What will the 2020 Colorado ski season look like?

EL PASO COUNTY, Colo. (KRDO) -- As skiers and snowboarders eagerly wait for the upcoming ski season, the state released a draft guidance plan. The plan was finalized Monday, Oct. 19.

The plan highlights protocols for Colorado ski areas and resorts, which were approved by the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE).

Here's what you need to know about the final guidelines:

Masks will be required with the ski areas plan, and masks will be encouraged for all indoor and outdoor public spaces. However, there will be some exceptions for outdoor distanced activities like skiing and snowboarding.

Physical distancing of at least 6 feet will be encouraged between parties.

When purchasing tickets, Colorado ski resorts will encourage skiers to buy tickets online or by phone, instead of in-person.

For ski lifts and gondolas, masks are required while waiting in line, and while riding on chairlifts. You're also not required to ride on a chairlift or gondola with people outside your group. People who are not a part of the same group will need at least one space separating them. Gondolas should keep windows open, even in inclement weather. Gondolas are limited to two separate parties and 50% capacity.

For those waiting in chairlift lines, resorts will enforce a six-foot distancing between parties.

Ski schools will be limited to 10 people, not including the instructors. Students who are 11 years of age or older will be required to wear masks.

Ski areas will require masks wearing in restroom and locker rooms, while limiting capacity, increasing ventilation, and encourage handwashing.

Ski resorts are encouraged to look into adding spots for hand-washing outside of restaurants, adding port-o-potties to avoid indoor congestion, and blocking off some stalls to limit capacity, and disabling air dryers.

For shop and rental services, reservations and pick-up time windows are encouraged. Similarly, rental pick-ups are suggesting pick-up outdoors or at a drive-up site. Masks are required and minimized contact, touchpoints, and interactions in fittings are necessary.

If you plan on dining out, restaurants will have no limit for outdoor capacity, but there will need to be a 6-foot distance between parties.

If extreme weather events or emergencies happen, the ski area will prioritize the safety and sheltering of guests if it comes in contact with COVID-19 guidelines.

To see more on the finalized guidance for Colorado ski areas and resorts, you can click here.

Editor's note: This article has been updated with the finalized guidelines on Oct. 19 instead of the drafted guidelines.