CORNWALL — It was a wild and weird ski season, but Mohawk Mountain Ski Area came through it fine and is preparing now for the offseason.
In recent years, the weather alone has presented challenges through the season. This year, COVID-19 restrictions were added on, requiring the ski area to roll with changing conditions.
After opening on Saturday, Dec. 12, “The demand was huge, probably twice what we would normally see, maybe three times as big,” said Carol Lugar, president of the ski area.
“We couldn’t serve all of them. We got as many of them on the hill as we could.”
This year, Mohawk didn’t allow walk-ins and instead implemented a registration system. People interested in going skiing or snowboarding that day would visit www.mohawkmtn.com to save a time slot for their party. The number of people allowed in fluctuated, based on the day. Mohawk also limited the number of season passes early on — and sold out of them before Christmas.
Along with the entrance restrictions, tables in the lodge were removed, to enforce social distancing. A time limit was set for people eating or gathering.
Gear and equipment, such as skis and boards, could not be brought inside. Some upgrades, such as contactless technology, will continue to be used for future seasons.
By and large people liked keeping gear and equipment out of the lodge, Lugar said. “There were people who went back to their car to picnic and there were some pretty awesome tailgates out there.”
Mohawk will be closed Monday, March 29, through Wednesday, March 31, and will reopen on Thursday, April 1, and Friday, April 2.
Saturday, April 3, is predicted to be the final day of the season, with the mountain open from 8:30 to 10 p.m.
