STORY AND PHOTO BY KAREN BOSSICK
Sun Valley Resort announced Sunday morning that it was closing the Roundhouse Gondola for the remainder of the season as an extra precaution in light of the coronavirus.
The resort also removed about half of the tables and chairs from each of its ski lodges on Saturday in an effort to discourage crowds from hanging out in light of the coronavirus.
The new seating format meets federal guidelines stipulating gatherings should be no more than 250 people.
The move to close the Roundhouse Gondola came after the governor of Colorado ordered Aspen Skiing Co. to shutter its ski operations at Aspen Mountain, Aspen Highlands, Snowmass and Buttermilk for a week to slow the spread of COVID-19. Vail Resorts also announced it would close its North American resorts at least through March 22. That includes Vail, Beaver Creek, Breckenridge, Keystone and Crested Butte. Ditto for Alterra, which owns Steamboat, Winter Park, Squaw Valley, Alpine Meadows, Mammoth Mountain and Deer Valley.
Some of the skiers who did show up on Saturday made note of the fact that they had tucked face masks in under their goggles and were wearing gloves.
- The Argyros Center for the Performing Arts announced Saturday morning that it is going dark for the remainder of March in response to the current global health crisis. The theater office will remain open during the public closure.
The Argyros family will provide funds to support The Argyros and retain its staff during this time, said Julia Argyros.
“The Argyros family cares deeply about the well-being of the Wood River Valley. We fully support the board’s decision to close the theater, as nothing is more important than the health of this vibrant community,” she said. “Together we will come out of this stronger.”
The closing meant the cancellation of concerts featuring Rosanne Cash, Larkin Poe, the U.S. Air Force Falconaires. The Argyros hopes to reschedule all three in the future. Theater staff will continue to monitor the situation, hoping it can reopen for April’s concerts.
- The U.S. Ski/Snowboard Hall of Fame and International Ski History Association have rescheduled their events for Dec. 9 through 13, said Kathe Dillmann, events manager for the ISHA.
“We have all been looking forward to gathering in Sun Valley and sharing our favorite winter pastime on their splendid ski slopes, in in our social gatherings…” she said. “We intend to continue that tradition in Sun Valley next December and in Aspen/Snowmass, where we will hold the 2021 Skiing History Week in April 2021.”
- The Rev. Rob Gieselmann announced to congregants at St. Thomas Episcopal Church that Idaho’s Episcopal Bishop has instructed Idaho parishes to stop holding Sunday services and other large gatherings beginning Monday, March 16, through Palm Sunday on April 5. A decision about Holy Week and Easter services will be made later.
The church will also livestream today’s 9:30 a.m. service at www.facebook.com/stthomassunvalley for those preferring to watch from home, as well as those who fall into a high-risk group or are symptomatic.
- The Mormon Church has also cancelled all public gatherings, including Sunday services, indefinitely.