COVID

**Disclaimer: Our COVID policies and procedures are subject to change without warning at any time.

October 21, 2022

Dear RMH Guests,

We are looking forward to our 46th year of operation in January, 2023!

For the past two seasons, we have developed some of the highest-regarded standards in the industry in dealing with COVID-19, allowing us to operate at a sold-out capacity during a pandemic.

RMH will continue to follow guidelines based on the CDC website and recommendations.

Masks are optional to all guests.

RMH continues to comply on a state and federal level as a CLIA exempt testing lab, with the ability to offer rapid 15-minute nasal swab tests at Ruby 360 Lodge for any guest or staff member exhibiting potential symptoms of COVID-19.

We are looking forward to seeing you all in 2023 and creating memories to last a lifetime. 

Please reach out with any questions.

Joe, Francy, and Mike Royer

775.753.6867

info@helicopterskiing.com

___________________________________________

January 12, 2022

Dear RMH Guests,

We are looking forward to our first Ruby guests arriving on January 16th. We had an incredible December with multiple active storm cycles bringing feet of snow to the Rubies, with more on the way this month.

We are continuing to stay on top of the updates from the CDC, and will follow their guidelines for guests who test positive for COVID-19, or are exposed to a positive case prior to coming to Ruby.

These guidelines can be viewed in full on the CDC website.

A. If a guest tests positive for COVID-19, regardless of their vaccination status, they must stay home for 5 days.  After that time, if they are asymptomatic or have not had a fever for 24 hours, they can leave isolation and join Ruby, as long as they wear a mask at all times when around others for the next 5 days.

B. If a guest is exposed to a positive COVID-19 case, and they have been boosted or fully vaccinated with the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine within the last 6 months, or the J&J vaccine within the last 2 months, they need to wear a mask for the next 10 days. They also will need to have a negative test no sooner than 5 days after their exposure, and within 24 hours of coming to Ruby.

C. If a guest is exposed to a positive COVID-19 case, and they are either unvaccinated, have NOT been boosted, or it has been over 6 months since their full Pfizer or Moderna vaccination, or over 2 months since their full J&J vaccination, they should stay at home for 5 days, then wear a mask for an additional 5 days. They also will need a negative test no sooner than 5 days after their exposure, and within 24 hours of coming to Ruby.

RMH’s covid protocols for staff and guests once here will stay the same as listed below, in our update from December 21st.

We’re looking forward to seeing you all again this winter. Please feel free to reach out to us at any time with questions.

Joe, Francy, and Mike Royer
775.753.6867

info@helicopterskiing.com

___________________________________________

December 21, 2021

Dear RMH Guests,

When our season came to an early end due to COVID-19 back in March, 2019, we never predicted that the world would still be dealing with this virus nearly two years later.

We spent countless hours researching with healthcare professionals and advisors how to best operate last season, and are proud to say that not only did we host the busiest ski season in our 44 years, but we did so without a single issue regarding COVID-19.

This year, we pledge to do the same. Keeping safety our #1 priority, RMH leads the field with our COVID operating program, and our policies and procedures will stay in place for all 2022 tours.

RMH continues to partner with Henry Schein, Solutions for Health Care Professionals, and under the direction of MD Don Crum, Ruby 360 Lodge will continue to operate as a CLIA-approved laboratory site, allowing us to rapid test for COVID-19 on-site.

The following policies will be in place for all 2022 tours:

FOR GUESTS:

  • RMH highly recommends all guests to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19.
  • RMH highly recommends all guests to arrive with a negative PCR COVID-19 test result from the last 72 hours.
  • RMH will recommend all guests arrive with a COVID-19 antibody test result.
  • A mandatory health screening questionnaire will be sent to all guests 1 week prior to their arrival and will need to be returned no later than 1 day before arrival.
  • Daily temperature and pulse oximeter tests will be conducted at Ruby 360 Lodge for all guests upon arrival and daily during their tour at RMH. These tests will also be conducted for any guests requiring a shuttle from the Elko Airport to the Lodge, prior to entering an RMH vehicle.
  • RMH embroidered neck gaiters will be provided for all guests. The gaiters have an antimicrobial insert built into the fabric.
  • Face coverings are required when social distancing cannot be properly observed, especially in the helicopter, snowcats, transport vehicles, and lodge common areas.
  • Regular hand-washing or sanitizing is encouraged for all guests.

