In order to slow the spread of Covid 19, we have decided to close until May 2021.
Updated, December 2020.
Cancellation
You can book your stay now without fear – if we have to be closed, obviously, no one will be charged for their stay. We’re also waiving our cancellation policy for anyone who is self-isolating.
If we’re open, below are some contingency plans we’re discussing. Ultimately, we can assure you that you’ll get the core resort experience.
Foodservice
Restaurants are open at this time, but with limited seating. Here are some of the things we’re doing, which will change as time goes on.
- Cottages all have BBQs, and we have a BBQ patio for guests in rooms to use.
- 1885 will be unable to accommodate guests not staying at the resort. Guests staying at the resort can make a reservation if they please but not necessary. That being said, we’re happy to deliver meals on real plates and real cutlery anywhere on the property within reason for a resort-wide dining experience.
- Mount Julian, our fine dining restaurant is open with 3 tables at this time.
Recreation
In the interest of social distancing, we will probably need to change group activities and reduce seating in areas like the pool and similar.
- Our fitness center will remain closed until further notice, but our indoor pool will be opening in December!
- Group hikes, wine tastings, and similar are canceled. We will find ways to still offer similar experiences.
- The most popular activities – like self-guided hiking, snowshoeing, skating etc. will be open.
- Our lounge will be open for board games, reading, and a warm fire with limited seating available.
Housekeeping
We have spent considerable time discussing our housekeeping guidelines, researching best practices (which don’t really seem to exist yet), and generally pondering the issue of keeping staff and guests safe during a pandemic. With many infections being fully asymptomatic, there is no way to easily identify higher risk staff or guests, and so our policies are built around the idea that anyone could be a carrier. We want sensible policies in line with science, which means that no simple test will tell us whether someone is infected.
Room/Cottage Cleaning Between Guests
When guests check out of their rooms, we have always employed a 4 step process, which is being refined for the ongoing pandemic.
- Stripping the room includes a properly outfitted housekeeper removing all dirty linens, garbage, and other soiled items from the room and spraying all hard surfaces with a sanitizing spray
- Dropping of new supplies means placing clean towels, sheets, and other supplies into the room along with another check for remaining soiled items.
- Cleaning involves wiping down surfaces with the correct cleaning product, vacuuming the floors, making the beds, and other steps in readying the room for the next guest.
- Inspection is done by one of our supervisors and includes a last check of the room on the day of arrival. This will include spraying down high-contact surfaces like door handles and light switches with an evaporating sanitizer, leaving some watermarks.
We do our best to be ready for your arrival by 3 pm, but this year, we will need to prioritize proper procedures, staff shortages due to quarantine, and other issues, and ask for your understanding.
During Your Stay
It seems that emerging advice is that daily housekeeping service is not advised. We are happy to provide fresh sheets and towels upon request and will provide you with bags to bag your linens. Please let us know if you have a bag of garbage, linens, or recycling to dispose of. We will leave fresh linens at your door. Extra coffee and other supplies are also freely available.
We are also happy to provide sanitizing spray for your own use while on site.
We also ask guests to wear a mask anytime social distancing cannot be maintained and if asked to by a staff member. We ask for patience and understanding as we balance the safety of everyone with the great experience of a resort escape.
Outdoor Spaces
Much of your time at Viamede will be spent outdoors, and with the amount of space we have, social distancing and general sanitation will be much smaller concerns. There are plenty of other germs outside that you should be careful of what you touch anyway, so we advise you to wash your hands frequently.
Indoor Spaces
With the cold winter months, our indoor spaces will be open. We ask that you respect the social distancing policy when in common areas with other guests and staff. Surfaces will be sanitized several times per day with evaporating spray, so you may find door handles and coffee machines damp or watermarks on surfaces.