Bousquet Outlines COVID-19 Operations
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PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Bousquet Mountain announced details of its operations for the upcoming 2020-2021 ski season and how they plan to adapt to the new COVID-19 environment.
According to a press release sent out Wednesday, Bousquet intends to comply with all local and state COVID regulations. Among these, skiers and riders can expect capacity restrictions on the mountain and on chair lifts; social distancing rules; and mandatory face covering.
"Our primary focus will be on the wellbeing of our employees, season pass holders, and the local community," General Manager Kevin McMillan said. "Season pass holders have made a commitment to us, so we in turn have made a commitment to them. Unlike day ticket holders who require reservations, season pass holders need not worry about reservations or capacity concerns. We are focused on creating memorable outdoor moments for all of our guests."
In an effort to sustain a COVID-friendly season, reservations will be required for all non-season pass holders. The lodge will primarily be used for operational staging and employee use. Bousquet intends to add outdoor features such as fire pits and seating areas while offering food and beverage service outside via hot beverage huts, a walk-up bar, and utilizing the pavilion area, which will overlook the new beginner hill and Lower Beeline.
Season passes are currently available at bousquetmountain.com. Season pass holders will have priority benefits this year to help manage capacity as Bousquet navigates the COVID-19 environment.
Capital upgrades continue on the mountain this fall in preparation for a December opening. Bousquet expects the new Poma Triple Chair lift to be installed in November, along with new magic carpets for the beginner area and tubing hill. New snowmaking guns and significant electrical upgrades to the mountain are on-going, with the parking area and business signage getting an upgrade.
Snowsports Director Cindy Bartlett has focused Bousquet's PSIA school programming on providing family-friendly group lessons, private lessons, custom programs for self-defined groups, and a supervised mini-camp for 7-12-year-olds.
Bousquet and the Race Program will work within the state guidelines and are committed to training and providing a modified race program this year.
Bousquet also announced confirmed business partnerships.
- The Garden will manage the retail shop.
- Ski Fanatics will consult and assist with rentals and ski shop sales this year.
- Ricky Johnson has signed on to consult and help manage Bousquet's terrain park. Ricky, a Berkshires native, and a Bousquet fan has created terrain parks for special events around the country and has worked recently at Boreal Mountain in California.
