COVID-19 Vaccine Mandate FAQs
What is the new condition of employment?
COVID-19 vaccination is the way to end this pandemic and protect the health of our employees, guests and communities. In addition, it aligns with the direction of the US Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration. As such, Vail Resorts will implement a mandatory COVID-19 vaccine requirement as a condition of employment, effective Nov. 15, 2021, unless there is an approved legal accommodation. No other exceptions will be made.
This means by Nov. 15, 2021, all active and newly hired employees must have completed their COVID-19 vaccination regimen (1 of 1 doses or 2 of 2 doses) or have an approved legal accommodation.
Why can’t we do weekly testing instead?
We will not offer a weekly testing process for anyone that would prefer to opt out as it is not feasible for our company to do so and we do not believe it offers the same level of protection against the direct threat that COVID-19 presents in the workplace.
Will accommodations be granted?
We will provide accommodations where legally required based on the relevant state and federal laws and regulations in each of our locations. Active employees who have a legally valid basis for requesting an accommodation can refer to this process to request an accommodation. We plan to review each request carefully, and accommodations will be only be granted if they truly meet the legal requirements.
Candidates with a job offer, who have a legally valid basis for requesting an accommodation, can request an accommodation through an external Hiring Support Request. (Please note that this link only works for candidates; active employees will be redirected to the Direct Connect homepage).
Will I be paid for time off to get vaccinated?
Effective Sept. 20, 2021, Vail Resorts will pay active non-exempt employees for time spent receiving a COVID-19 vaccination up to two hours for each dose, or as otherwise required by applicable law and regulations. Review COVID-19 Vaccination Paid Time for more information.
I am based in Broomfield and currently working from home, why do I need to be vaccinated by Nov. 15?
We are making this decision for our company and all of our employees and resorts in North America and we are going to be consistent across the enterprise. This timing ensures our corporate employees can all return to our Broomfield office safely in January 2022. It also ensures that if Broomfield employees need to go to the office, or to any of our resorts before January 2022, they can do so in compliance with this new policy.
I work in a fully remote role, does this mandate apply to me?
Yes, fully remote employees are required to go into the office from time to time for training etc. This will ensure they can do so in compliance with this new policy.
Do contractors or volunteers need to be vaccinated?
Yes, contractors and volunteers that are part of our day-to-day workforce are required to comply. It is the responsibility of the volunteer liaisons to verify volunteers have completed their vaccination regimen before they start.
For daily service providers that come on-site periodically (plumbers, repair personnel, delivery personnel, contractors providing work on daily projects, etc.) or company guests, we will not require proof of vaccination, but we will require that they comply with our safety policies of face coverings and hygiene and maintain physical distancing at all times with our employees and guests. Additionally, daily service providers or other company guests will be required to show proof of vaccination if they plan to dine in a quick-service restaurant on one of our mountains.
How will I prove I have been vaccinated?
Employees will be able to provide proof of vaccination through Direct Connect: Take Action and will be able to complete the process on a computer, mobile phone, or tablet device. When the technology goes live, we will provide guidance on how to submit your vaccination card ahead of the Nov. 15, 2021, deadline.
Employees will need to submit information including the brand of their COVID-19 vaccine, date of final dose of vaccination, and uploading the vaccination card/record issued by the government or vaccine administrator (including official digital vaccination records). This proof will be validated to ensure submissions are legitimate. All records of vaccinations and approved accommodations will be maintained and stored in compliance with all applicable laws and regulations.
If you do not have your vaccination card, please refer to the appropriate resource to get a replacement. If you are in the United States, refer to the “How can I get a new COVID-19 vaccination card” FAQ on the CDC website. If you are at Whistler Blackcomb, refer to “Get the BC Vaccine Card.”
What about employees starting after Nov. 15, 2021?
Employees who start work after Nov. 15 will have to provide proof of vaccination before their first day of work. Employees will not be able to start working until they provide proof they have completed their COVID-19 vaccination regimen (1 of 1 dose or 2 of 2 doses).
If boosters are recommended, will they be required as a condition of employment?
At this time boosters are not recommended by the health authorities and are not required as a condition of employment. We do not expect this to change during the 2021/22 season, however, we will continue to review our policies as the guidance from authorities is updated and may change our workplaces policies accordingly.
What happens if I do not comply and I don’t qualify for an accommodation?
This expectation is a condition of employment and will be considered cause for termination, without severance, if you do not comply. Proof of full vaccination (meaning 1 dose of a 1 dose vaccine, or 2 doses of a 2 dose vaccine) is required by Nov.15, 2021.
Will I have to continue with daily health screenings once I have verified my vaccine status?
Yes, health screenings will continue to be required for all employees working on-site at this time. The daily health screening will no longer require a temperature check, which also means thermometers will not be provided. However, employees will still be asked whether they have symptoms consistent with a fever, including feeling feverish, having chills or shivering.
What resources can I reference to find out where to get a vaccine appointment?
If you are in the United States please refer to: Vaccines.gov, if you are in Whistler Blackcomb please refer here.
What COVID-19 vaccines will be accepted?
COVID-19 vaccines authorized by applicable public health authorities for medical use, including emergency use, in their primary jurisdiction of residence will be accepted, unless the COVID-19 vaccine does not comply with travel restrictions into the United States or Canada (as applicable based on the country of employment) or recognition is otherwise restricted by government regulations or orders. Approved vaccines currently include Moderna, Pfizer, and Johnson & Johnson in the United States and Canada. Canada has also authorized AstraZeneca.
What if I already had COVID-19? Am I still required to get vaccinated
Yes, all employees are required to be vaccinated for COVID-19 regardless of if you have already had the virus.
If I am moving into Employee Housing, are there any additional requirements?
Yes. Similar to last winter, employees moving into employee housing in the U.S. will also be required to complete a COVID test prior to moving in. You will receive the information on how this will work directly from the housing team when you are completing your housing application process.
In addition, beginning Oct. 15, the housing team will be validating current vaccine status to ensure everyone moving in has either completed the full vaccine regimen or will be able to meet the requirement by Nov. 15 (In order to move into housing, employees need to have had the first dose of their two-dose vaccine, and have an appointment for a second prior to Nov. 15, 2021, or have an appointment scheduled for a single-dose vaccine prior to Nov.15, 2021).
Given that it takes two weeks for the vaccines to be fully effective, why not require full vaccination by Nov. 1?
The decision to require vaccination by Nov. 15 is intended to give employees as much time to comply without disrupting the start of our season.