FOR GUIDES AND STAFF:

  • RMH highly recommends all guides and staff to be fully vaccinated.
  • All unvaccinated guides and staff are required to show a negative COVID-19, PCR test result within 72 hours upon their arrival at RMH or a positive COVID-19 antibody test.
  • Guides and staff will undergo daily temperature and pulse oximeter.
  • All guides and staff will adhere to regular hand-washing and sanitizing.
  • All guides and staff required to wear face coverings in Ruby 360 Lodge and in transport vehicles, snowcats and the aircraft.
  • All guides and staff will undergo COVID-19 health and safety training.

FOR RUBY 360 LODGE:

  • 2 MoleKule Air Purification systems.
  • Industrial disinfecting sprayer.
  • State of the art Speco Technologies facial recognition touch-less thermometer.
  • Multiple blood oxygen level testers.
  • Hand sanitizing stations.
  • Regular cleaning and sanitizing of all surfaces and guest rooms.

Arrival Itinerary for 2022 Ruby 360 Lodge guests:

  • If picked up at the regional airport EKO or private air:
    • Guests will be picked up by an RMH employee in a RMH transport vehicle unless arriving guests rent a vehicle from Elko Airport. Masks are required for all guests and RMH staff at all times in transport vehicles. Temperature and pulse oximeter tests will be conducted before guests are allowed to enter the RMH airport shuttle vehicle. If a guest fails either test, they will be required to procure their own transportation to Ruby 360 Lodge, where they will be tested with our 15-minute result BD Veritor testing unit.
  • For guests arriving at Ruby 360 Lodge via personal vehicles and guests arriving at Ruby 360 Lodge via RMH airport transport:
    • Guests will be welcomed by RMH staff at Ruby 360 Lodge entrance where Speco Technologies touchless facial recognition temperature will be taken. Pulse oximeter tests will also be taken for each individual guests on arrival.
    • Guests who do not exhibit any signs or symptoms of COVID-19 after initial testing will be shown accommodations by RMH staff and welcomed into Ruby 360 Lodge.
    • Guests who do exhibit any signs or symptoms of COVID-19 during initial testing will be tested by a RMH lab technician with a rapid nasal swab and tested with our 15-minute result BD Veritor testing unit.
    • If a guest tests positive at our testing unit, the guest will depart Ruby 360 Lodge immediately.
    • If a guest tests negative at our testing unit, we will wait an additional 15 minutes and re-test the individual. If an additional negative test occurs and the negative result is confirmed the guest will be welcomed into Ruby 360 Lodge.
    • RMH staff will conduct daily morning temperature and pulse oximeter tests for each guest on each morning (after breakfast) and each afternoon (upon return from the ski day).
    • Any guests who show any signs or symptoms of COVID-19 during their tour at RMH are subject to a BD Veritor rapid test at Ruby 360 Lodge.
    • A positive test will result in the guest departing Ruby 360 Lodge immediately.

We’re looking forward to seeing you all again this winter to create more memories in the Rubies. Please feel free to reach out to us at any time with questions.

Joe, Francy, and Mike Royer
775.753.6867

info@helicopterskiing.com

___________________________________________

December 9, 2020

Ruby Mountain Helicopter Skiing will begin our 44th season of family owned operations in January 2021. 

Attention to detail and the safety of our guests and staff are always our #1 priority.
 
Ruby has always been and will continue to be one of the highest recognized helicopter skiing and boarding companies in North America and our goal is always to be one of the leaders of heath standards and safety protocols for our industry.
 
RMH’s remote yet convenient location, vehicle accessibility, small groups (maximum of 16 guests every three days), and safety and health policies allow us to provide a quality, socially-distanced base of operations compared to other winter resorts and mountain towns.
 
After operating a full Summer 2020 season at Ruby 360 Lodge, and hosting guests from across the country May through October, we have gained the confidence and knowledge in our ability and protocols to mitigate risks associated with COVID-19 to the best of our abilities. RMH will continue to adapt and offer our guests the quality and service to each part of the experience as we have been doing for 44 years.
 
For Winter 2021, are expanding our COVID-19 procedures to offer our staff and guests comfort and peace of mind during their trip with us.
 
RMH is proud to have partnered with Henry Schein, Solutions for Health Care Professionals, and under the direction of MD Don Crum we are pleased to announce Ruby 360 Lodge has been accepted by the State of Nevada’s Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments of 1988. (CLIA) regulations include federal standards applicable to all U.S. facilities or sites that test human specimens for health assessment or to diagnose, prevent, or treat disease. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention supports the CLIA program and clinical laboratory quality.
 
