accommodated on the mountain.

Bluewood Ski Resort will launch a new website in early November for Point of Sales purchases.

People who have purchased a season pass and are uncomfortable skiing this year can roll pass purchases over to the 2021-22 season.

"If for any reason, you decide to defer the use of your pass until the 2021-22 season, make your request in writing or via email to sales@bluewood.com by Dec. 15, and we will defer the pass until next season, no questions asked. The deferral is only for passes that are unused in the 202/2021 season.

If government officials prevent the resort from opening, all-season passes will automatically be valid for the 2021-22 season.

The resort's annual job fair has not yet been scheduled, Clark said between 40 and 60 people are expected to be hired.

Information about the job fair will be posted on the Bluewood Ski Resort website at http://www.bluewood.com.