Snow might still be three months away, but people who run alpine and cross-country ski areas in New Hampshire already know this season will look much different than last.

Many areas already got a taste of what can happen with Covid-19 when the virus shut down most of the outdoor activities prematurely at the end of the 2019-20 season. This season, the pandemic is giving many mountains and cross-country areas a new look.

When people arrive at ski areas this winter, their experience will be slightly different. Rather than waiting in line and ordering tickets from an employee behind a glass window, ski areas are encouraging patrons to order online. At the mountain, there will be kiosks where tickets can be printed, either using a credit or debit card or from a QR code that was emailed after the purchase.

Tom Day, general manager at Gunstock Mountain in Gilford, said customers can buy tickets, reserve ski schools and select rentals online so that cash exchanges and in-person interactions are limited.

The most obvious changes will be inside ski lodges.

On a pre-pandemic weekend, it is impossible to remain six feet apart, but ski areas have to adhere to parameters set by the state and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. That means food service, personal items and restrooms will all be different from a year ago.

Most ski areas will no longer have buffet options. The majority of areas will have prepared food to eliminate standing around and waiting. Many resorts are looking at setting up kiosks in the food area for ordering and payment in order to avoid person-toperson contact.

Gunstock is taking this a step further and considering utilizing food trucks in the parking lot. Skiers could get their food there and then find a place near the lodge or even go back to their car to eat.

Besides plenty of snow, ski areas are also hoping for bright and sunny days, so they can take advantage of expansive decks and space in between the lodge and lift areas in order to add outdoor seating.

Bars in the lodges are the biggest question mark. Those areas will have to wait for word from the state and CDC.

Bathrooms will also see a mix of availability in lodges, as well as porta- potties.

“I think there is an expectation that we will have food to sell and bathrooms to use,” Day said. “But I know in whatever form there will be limitations.”

Ski New Hampshire, a trade association whose membership includes 30 Granite State downhill and crosscountry areas with advocacy, education and promotions, is trying to help areas develop policies ahead of the season, said Shannon Dunfey-Ball, marketing and communications manager for the organization. “We were involved in looking at guidance for things like outdoor attractions for the summer, and we appreciate the opportunity to be a partner in the conversation (for the winter).”

The shutdown in March cost ski areas up to $1 million, Dunfey-Ball said.

This year, it’s critical to keep the ski dollars coming in.

— BRAD SPIEGEL/GRANITE STATE NEWS COLLABORATIVE