“It’s the only thing we can possibly do outdoors right now, since everywhere is closed,” Khalid said. “Since it’s outdoors, the transmission is a lot less risky.”

To adapt to the increased demand for outdoor activities and keep customers safe through COVID-19 guidelines, Buck Hill has added a number of new policies for the 2020-21 season. 

Those include:

• Online reservations to keep entry lines short
• Standard six-foot social distancing practices
• Take-out only at the restaurant, because the dining room is closed under the governor's four-week pause
• Mask requirements in line, on the lift or indoors, and recommended while coming down the hill

Birr said it appears most people have followed the rules since they opened earlier this month. The staff has added signage to visibly display the new policies, and they may add even more in the coming weeks. 

“It’s new for everybody here,” he said. “So, it’s just that repetition, to constantly remind people to be as safe as possible. And we’re doing the same here as staff.”

Two other ski areas in the Twin Cities metro area, Afton Alps and Hyland Hills, have both implemented similar safety policies, according to their websites. 

Beyond skiing and snowboarding, Minnesota health guidelines also allow sledding, snowmobiling and ice fishing – although the D-N-R says large contests might not be able to happen this winter.

At Buck Hill, racing teams can’t compete until the governor’s dial-back loosens, and ski lessons are on pause.