October 29, 2020–A free drive-thru or walk-up COVID-19 testing in Nellysford was announced for Monday, Nov. 3. This Thomas Jefferson Health District event will be available from 5 to 7 pm. Details
October 23, 2020–A wedding hosted at Wintergreen Resort on October 10 was a likely source of the COVID-19 outbreak that resulted in the isolation of employees at the resort testing positive and the temporary closing of The Edge and banquet operations on October 22. Details
October 12, 2020–Nelson County Public Schools will remain virtual through the second quarter which runs Oct. 19 through Dec. 18. Details
September 30, 2020-The 2021 budget of the Wintergreen Property Owners Association reflects a drop in Wintergreen Resort's Amenity Fee paid to WPOA (one percent of total audited annual gross revenue) to $150,000. This is due to "a projected coronavirus-related decrease in the resort’s revenues." (The resort's fee paid in 2018 was $276,158. In 2019 it was $293,394, according to the WPOA budget.) Property owners will see a two-percent increase in 2021's assessment. Details
September 19, 2020–A report on how Wintergreen Music managed their summer festival with the COVID-19 restrictions and what they are planning next is sent to the community. Details
September 18, 2020–"The Nelson County (COVID-19) numbers continue to climb at a slow but steady pace. Nelson has logged just under 100 cases, four are currently hospitalized, and sadly one has died," says Wintergreen Fire and Rescue Chief Curtis Sheets in a sobering report. Details
September 15, 2020–Detailed plans for the upcoming ski season are published by Wintergreen Resort. The three-page letter says, “Season pass holders will be our highest priority in managing any on-mountain capacity restrictions.” Details
September 11, 2020–EPR Properties, the REIT that owns Wintergreen Resort, reports that “approximately 81% of the company’s properties are open, including 92% of non-theatre properties and 71% of theatres, as studios begin releasing new titles.” Details
September 9, 2020–The dedication event for the new Dunlop Public Safety Plaza at Tuckahoe Clubhouse on 9/11 has strict COVID-19 guidelines. Details
September 6, 2020–The Wintergreen Mountain Homesteaders holds its annual meeting online. Details
August 29, 2020–The LOCKN’ festival is postponed until October 2021. Details
August 25, 2020–”With much of the world doing business virtually and as touchless as possible to help prevent the spread of Covid-19,” Wintergreen Resort will hold six virtual job fairs to begin recruiting for the upcoming winter season. Details
August 23, 2020–“We have no idea what it’s going to look like, just to be completely transparent,” Wintergreen Resort’s Director of Marketing Lori Zaloga told WVIR. “Ski season is pretty much a moving target at this point.” Details
August 20, 2020–Seeing that it has “facilities ideally suited to host small groups of kids,” Wintergreen Resort is conducting a survey of property owners and employees who are parents and grandparents to gauge interest in a program to “facilitate the online learning model” area schools are deploying in response to the COVID-19 restrictions. Details
August 17, 2020–”We are doing what we can to manage our way through these extraordinary times as prudently as possible, and we take solace in the fact Wintergreen is performing extraordinarily well compared to other mountain resorts,” Wintergreen Resort says in a detailed letter to the community pointing to many positives, but noting “the current situation might be best classified as ‘clear as mud.’” Details
August 16, 2020–”There has been a 40 percent increase this week and the current case count (in Nelson County) is 67,” Wintergreen Fire & Rescue Chief Curtis Sheets reports. “Worthy of note, the most recent COVID positive patients we have transported came from the Nellysford area.” Two Nelson residents are in the hospital due to the virus. Details
August 7, 2020–Expect to see the Nelson County numbers rise over the coming days, says Wintergreen’s Fire & Rescue Chief. “There is no reason for this to alarm you. It should however serve as a reminder to continue to practice social distancing.” Details
August 5, 2020–The REIT that owns Wintergreen Resort, EPR Properties, releases its second quarter report, saying, "While the outlook remains uncertain as the pandemic persists, we look forward to the eventual reopening of all of our customers and remain confident in our strategy of focusing on experiential real estate.” Details
August 1, 2020– “The Hoopla (scheduled for September 25-27, 2020) you know and love won’t return until 2021,” says Devils Backbone. Details
July 24, 2020–Nelson County will begin its school year online for a minimum of nine weeks, starting on August 24. Details
July 20, 2020–The safety plans for the Lockn’ Festival, October 2-4, are announced. Details
July 17, 2020–Sherando Lake is reported to be making plans to reopen “soon.” Details
July 14, 2020–Devils Backbone again closes due to lack of help “due to a number of employees who are self isolating;” planning to open on July 21. Details
July 11, 2020–A special webpage with all of the safety guidelines at Wintergreen Resort. Details
July 10, 2020–Rules for the two Wintergreen Property Owners Association swimming pools are updated. Details
July 9, 2020–Devils Backbone first closes its Nelson County location out of “an abundance of caution” after two employees report symptoms related to COVID-19, then, after testing and getting an all-clear, opens the next day. Details
July 8, 2020–A “vaguely more normalized market” is how operations at the Nelson Farmers Market Cooperative in Nellysford is described. Details
July 8, 2020–Reporting that the local case count has risen by 22% in the past few days Wintergreen Fire & Rescue Chief Curtis Sheets says in a post on his website, “The more people you’re around and the more time you’re exposed to people, the higher your risk. If you venture out, wear a mask.” Details
July 3, 2020–Guidelines for using Tuckahoe Clubhouse under Phase 3 restrictions are posted by WPOA. Details
July 2, 2020–Phase 3 guidelines for using the swimming pools at Wintergreen Resort are published. Details
July 1, 2020–Tuckahoe Flea Market at Tuckahoe Clubhouse was to be on September 19th but is postponed until next spring.