RMH will have two SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) rapid testing units available with 15 minute results to test any symptomatic guest or employee at Ruby 360 Lodge. The two units, BD Veritor System’s, are for Rapid Detection of COVID-19, a chromatographic immunoassay for the direct and qualitative detection of COVID-19 antigens in nasal swabs from patients with signs and symptoms who are suspected of COVID-19.
 
The testing units do not have the ability to perform an accurate test result with individuals who are not showing signs or symptoms.
 
We are also implementing the following protocols for our 2021 season:
 
FOR GUESTS:
  • RMH will recommend all guests to arrive with a negative PCR COVID-19 test result from the last 72 hours.
  • RMH will recommend all guests arrive with a COVID-19 antibody test result.
  • A mandatory health screening questionnaire will be sent to all guests 1 week prior to their arrival and will need to be returned no later than 1 day before arrival.
  • Daily temperature and pulse oximeter tests will be conducted at Ruby 360 Lodge for all guests upon arrival and daily during their tour at RMH. These tests will also be conducted for any guests requiring a shuttle from the Elko Airport to the Lodge, prior to entering an RMH vehicle.
  • RMH embroidered neck gaiters will be provided for all guests. The gaiters have an antimicrobial insert built into the fabric.
  • Face coverings are required when social distancing cannot be properly observed, especially in the helicopter, snowcats, transport vehicles, and lodge common areas.
  • Regular hand-washing or sanitizing is encouraged for all guests.
FOR GUIDES AND STAFF:
  • All guides and staff are required to show a negative COVID-19, PCR test result within 72 hours upon their arrival at RMH or a positive COVID-19 antibody test.
  • Guides and staff will undergo daily temperature and pulse oximeter.
  • All guides and staff will adhere to regular hand-washing and sanitizing.
  • All guides and staff required to wear face coverings in Ruby 360 Lodge and in transport vehicles, snowcats and the aircraft.
  • All guides and staff will undergo COVID-19 health and safety training.
FOR RUBY 360 LODGE:
  • 2 MoleKule Air Purification systems.
  • Industrial disinfecting sprayer.
  • State of the art Speco Technologies facial recognition touch-less thermometer.
  • Multiple blood oxygen level testers.
  • Hand sanitizing stations.
  • Regular cleaning and sanitizing of all surfaces and guest rooms.
 
Arrival Itinerary for 2021 Ruby 360 Lodge guests:
 
  • If picked up at the regional airport EKO or private air:
    • Guests will be picked up by an RMH employee in a RMH transport vehicle unless arriving guests rent a vehicle from Elko Airport. Masks are required for all guests and RMH staff at all times in transport vehicles. Temperature and pulse oximeter tests will be conducted before guests are allowed to enter the RMH airport shuttle vehicle. If a guest fails either test, they will be required to procure their own transportation to Ruby 360 Lodge, where they will be tested with our 15-minute result BD Veritor testing unit.
  • For guests arriving at Ruby 360 Lodge via personal vehicles and guests arriving at Ruby 360 Lodge via RMH airport transport:
    • Guests will be welcomed by RMH staff at Ruby 360 Lodge entrance where Speco Technologies touchless facial recognition temperature will be taken. Pulse oximeter tests will also be taken for each individual guests on arrival.
    • Guests who do not exhibit any signs or symptoms of COVID-19 after initial testing will be shown accommodations by RMH staff and welcomed into Ruby 360 Lodge.
    • Guests who do exhibit any signs or symptoms of COVID-19 during initial testing will be tested by a RMH lab technician with a rapid nasal swab and tested with our 15-minute result BD Veritor testing unit.
      • If a guest tests positive at our testing unit, the guest will depart Ruby 360 Lodge immediately.
      • If a guest tests negative at our testing unit, we will wait an additional 15 minutes and re-test the individual. If an additional negative test occurs and the negative result is confirmed the guest will be welcomed into Ruby 360 Lodge.
  • RMH staff will conduct daily morning temperature and pulse oximeter tests for each guest on each morning (after breakfast) and each afternoon (upon return from the ski day).
    • Any guests who show any signs or symptoms of COVID-19 during their tour at RMH are subject to a BD Veritor rapid test at Ruby 360 Lodge.
      • A positive test will result in the guest departing Ruby 360 Lodge immediately.
We are looking forward to a beautiful winter ahead. The goal at Ruby is to have each person who joins us during the season to create memories that last a lifetime.
 
