The ski season will look very different this year

If you want to ski, make your plans now [View this email in your browser]( Hey all, We’re halfway through the fall and looking ahead to the winter – which, for many, means skiing. But the ski season will look very different this year. Beyond face masks and chairlift restrictions, many resorts will impose a reservation system. So if you want to ski or snowboard this season, you’ll have to make your winter ski plans early, and here’s [what you need to know](. While most people think skiing is the ultimate winter sport, die-hard surfers prefer to get wet since the most intense waves are produced by winter storms. Last week we reported that Costa Rica’s Playa Hermosa had been named a [World Surf Reserve](. This week, we tell you a bit more about the World Surf Reserve model and what makes [each surf spot so specia](. A big reason that Playa Hermosa received the World Surf Reserve designation is for its commitment to protecting its marine ecosystem, which includes nesting Olive Ridley turtles. Beyond Costa Rica, another top place in the world to witness the arrival of these beautiful sea turtles is Escobilla Beach in Oaxaca, Mexico, and the experience will [take your breath away](. Enjoy the outdoors! WINTER SPORTS [From lift reservations to face masks, skiing will be different this year]( Beyond face masks, social distancing and even reservation systems have been put in place – though specific requirements vary by resort operator and local guidelines. Working in skiers’ favor is the fact that the sport lends itself to social distancing by design: push your abilities to the high alpine bowls and there’s little chance of rubbing shoulders with a stranger. Let’s look at what to expect from the ski industry’s major resort operators for the 2020-21 season. [SKIING IN A TIME OF COVID]( LATEST ARTICLES --------------------------------------------------------------- SUSTAINABILITY [Playa Hermosa in Costa Rica is the first World Surfing Reserve in Central America]( --------------------------------------------------------------- SURFING [The 11 World Surf Reserves have the most iconic waves on the planet]( --------------------------------------------------------------- WILDLIFE [Witness the stunning beauty of thousands of nesting sea turtles on Oaxaca’s Escobilla Beach]( MATADOR GUIDE TRIP PLANNING [Ultimate guide to winter activities in Aspen]( Winter in Aspen is all about getting on the mountain. One lift ticket grants you access to four mountains: Aspen Mountain, Snowmass, Aspen Highlands, and Buttermilk — all easily accessible on an interconnected free bus route. Aspen Mountain is the main ski resort and is connected to the town of Aspen by the Silver Queen Gondola. It’s here that you’re most likely to see celebrities or have a casual run-in with someone from a night out on the town. Note, however, that there are no beginner runs here. It’s all intermediate pistes and above. The summit of the Silver Queen Gondola offers unparalleled views of the surrounding mountains, as well as a view of the extensive Highlands Bowl at Aspen Highlands, making it an ideal place to scope your line should the legendary hike to its top be in your future. [DISCOVER WINTER ACTIVITIES IN ASPEN]( WILD TODDLER CHRONICLES [EP 2: Preparation]( A winter yurt expedition with your toddler? No worries! With enough snacks, anything is possible. Here’s how to prepare. [WATCH THE FILM]( FOLLOW US AND FIND YOUR NEXT #TRAVELSTOKE [Facebook]( [Instagram]( [YouTube]( [Pinterest]( [Twitter]( Copyright © 2020 Matador Network, All rights reserved. You are receiving this email because you opted in at our website. Our mailing address is: Matador Network PO Box 7775 #40021San Francisco, CA 94120 [Add us to your address book]( Need to change something? You can [update your preferences]( or [unsubscribe from our newsletter](. We'll be here when you need us!