Beginning Saturday, Winter Park Resort will require its pass holders to make a reservation in order to access the mountain, the resort announced.

This change comes as part of the resort’s newest effort to maintain social distancing and reduce the spread of COVID-19.

“The health and well-being of our employees, guests and community remain paramount,” said Sky Foulkes, resort president. “We must manage the number of people in the resort in order to help mitigate the spread of COVID-19.”

Earlier this fall, Winter Park began restricting sales of individual lift tickets to manage the anticipated number of visitors, which the resort will continue to do.

Before the resort opened for the 2020/21 ski season, it released its “Shred Another Day” COVID-19 guidelines outlining resort etiquette, including mandatory mask use and social distancing between groups.

The guidelines also recommended visitors avoid going to the resort on peak days like Saturdays and the week after Christmas to keep crowd sizes down.

“We’re asking for everyone’s patience and cooperation this winter,” Foulkes said. “We have planned for many contingencies, and we’re ready to do whatever it takes to help stay safe and stay open.”

Pass holders can start making reservations at 9 a.m. Thursday.

Ikon Pass and Winter Park Pass holders can make reservations through their pass accounts. Pass holders can book up to 10 days at a time.

Updates will be posted on the resort website at winterparkresort.com.