The Boyce Park ski slopes and tubing area have seen about a 14% increase in usage in this season’s opening month compared to last season in spite of the raging pandemic, according to Allegheny County officials.

Parks department records show nearly 4,700 skiers took to the slopes in Plum from opening day, Dec. 14, 2019, through Jan. 19, 2020. Tubers were about 4,540 from opening day, Dec. 21, 2019, through Jan. 19, 2020.

Skiing and tubing opened this season on Dec. 19.

County officials reported about 5,610 took to the slopes and 4,900 on tubes as of Jan. 19.

“We think it’s (because of) a couple of things,” county Chief Marketing Officer Kevin Evanto said about the attendance spike. “People have cabin fever. They’re going stir crazy. They want to get out. They want to do things. A lot of entertainment facilities have been closed. That’s part of it.”

Patrons have also been showing up earlier compared to last season most likely due to people not commuting as much with many working and schooling from home, Evanto said.

The state’s limitations on outdoor gatherings continue to play a role in how these winter recreation activities are provided.

The lodge and concession stands have been closed so people don’t crowd around indoors. Portable toilets and benches were installed.

Patrons were limited to 50, 100 and now 250 skiers per session. Tubers also increased from 50 to 100 people the past few weeks.

Evanto said the tubing area overall is smaller than the ski slopes so fewer people can use them.

“Even with the limited number, we’re still doing really well,” Evanto said. “We pretty much sell out every session, especially on the weekend.

“Everybody’s been very patient and understanding. We follow the guidelines put out by the commonwealth.”

Numbers also include a slew of new slope users. Online registration shows about 3,600 new accounts were created for lift tickets, and about 2,200 new accounts were made for tubing.

“That tells us there are a lot of new people coming out to Boyce Park, which we think is great,” Evanto said. “Boyce Park has always been a really great place to learn how to ski.”

Patrons are required to wear masks and practice social distancing when possible. Skiing lessons are still offered.

No walkups are allowed. People have to register online before arrival.

The cost of admission was also altered compared to last year.

Prices last season were $16 for adult residents and $20 for nonresidents Monday through Thursday and $22 for residents and $28 for nonresidents Friday through Sunday and holidays. Ski rental equipment costs were $15 for residents and $19 for nonresidents, $20 for resident snowboards and $25 for nonresidents.

Evanto said there were discounted prices for children and seniors last season, but everything was changed to a flat fee, with rentals included.

Ski lift tickets are now $22 for residents of all ages and $28 for nonresidents Monday through Friday. They are $32 for residents and $40 for nonresidents on Saturdays, Sundays and holidays. No season passes are available.

Tubing tickets are $17 for county residents and $21 for nonresidents.

All patrons must purchase a lift ticket. No spectators are allowed inside the area.

Those who bring their own equipment can tell the workers at the slopes and receive a partial refund.

“Our thought was, it’s a flat rate,” Evanto said. “Everybody’s paying the same amount. In the end, it all evens out.”

Slopes are expected to be open through early- to mid-March.

Skiing is open from 3:30-9 p.m. Mondays through Fridays; 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. and 3:30 to 9 p.m. Saturdays; and 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. and 2:30-6:30 p.m. Sundays.

Tubing is open from 4-6 p.m. and 7-9 p.m. Mondays through Fridays; 10 a.m. to noon, 1-3 p.m., 4-6 p.m. and 7-9 p.m. Saturdays; and 10 a.m. to noon, 1-3 p.m. and 4-6 p.m. Sundays.

More information is available here or by calling 724-733-4656.

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