July 1, 2020–Trillium House remains closed, says the Nature Foundation at Wintergreen. The number of people on their guided hikes will be limited. Details
June 26, 2020–Independence Day may be different this year but the meaning and observance remains the same, says Wintergreen Resort in announcing their holiday programs. Details
June 26, 2020–An announcement by the Wintergreen Property Owners Association includes an outline of how it will open its swimming pools and Tuckahoe Clubhouse on July 1. “Please be patient as we work through unexpected issues.” Details
June 26, 2020–The Nature Foundation at Wintergreen starts offering it regular Saturday guided hikes again. Trillium House remains closed to the public. Details
June 25, 2020–Plans for resuming its fishing, archery, boating, biking and shooting programs start developing at the Wintergreen Sporting Club. Details
June 19, 2020–Plans are outlined by the Wintergreen Property Owners Association for Virginia’s anticipated “Phase 3” re-opening. Details
June 12, 2020–Wintergreen Resort opens Monocan Lake for swimming and starts welcoming overnight guests on the mountain. Golf on both courses is open to the public, tennis courts are open. New dining options offered at The Edge and Devils Grill. Mountain Inn shops are open on weekends. Aquatic & Fitness Center Open Wed-Sun 9 am - 5 pm. Indoor pool open for lap swimming only by reservation. Marketing messages are promoting hiking. Details
June 12, 2020–The REIT which owns Wintergreen Resort, EPR Properties, sees its stock price more than double since its March 23rd low; the price is about half of what it was the first of 2020. Details
June 12, 2020–The part of the Blue Ridge Parkway next to Wintergreen opens more restrooms and picnic areas. Details
June 11, 2020–Regular hours return to the Nelson Farmers Market’s Saturday morning sales in Nellysford, with restrictions. Details
June 10, 2020–While spending has been slashed this year at Wintergreen Music, the nonprofit’s president tells the community that donations remain vital, explaining in detail what the organization is doing and the challenges it faces. Details
June 1, 2020–”It's Time to Welcome You Back!” is the headline on Wintergreen Resort’s blog. However, “While we want to be in full swing as soon as possible, we are being appropriately cautious.” Stoney Creek golf will re-open to the public on June 6th. On June 12th overnight guests will again be welcomed and Lake Monocan will open. Dining, golf, swimming, shopping, and more are also rolling out, albeit carefully. Details
May 30, 2020–Re-opening the Treasure Chest at Rockfish Valley Community Center will be done in phases, donations-only at first starting on June 2, shopping-only, with face masks, starting on June 12. Details
May 29, 2020–"Rather than throw in the towel, WPOA is preparing for pools to open in a few weeks, while developing operating scenarios that might fit yet-to-be-published VDH guidelines," an information-packed posting on the Wintergreen Property Owners Association website says. Details
May 28, 2020–Adipsy’s Homes of Home start opening again. Details
May 27, 2020–The last “Dinner Relief” event is scheduled. Details
May 25, 2020–Signs posted at Wintergreen Resort’s Lake Monocan say closed, “…however, we are looking forward to re-opening on June 12.” Details
May 23, 2020–The entire Blue Ridge Parkway becomes available with the part that runs next to Wintergreen from Route 644 north to I-64 (Mileposts 0-13) opening today. All overlooks and Humpback Rocks on the previously closed road section are made available; most facilities are closed. Details
May 23, 2020–The National Park Service’s Shenandoah National Park, including Skyline Drive, begins a phased reopening. Visitor centers, picnic areas, campgrounds, lodges, gift shops, and restaurants remain closed. Details
May 23, 2020–The US Forest Service reopens some recreation sites in the George Washington and Jefferson National Forest for day use, including Crabtree Falls, with limitations (such as restrooms remaining shut down). Details
May 20, 2020–Wintergreen Resort says it “will be quieter as our annual Memorial Day events have been sidelined…. Our recreation and other services remain closed but we will be announcing our re-opening timelines soon.” Details
May 20, 2020–”In recognition of this highly dynamic situation,” the Appalachian Trail Conservancy offered new guidelines “on how to keep yourself and those around you safe from COVID-19” on the AT. Thru-hikers are asked to continue to postpone their hikes. Details
May 20, 2020–Saying they are unable to do on-site service calls to residents that have traveled from a hot spot in the past two weeks, Nelson Cable offers a free service check before the homeowners arrive. Details
May 16, 2020–The announcement by the state on May 13th of a limited "Phase One" reopening results in several area restaurants in the valley offering limited outdoor dining. In Phase One, only outdoor seating is allowed and only at 50 percent capacity. Details
