Fayetteville, N.Y. (NCC News) — Governor Cuomo gave ski resorts the green light to open as early as Nov. 6. Along with the start date, Cuomo released a list of new regulations that resort owners will need to follow. Four Seasons Golf and Ski Center plans to enforce several new rules this upcoming season.
The ski destinations will only be allowed to operate at 50% capacity, and space inside the heated areas will need to be regulated as well.
John Goodfellow, the owner of Four Seasons Golf and Ski Center in Fayetteville, said the best way for people to stay safe is to arrive to the slopes prepared.
“When you come here, you put your ski boots on out in the car. Then you buy your ticket or if you have a season pass or something like that,” Goodfellow said. “And from there, you go right to the lift.”
Once people get to the lift, they’ll have to follow new rules, in accordance with Cuomo’s new regulations.
“The chair lift is going to be a little more difficult,” Good fellow said. “Again, ride next to the person that you came with. If you don’t want to ride with anybody, you have the priority to tell my attendant, and we’ll send you. That’s not going to be a problem whether you’re at Four Seasons or anywhere else.”
People will need to only be able to ride with their family or whoever they came with as opposed to strangers. Additionally, fewer people will be allowed at the top of the hill, so lines should be expected.
In order to adhering to the half capacity mandate, Goodfellow plans to change the ticketing process.
“Ticket sales could be curved or stopped when we reach a certain capacity,” Goodfellow said.
He said on a good day, Four Seasons Golf and Ski Center can host 600 to 800 people.
“It’s not going to be too hard to stay spaced,” Goodfellow said. “If you’re on the lift you’ve got a pair of skis on. You’ll have three feet in front of you and three feet behind you. So that should give or take give you the six feet.”
Four Seasons Golf and Ski Center will be open later on Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m., and Goodfellow plans to get underway on Thanksgiving weekend.