The pandemic hasn’t stopped Massanutten Resort from offering a thrilling package of winter sports. Skiing, snow boarding, snow tubing, ice skating, the Indoor WaterPark, plus dining and live music are all open and underway.
But there are a few changes.
Massanutten requires pre-purchase of tickets online for winter sports, as opposed to just showing up at the window, so they can manage their capacities better. (Although they are operating their normal services limited capacities are required by the State.) Lessons will be offered but confined to families and groups that arrive together, so as to minimize contact among strangers. The same precautions will take place on ski lifts. Traffic lines in rental/repair shops will be organized and the premises wiped down and sanitized regularly.
Kenny Hess, Massanuten’s Director of Sports and Risk Management, added this: “The new normal has created a strong desire for people to recreate and socialize outside and skiing/riding/tubing is the perfect way to do both. Plenty of outside space and fresh air are the perfect remedy for Cabin (Covid) fever.
“We do have capacity limits in place and regularly sell out for weekends and holidays,” Hess continued. “With students and parents on more flexible schedules than ever before we’d suggest coming out midweek to have even more space at a better value. Monday Night Madness, Last Chair and College Specials offer great midweek value. Remember you should still purchase online and in advance to guarantee your spot as Monday Night Madness also sells out regularly.
“One scheduling change this year, Hess continued, “is the reduction in hours on Tue- Thur. We don’t offer night skiing on those nights (operating 9:00 a.m.– 5:00 p.m.). But we do remain open 9:00 a.m. -9:00 p.m. Fri – Mon. Tubing hours vary as well. More info and ticketing purchase can be found on our website. And, like everyone else these days we do require face coverings in buildings and any lines inside or outside.”
Take a Dive
While the term “Winter Sports” doesn’t usually include swimming, it does at Massanutten’s Indoor WaterPark —rated the Number 2 such facility by USA Today’s Reader’s Choice survey in 2018. Dive in and thrill to features like the FlowRider Endless Wave, the Water Fortress, the Body Slides, the Pipeline, the hot tubs, etc. The water temperature is kept at a constant 84 degrees Fahrenheit. Like the ski runs, tickets should be bought online and capacities are limited.
Banner photo courtesy Massanutten Resort