Ski3 Assurance FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

We've put together a list of frequently asked questions to provide you with the most up-to-date information. We'll be updating with additional details as we know them.

What are your plans for operations this winter?

We are planning on an exciting winter season at all three of our ski resorts with many new improvements at our mountains. From a new Mid-Station Lodge at Whiteface, new ski lifts, and investments into snowmaking, we are looking forward to the upcoming winter season. We are planning on opening as we would normally (mid – later November) with as much terrain as possible to allow for our guests to spread out.

What steps are you taking to ensure the safety of your guests?

We are following and will continue to follow all recommendations made by the State of New York and CDC guidelines. We require all staff and guests to wear facial coverings indoors and outdoors when necessary. We are asking guests to also maintain social distance as possible and follow state mandates for quarantines and inter-state travel. For full New York State guidelines and information please visit: https://coronavirus.health.ny.gov/home

Will there be any capacity limitations or reservations needed for season passholders this winter?

At this time, we are not anticipating any limitations for skiing and riding at our resorts that would require a reservation. We have plenty of outdoor space for our guests to spread out all around our mountains. However, like so many things related to COVID, we just don't know exact details yet. In buying a season pass, you have demonstrated a commitment to us, and we're committed to making your time at our mountains as safe and enjoyable as possible. Getting you on our lifts, having you enjoy the trails, and seeing you come back for more is our top priority.

Does my mountain-specific or limited season pass qualify for SKI3 Assurance?

Yes, all winter season passes for lift access qualify for the SKI3 Assurance including Whiteface Only, Belleayre Only and Gore Only season passes. Season-long programs that are inclusive of a lift access season pass also qualify for SKI3 Assurance.

How do I get my SKI3 Assurance?

Visit your home mountain (mountain from which you purchased the pass) website, in the season pass section, you will find a Guest Service Form to easily fill out online and submit your request. All requests must be completed by December 1, 2020.

When should I expect to receive my credit for SKI3 Assurance?

All SKI3 Assurance credits will be issued after the December 1, 2020 deadline for requests. This includes 2020/21 season passes purchased with a payment plan, in which case the 100% purchase credit will be issued after the final payment is successfully made.

How can I use my SKI3 Assurance credit?

The credit can be used on lift tickets, ticket packs, season passes, ORDA season-long programs that include a season pass, and lessons. The credit can be used all at once or throughout the season like a gift card at our resorts. These credits are valid from when they are issued through the following end of season April 2022.

If I ski on my pass before the December 1, 2020 Assurance deadline, am I still eligible?

Yes, you are still eligible for the SKI3 Assurance if you ski before December 1, 2020 and you will not lose any of your credit.

What if the mountain closes during the season due to COVID-19?

We are looking forward to a long season ahead that is full of great snow days! However, if Whiteface needs to fully close any day due to COVID-19 between December 1, 2020 and March 15, 2021, 2020/21 passholders will receive a proportional purchase credit based on the total number of days that both Whiteface was closed and your pass was valid. This credit will be automatically issued to each passholder at the end of the season in the form of a Snow Guarantee Card valid through Closing Day, Spring 2022.

Details and Definitions:

"Home Mountain" - Mountain from which pass holder has purchased 2020/21 season pass or season-long programs.

"Core Season" for Mountain Closure Credit - December 1, 2020 – March 15, 2021.

Mountain Closure - the mountain is fully closed due to COVID-19– all lifts are closed for the entire day.

Percentage purchase credits will vary based on purchase price of pass and days pass was valid.

The number of days skied will not impact the percentage of purchase credit – we want to encourage season pass holders to ski as much as they can.

Closure credits will be based on home mountain closures only.

If pass holder has a SKI3 pass valid at all three mountains and their home mountain closes – they are welcome to ski at the other two mountains for when their pass is valid.

Core Season will be calculated by the days a pass itself is valid. For instance, midweek passes will only receive credit for days midweek during the Core Season that the home mountain was closed for.

Automatic credits will only be issued if the mountain must fully close due to COVID.

Credits will be issued after the end of the season. Anticipated April / May.

Mountain Closure Credit Example:

Full Season Pass purchased for $759

Season Passholder skis for 20 days during the 2020/21 winter season

Mountain opens as regularly scheduled in November

Mountain must close for 14 days in January but then reopens for the rest of the season

Mountain closure = 14 days

14 days / 105 Core season days = 13.3%

13.3% of $759 = $101.20 Snow Guarantee credit valid through the end of the 2021/22 winter season

What if I am unable to visit the mountain due to published government travel restrictions?

We understand the possibility of official travel restrictions. These along with other individual situations will be taken care of on a case by case basis. Passholders should complete a Guest Services form outlining the reason for the request. In the case of government travel restrictions, pass holders will receive a proportional credit upon request based on the total number of days lost, and days pass was valid, due to travel restrictions.

What type of restrictions can we expect?

We are open and welcoming guests now and we are getting ready to welcome you and your family for a full 2020/21 ski season. Our new lifts, facility upgrades and snowmaking improvements are all on schedule for an early winter unveiling and we can't wait to see you then. While some indoor activities and certain season-long programs may look a little different due to social distancing, season pass holders will enjoy the convenience of direct to lift access all season. Fortunately, we all like being spread out outdoors on the ski trails. We are updating our websites with operational conditions and will continue to keep you posted.

Will there be season-long programs this winter?

We are working on these details and exploring creative ways to continue our season-long programs. Currently, we are planning on keeping them moving forward. Stay tuned for more updates – posted 8/6/2020.

Are there any discounts for 2019/20 season pass holders when they renew this year?

We are sorry that there aren't any specific discounts for the 2019/20 season. We have held rates from last season and have extended the price deadline for season passes through September 2, 2020. We also have our FREE payment plan available where pass holders can put just 25% down and pay over four months. We are doing a tremendous amount of work at our mountains this summer and hoping to provide guests with many new amenities that they will enjoy for years to come.

ORDA reserves the right to modify or alter any of the above information as necessary.

Updated 9/08/2020