COVID-19 Operating Plans

Updated 11/15/2021

Fortunately, life looks much more normal than it did a year ago. Our operating policies for the 2021-22 ski season reflect that, while still doing our best to ensure the safety of our staff, volunteers, and guests.

Arctic Valley will be following the NSAA’s best practices, as well as all Municipality of Anchorage and State of Alaska mandates and restrictions.

Here’s an outline of how things will work this season:

Per Municipality of Anchorage ordinance, masks are required inside the lodge. Don’t want to wear a mask? Order your food at the ticket window, and eat outside. We will have masks available at lodge entrances.
No masks or face coverings are required outside.
There are no requirements to ride single on the chairlifts.
We will continue to sell a limited number of day tickets. Season pass holders are always welcome without a reservation.
Downstairs in the lodge is open seating. Please be respectful not to monopolize space, but gear can be stored in the lodge this season. Masks are required inside the lodge unless actively eating and drinking while seated. A limited number of small lockers are available next to the restrooms.
Upstairs will continue to operate as a sit-down restaurant and bar. No gear storage is allowed upstairs: please eat/drink, and then make room for others. Masks must be worn upstairs unless actively eating and drinking while seated.

Skiing & Riding

Arctic Valley Lodge

Tubing

Tickets and season passes

We highly encourage those who ride with us regularly to purchase a season pass! Passholders will not be subject to reservations, do not need to stop at the lodge, and will not be capacity restricted.
Date-specific tickets are available on our website for purchase. We highly encourage everyone to purchase their tickets in advance, as the pickup process at our ticket windows will be much quicker than for those purchasing in person with cash or card.
Day tickets will be capped, to maintain an approximate capacity of 400 total riders on any given day. This will help to preserve the experience of riding at Arctic Valley, keep lift lines to a minimum, and ensure plenty of snow for everyone! We anticipate hitting this cap on powder days, and the first few days of the ski season, but historically have had plenty of room on the vast majority of days.

Lifts

There is no requirement to wear masks or face coverings outside.
Refunds will be available for parties who are ill.

Downstairs

Face coverings are required in the lodge, unless actively eating or drinking while seated.
Restrooms are open to the public, as long as face coverings are worn.
Picnic tables and fire pits are available on the front lawn for eating and resting, or eat in your car. Tailgating is allowed, but please note that public consumption of alcohol is illegal.
Open seating is available downstairs only.
Gear may be stored in the lockers provided next to the restrooms.
Food may be ordered at the counter in the kitchen. Ticket sales will be outside on the south side of the lodge (opposite from last season).

Upstairs

The traditional bar area is open as a sit down restaurant and bar.
Food can be ordered at the bar.
Guests must be seated at a table while eating and drinking – no standing at the bar or around in general talking.
Seating is also available on the back deck, and beer may be consumed there as well.
There will be no live music at present. We will re-evaluate as the season progresses.

Lodge operations will be the same as described above for tubing-only days
Tickets may be picked up from the ticket windows on the back (south) of the lodge
Restrooms are available for public use with appropriate face covering
Waivers are now online. Please complete them before arriving for your tubing session.
Gift certificates are available for parties who are ill. See our tube park page for details.