Bluewood opening for new season

DAYTON, Wash.-- The snow is falling in the Blue Mountains, and crews at the Bluewood ski resort in Dayton are ready to welcome winter recreation enthusiasts.

COVID-19 forced the ski area to close a few weeks ahead of schedule earlier this year, and general manager Kim Clark says they've used the extra time to make some improvements.

"We've added two new buildings. We added a new yurt right at the base area where folks that pre-purchase tickets can go get their tickets there in the morning. And then on busy weekends that will be opened up as a secondary food service for grab-n-go type of stuff," Clark told Newsradio 610 KONA.

There is also a new 2,000 sq. ft. building called "The Hub." The building is in the upper end of the parking lot, and is expected to be open before Christmas. Once it's completed, the Rentals and SnowSports departments will move to The Hub.

“Bluewood staff and others in the community have been hard at work throughout the summer and fall months to get things ready. This year there will be restrictions due to the pandemic, and we need to hold tight on those, but our goal is to have a safe, fun season on the slopes.”

Clark said some of the changes, including construction of The Hub, are items that have been on management's wish list for many years, and the restrictions due to COVID-19 moved them to the top of the list.

Officials at the ski area say restrictions will likely need some adjustments as the the weeks go by, but for opening weekend Bluewood has several protocols in place to adhere to best practices for preventing the spread of COVID-19, including:

• Face coverings must be worn unless actively skiing/riding or actively eating. Guests and staff are required to mask up in the parking lot, and also wear masks anywhere people gather. That includes the parking lot, base area, lodge and lift lines. Masking is required, and people who cannot abide by this policy will be asked to leave.
• If guests or staff are sick, if anyone in their family is sick, or if they suspect having been exposed to someone who is sick, they should stay home so they can come another day.
• Riders on the Skyline Express and Triple Nickel lifts are asked to self-group either with family members or those they traveled with to the mountain. Solo chairlift rides are also an option.

“We’re asking everyone to stay flexible, be patient, be courteous and be kind as we chart a course through the upcoming months,” Clark says. “It’s taken a community effort to open this season, and it will take a community effort to stay open at Bluewood, where we get to exercise in the wide-open mountain air and snow.”

Through the holidays, Bluewood will be open:
• December 11-13, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• December 17-23, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• December 24, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
• December 26 - January 3, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m