Mount Kato COVID-19 Information

COVID-19 MOUNT KATO PREPAREDNESS PLAN

Mount Kato is committed to take an active role in reducing the spread of COVID-19 by creating a safe environment for all of our staff and guests. We have adopted the following protocols based upon the recommendations of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), World Health Organization (WHO) as well as the State of MN and local requirements and/or recommendations.

Since the start of the pandemic, Mount Kato has been working closely with MN Ski Areas Association (MSAA) and National Ski Areas Association (NSAA) to create a COVID-19 Operations Guide which will be available upon request. Below is a summary of what our guests can expect to experience this winter at Mount Kato and other ski areas in our region.

We are all in this together and if we work together...we are expecting a safe & awesome 2020-2021 ski and snowboard season!

MASKS & FACE COVERING MANDATE IN THE STATE OF MINNESOTA

The State of MN is currently under an Executive Order requiring face masks and face coverings to be worn in all public buildings and businesses. The executive order issued by MN Governor Tim Walz will apply to any guest who enters a chalet or building at Mount Kato. All guests and Mount Kato employees will be required to wear a mask or face covering inside our buildings.

This will apply to all Mount Kato buildings at all times including chalets, bars, food court areas, rental shop, ski shop, ski school etc. Mount Kato also highly recommends wearing a mask or face covering whenever 6 ft. of social distancing is a challenge

REDUCED SEATING & POLICIES FOR THE CHALET

Per MN Executive Order 20-74, space capacity is reduced by 50% under state law. Read below for some more details on how this will impact your visit to Mount Kato this season.

On peak visit days like some weekends and holidays, it's likely that chalet space will not be available for all guests. We will need to work together, take turns, and share the limited seating space that will be available.

POLICIES & PROTOCOLS FOR THE 2020-2021 SEASON

What You Can Expect On The Slopes

For the most part, COVID-19 shouldn't impact how you enjoy the slopes of Mount Kato this season. You should be able to go skiing and snowboarding (for the most part) like you normally do! As long as you are healthy and feel healthy, come ski, ride & tube!

Face coverings will be required while riding a chairlift or while waiting in a line to ride a chairlift. Please also wear a face covering in any setting outdoors where it's challenging to maintain 6 ft. of social distancing.

Current NSAA & MSAA guidance encourages only parties that arrived at the ski area together to ride a lift together. Protocols are being established to provide adequate separation between unrelated parties including leaving at least one vacant space on the chair (For example, leaving empty spaces on a quad chair) while unrelated parties wear a face covering on the lift.

Mount Kato is working on adding more outdoor amenities like additional fire pits, patio heaters, and outdoor portable restrooms.

What you can expect In The Chalet

Face coverings must be worn at all times inside a Mount Kato buildings except while eating & drinking. 6 ft. of social distancing must be maintained at all times.

There may be a time limit for all table use in the main chalet.

Guests will not be allowed to leave any personal items like bags, coolers etc. in the chalet.

All personal items will need to be taken to your vehicle while skiing & riding. Rearranging and moving tables will not be allowed.

Seating capacity will be significantly impacted this season. We will all need to work together on this one.

Mount Kato staff will regularly clean and sanitize all high touch surfaces. There will be hand sanitizer available in various locations in all buildings.

Lift Tickets, Rentals, Snowsports School

A limited number of daily lift tickets will be available each day. All online tickets will need to be purchased no later than midnight the day before your visit. There will be no capacity restrictions for season pass holders.

Registration for all ski and snowboard lesson programs, including D-Team junior race programs, will be available around October 1st.

Rentals and lessons will have limited quantities available.

Food & Beverage

Limited offerings and more "take-out" style food and beverage options this season.

Reserved indoor seating, first come-first serve, for those guests who are ordering food & drinks only.

We are looking forward to the upcoming season! Thank you for your patience and understanding, we are working on how to make this season safe and memorable for all. This situation is changing daily. Stay informed by watching our website regularly as well as our social media channels for the latest changes to our guidelines and protocols.

mountkato.com

Appreciate

Credits:

Created with images by deagreez - "Closeup photo of pretty lady raise thumb fingers up not take off face mask responsible citizen wear dotted red blouse dress protective facial mask isolated blue color background" • Наталья Купрейченко - "portrait of a woman with snowboard clothes" • Stefan Körber - "Winterfeuer" • Tierney - "Young woman holding a clock showing nearly 12" • asiandelight - "hand in blue rubber glove holding blue microfiber cleaning cloth and spray bottle with sterilizing solution make cleaning and disinfection for good hygiene" • monticellllo - "Glasses and bottles of assorted carbonated soft drinks" • pilipphoto - "Sandwiches on the wooden table" • md3d - "Book now text written on keyboard button. Online reservation concept." • Mirko - "Happy friends drinking beer and eating chips at apres ski - Friendship concept with cheerful people having fun at bar restaurant resort with snow equipment - High iso image with shallow depth of field"