Checking out checking in: Travel changes from spring to winter

Both business and leisure travel have cratered in 2020 all thanks to COVID-19 but with the vaccine being administered across the country, 2021 could prove to be the year out of town vacations return.

Over the summer I wrote about my trip to the mountains of Aspen, Colorado and wanted to share my experience back to the same ski town in December of 2020.

You may recall last spring; the ski season was abruptly halted as the coronavirus spread throughout the United States.

So last month when snow started falling and chair lifts began spinning, I decided to head West to hit the slopes and enjoy some socially distanced fun in the snow.

Before leaving Raleigh for Aspen, Colorado, the Pitkin County Health Department required all incoming visitors to sign a ‘travel affidavit’.

Once the travel affidavit was completed, I was on my way.

When I arrived in Aspen, Colorado, I headed straight for the hotel.

I opted to go for the spot closest to the gondola and stayed at The Little Nell hotel, just a few feet from the base of the mountain.

The town has increased restrictions due to rising coronavirus cases and restaurant capacity is tight, just 25% of overall capacity is permitted. Reservations are recommended when traveling to smaller venues because of the capacity restrictions. Bars are still closed like they are here in North Carolina.

With snow falling and my skis freshly waxed and ready to shred the slopes, I used my cell phone to scan for my lift ticket and hit the slopes.

Face coverings or masks are now required to board a chairlift, and lift operators only allow you to ride up with members of your own party. As the busier weeks of ski season approach, advanced lift ticket reservations may be required due to capacity limitations on the mountain.

Some other changes you’ll see if traveling out West to snow ski this season: QR codes for ordering food or beverages, to-go style food instead of cafeteria style on-mountain dining options, and masks, lots of masks.

Small towns like Aspen can’t afford to have COVID-19 cases spike, therefore the council and local leaders are working hard to keep numbers down and resorts open.

Back at the hotel, The Little Nell is requiring temperature checks before going into their restaurant, Element 47. The Nell’s fitness facility is open but per county guidelines, capacity is reduced.

Some of these restrictions can be challenging to navigate, but restaurants and businesses are doing their best to help guests have a fun and enjoyable ski season for 2021.

There are sweeping changes currently being made when it comes to health and hygiene. When you feel comfortable staying at hotels again, it will look and feel like very different if it’s anything like my recent experience.

To start with, bus drivers, taxi drivers, hotel shuttle workers all were wearing masks and gloves the entire time. I never saw anyone not in compliance with local ordinances.

A few days before check-in, hotel management emailed me and offered a ‘contactless’ experience. I could download an app called "JustIN Mobile" to get keyless entry into my room, ultimately bypassing the front desk all together.

However, in the case the phone didn’t work or if I had felt like stopping by the front desk, transparent dividers like you see at the grocery store have been installed to insure distance between guests and employees.

Signs reminded guests to wear a face covering in the lobby, shops and bar area as well as the restaurant. Once I was seated, I was able to lower the mask or take it off while eating and drinking.

Another notable change in the spring at the hotel was the presence of signs asking guests to only ride elevators with their specific group or party to help create even more spacing.

In my room, I found a small bag with some goodies that included cleaning wipes, hand sanitizer and notes about changes to hotel service during the COVID-19 outbreak.

Jonathan Fillman, general manager at The Little Nell says, “With our spacious accommodations, airy outdoor patios and small group adventures, The Little Nell lends itself to a comfortable visit with room for social distancing and staying safe."

Meanwhile, major hotel chains like Marriott Bonvoy and Hilton have published their changes as well.

At a Hilton property, you can expect:

Hotel capacity has been reduced and fluctuates state to state. Restaurant capacity is reduced, gyms/spas are often closed or capacity cut to follow individual state or city guidelines. You’ll find that some bars are closed but hotels are offering bar service but through waitstaff.

Is it safe to stay at a vacation rental or hotel?

If you’re wondering about how the experience at your hotel will be or what’s open and closed, call ahead. Ask all of the questions ahead of time so you’re not surprised when you arrive.

So is all of this enough? Will it make you and your family feel comfortable to start traveling again? After all, the holiday season isn’t too far off. Share your comments, concerns or questions by emailing me: MBoyle@wral.com. I’ll work to get you answers as we all navigate this global pandemic together.