Invest in your memories because in the end, that is all that really matters.
 
Joe, Francy, and Mike Royer
775.753.6867
 

___________________________________________

October 13th, 2020

Ruby Guests,
 
We have been working diligently with several medical teams and experts in implementing a COVID response plan in order to keep our guests and staff safe and healthy in the 2021 season.
 
Due to the procedural changes we’re implementing and the costs associated with such, we have increased our 3-day package price by $500.00 per person bringing the total to $5,700.00 + tax. The single day package price will increase by $144.00 per person, bringing the total to $1,799.00 + tax. This price increase will be added to all balances due 60 days prior to your tour start date, and is currently reflected in package prices listed on our website.
 
We would like to share with you the safety measures we have already implemented, as well as the requirements for guests and staff alike as we begin our ski tours in January:
 
FOR GUESTS:
  • RMH will require all guests to arrive with either a negative rapid, PCR, or saliva COVID-19 test result from the last 72 hours.
  • A mandatory health screening questionnaire will be sent to all guests 1 week prior to their arrival and will need to be returned no later than 1 day before arrival.
  • Daily temperature and oxygen level tests will be conducted at Ruby 360 Lodge for all guests.
  • Neck gaiters will be provided for all guests. The gaiters have an antimicrobial treatment on the fabric.
  • Face coverings are required when social distancing cannot be properly observed, especially in the helicopter, snowcats, and transport vehicles.
  • Regular hand-washing or sanitizing is encouraged for all guests.
 
FOR GUIDES AND STAFF:
  • All guides are required to show a negative COVID-19 test result upon their arrival at RMH.
  • Guides and staff will undergo daily temperature and oxygen level tests.
  • All guides and staff will adhere to regular hand-washing and sanitizing.
  • All guides and staff will undergo COVID-19 health and safety training.
 
FOR RUBY 360 LODGE:
  • 2 MoleKule Air Purification systems.
  • Industrial disinfecting sprayer.
  • Regular environmental testing of lodge through air testing and surface swabs with rapid results.
  • Hand sanitizing stations.
  • Regular cleaning and sanitizing of all surfaces and guest rooms.
 
RMH hopes to lead our industry with our health and safety protocols. Safety has always been our #1 priority, and we are committed in providing a fun, safe and elegant environment for all who enter our doors.
 
If you have any questions or concerns regarding our updated procedures or package price increases, please feel free to reach out at any time.
 
Joe, Francy, and Mike Royer
775.753.6867

_______________________________________________________

August 27, 2020

Dear Guests,

From Ruby’s beginning in 1977, our priority has been the health and safety of our employees and guests. Ruby Mountain Heli-Ski wants to ensure our guests that we are in full compliance with local, state, and federal regulations concerning the COVID-19 pandemic, and are looking forward to skiing with you for our winter 2021 season.

There’s no better place to social-distance than the remote Ruby Mountains. Ruby Mountain Heli-Ski is a privately-owned operation, and is not affiliated with any commercial ski resort. There’s not a chair lift, large resort, or ski town in sight.

Before arrival, ski guests are required to sign a waiver stating they are in good health, not displaying any applicable symptoms, and have not been in contact with anyone diagnosed with COVID-19. We will also be conducting daily temperature checks of all guests.

We book a maximum of 16 skiers for 3-day tours and guests ski/board in groups of 4 with a guide. Our lodge, transport vehicles, helicopter and snowcats will be disinfected multiple times throughout the day.

Just like any other year, deposits are non-refundable. Balances are due 60 days prior to the tour, giving ample time for cancellation if a guest is uncomfortable with the current state of the pandemic. If a cancellation is made within the 60 days prior to the tour date due to a COVID-19-related reason (refer to applicable criteria in section 19b in terms and conditions), RMH will retain 50% of the balance payment, and rollover 50% to a date the following year.

In the event RMH should cease operation and cancel a tour as the result of a government mandate, RMH will credit 100% of all balance payments to a later date in the current season or a tour in the following season.

Our full Terms and Conditions, which detail our current policy on COVID-19 cancellations is below.

Thank you for trusting us with your ski memories year after year, and we’re looking forward to you joining us for Ruby Magic in 2021.

If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to reach out at any time.

Kind Regards,
Joe, Francy and Mike Royer