PSIA-AASI Eastern Division Covid Member Policy – 9/18/2022
Coronavirus/COVID-19 Policy & Information
As an outdoor activity we are confident that skiing and riding is a generally safe and effective way for people to get fresh air, exercise, camaraderie, and joy during the winter months. That being said, the Eastern Division of PSIA-AASI takes the health and well-being of our staff and members seriously. As a result, we have prepared the following policies and guidelines; however, we reserve the right to change these policies, with very little notice, if conditions change throughout the season. In addition, we may be forced to cancel an event, and refund event fees, at the last minute due to COVID-19 complications. We will keep you apprised of these changes, if necessary.
- As recommended by the CDC, and other leading health and scientific organizations, we encourage all members, and staff, to be vaccinated as the safest option for themselves, our staff, and other members.
- Members are encouraged to comply with all business, federal and local policies that may include, but are not limited to, requirements for vaccination, mask usage, social distancing and more.
- Members who test positive or experience any COVID-19 symptoms prior to their event should contact the office immediately to withdraw. Paid fees will be credited toward a future event. Symptoms may include: fever or chills; cough; shortness of breath; fatigue; muscle or body aches; headache; new loss of taste or smell; sore throat; congestion or runny nose; nausea or vomiting; diarrhea.
- Members who have been in close contact (within 6 feet of someone for a cumulative total of 15 minutes or more over a 24-hour period) with someone who has COVID-19, in the past 10 days, must wear a mask during their event, regardless of their vaccination status, when in close contact with employees, members, resort staff and guests.
PSIA-AASI staff, host resort employees, other members, and other guests of the resort may, or may not, be vaccinated. While we assume all employees and members will be abiding by business and local COVID policies, we cannot guarantee it, nor can we guarantee that other guests of the resort or employees are complying. If a member is concerned about exposure to COVID-19 we have the following recommendations:
- Elect to take for-credit online courses offered by the Eastern Division, or the National office, in lieu of an on-snow event this season.
- Before scheduling an on-snow event, check the host resort’s website and determine if their COVID-19 policies are in line with your expectations. Also be sure to check the resort’s lifts. Are there gondolas, bubbles, trams or other enclosed lifts that will make it difficult to maintain a social distance.
- Wear a mask at all times.
- Plan on spending most of your day outside. Dress accordingly. Boot-up, warm-up, and eat in your car. Or bring a stool and have a picnic outside for lunch. Only use the lodge for brief trips to the bathroom or grabbing food.
- Take a local event to allow you to stay in your own home.
- Consider a Member Customized Event to ensure you know your fellow participants.
- Maintain a social distance from the other members of your group. Request, if possible, to ride lifts alone or with fewer people.
Finally, we recognize that people’s opinions and choices related to COVID-19 vary, are confidential, and deeply personal. As such, harassment will not be tolerated. I invite anyone who experiences or witnesses harassment to report it to Don Haringa, dharinga@psia-e.org, 518-452-6095.
Sincerely,
Kathleen Brennan
CEO, Eastern Region