Mt Bachelor: Workers will be paid during closure; Mt. Hood resorts also close

(Update: Adding new Mt. Bachelor info, Timberline, Mt. Hood Meadows closures)

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) -- Mt. Bachelor announced late Saturday that it will suspend all operations for the coming week "for the safety of our staff, our guests and our community." Two Mt. Hood resorts did much the same Sunday.

"We will continue to monitor the dynamic COVID-19 situation and reassess our approach for the rest of the season during this time frame," Mt. Bachelor said in a news release late Saturday night. 

“Suspending our operations is a necessary step for us to take in support of our nation’s efforts to limit the spread and risks associated with COVID-19,” said John McLeod, president and general manager of Mt. Bachelor.

“This is an unusual and dynamic situation," McLeod said. "However, we continue to believe outdoor mountain recreation provides a meaningful escape to nature, which is what made this a difficult decision, but the correct decision for now.”

In a Sunday update to its COVID-19 update web page, Mt. Bachelor officials said "all of our scheduled employees, both seasonal and year-round, will be paid their scheduled regular hours / rate now through March 22, without needing to use any vacation or sick time. During this time, certain employees will be on resort or working remotely for specific operations and resort needs.

The resort also explained that uphill travel also has been closed until further notice, for the "safety for our staff and guests. Things are changing fast for us right now. We are still going to have safety and control work and equipment like snowcats and snowmobiles that will be active around the mountain.

"This is not like a planned end of season closure. We have a lot of things to work through and take care of, and we would very much appreciate everyone’s cooperation by observing the full closure until the situation is clearer."

Mt. Hood Meadows and Timberline took similar steps on Sunday, KPTV reported.

In a news release Sunday, Mt. Hood Meadows announced they would be suspending operations as of 4 p.m. Sunday through March 22 due to the rapidly developing situation.

“The overwhelming concern for the welfare of our team members and guests has guided us to take this pause in operations,” the resort said.

The resort says it will spend the week sanitizing facilities and equipment, working with state and local health authorities and considering potential operating scenarios that would allow them to reopen in a responsible manner.

Timberline posted on its website that it would be suspending operations on Sunday until March 23.

All ski operations will cease, and the Wy’East Day Lodge will close Sunday at 4 p.m. Staff will monitor and reassess during the coming week.

The Hotel, including the Cascade Dining Room, Ram’s Head Bar and Wy’East Gallery will remain open.

Here's the full statement Mt. Bachelor posted Saturday night to its update page on COVID-19 issues:

"Our top priority—the health and safety of our staff, guests and local community—remains at the forefront for us and, with this in mind, we are suspending all resort operations (including all uphill travel) from March 15-22, 2020. We will continue to monitor the dynamic COVID-19 situation and reassess our approach for the rest of the season during this timeframe.

"Suspending our operations is an important step for us to take in support of the nation’s efforts to limit the spread and risks associated with COVID-19. This is a dynamic situation, and we continue to believe outdoor mountain recreation provides a meaningful escape to nature, which is what made this a difficult decision, but this is the right thing to do.

"Given the extenuating circumstances related to COVID-19, we have modified our cancellation policies and our Mt. Bachelor Central Reservation will be available starting at 12:00 p.m. PST Sunday, March 15 to make adjustments. Text or call 541-382-1709 with questions and changes. We anticipate heavy call volume over the next several days and appreciate guests’ patience as we work hard to respond to all inquiries.

"From those of us at Mt. Bachelor who love to live the adventure lifestyle, to those of you who share our passion, we sincerely apologize for the inconvenience this short notice will undoubtedly create. We look forward to welcoming you back to Mt. Bachelor as circumstances improve."

On Friday, the resort posted that it was following the advice and guidance of federal and state officials and health agencies, through strict reinforcing of sanitation practices, as well as visible reminders for visitors to do proper and frequent hand-washing and to stay home if not feeling well.

They also canceled several events through the end of the month that would have brought large numbers of people to the mountain, such as the Cascade Crest Nordic Ski Race and the Subaru WinterFest.

Earlier Saturday, ski resort industry giants Vail Resorts and Alterra Mountain Company decided they would shutter 49 of North America's most well-known resorts, The Associated Press reported.

Vail Resorts said it would shut down its 34 resorts for at least one week before reassessing, while Alterra is closing its 15 until further notice.

Other resorts that remain open are closing enclosed gondolas or aerial trams, while others are encouraging skiers to ride lifts with only people they know as they adhere to social distancing guidelines.