May 15, 2020–Registration for Wintergreen Music's new online experience is to go live next week. Details
May 15, 2020–As Virginia begins to carefully reopen, the Wintergreen Property Owners Association is considering its options. Its playgrounds and Tuckahoe Clubhouse remain closed. WPOA’s swimming pools will not open on Memorial Day weekend. It’s unclear when the state will allow these types of facilities to re-open and what special conditions might be required. WPOA said it has emailed its last regular Friday morning COVID-19 update. Details
May 6, 2020–EPR Properties announces the temporary suspension of its monthly cash dividend to common shareholders and “a planned suspension of our share repurchase program.” The REIT has 16 ski properties, including Wintergreen Resort. Details
May 6, 2020–Wintergreen Adaptive Sports' summer paddling program was postponed indefinitely; the golf tournament was moved to August. Details
May 5, 2020–Wintergreen Music announces plans for “a special initiative called Wintergreen Music: Online Community” with streaming concerts and Zoom conferences starting in mid-May. Details
May 1, 2020–An outline of "next steps" with precautions is released by Wintergreen Resort, including opening Stoney Creek golf for property owners as well as guests of members with more services (carts, snacks, pro shop); dates in May are also set for tennis on both valley and mountain courts, and for golf at Devils Knob for members and member guests. Details
May 1, 2020–The Wintergreen Property Owners Association announces the reopening its tennis court at Rodes Farm for limited play. Details
April 29, 2020–Nelson County is one of the six localities which make up the Thomas Jefferson Health District, part of the Virginia Department of Health. A new, interactive dashboard featuring the latest COVID-19 data for Nelson County and the region was released. Details
April 27, 2020–The Nature Foundation at Wintergreen says its auction & dinner is "still happening" on Friday, June 5th, but tells guests they will "attend from home, dressed as you wish with beverage in hand." Details
April 26, 2020–A one-time deferral of usage for a year is made available to those purchasing a season ski pass at Wintergreen Resort, “if a pass holder later becomes concerned about any impacts of the coronavirus on the 2020/2021 season.” Details
April 24, 2020–Brian Clowdus Experiences and Wintergreen Resort postpones their production of the musical OKLAHOMA! until next year, June 10 – July 4, 2021. Details
April 24, 2020–In the Wintergreen Property Owners Association’s sixth Friday report, their fire & rescue chief notes receiving its first sizable re-supply of PPE from a month-old order with a private vendor. He added they “remain hopeful that a governmental supply chain will soon be available….We’ve never had to pay for large quantities of isolation supplies…. It’s a real budget buster.” Details
April 23, 2020–Nelson County Farmers' Market launches a new website with links to ten local vendors who are accepting pre-orders for pick-up on Saturday mornings in Nellysford. Details
April 21, 2020–EPR Properties (the REIT that owns Wintergreen Resort) says “the impact of the pandemic has increased significantly with the temporary closing of substantially all of its customers’ operations.” Details
April 17, 2020–The Nature Foundation at Wintergreen abandons holding sales events to sell native plants; moves to offering ordering by email or phone. Details
April 17, 2020–Looking at rescheduling their June production of Oklahoma! at Wintergreen Resort, Brian Clowdus Experiences conducts a one-question online survey on possible new dates–September this year or June/July next year. Details
April 17, 2020–Wintergreen’s Fire & Rescue Chief reports some ill people have waited too long before seeking help. Also, the Tuckahoe Clubhouse, Rodes Farm Tennis Courts and all playgrounds in our community will remain closed through April, says the Wintergreen Property Owners Association. Details
April 16, 2020–Nelson County residents will owe no personal property tax in the first half of 2020. The tax, which is on cars and trucks for almost all residents and would have been due June 5th, was waived by the Board of Supervisors in response to the economic impact of the COVID-19. Details
April 16, 2020–Volunteers who handmade over 250 face masks offer them free to the Wintergreen community as professional supplies finally reach first responders. Details
April 15, 2020–Organizers of the Farmers’ Market in Nellysford will attempt a drive-thru pickup (no foot traffic) on Saturday mornings, starting on May 2nd. Customers pre-order (food only) from individual vendors in advance. Details
April 13, 2020–Here to Stay Wintergreen starts a “Dinner Relief” program for those on their email list where a special dinner from one restaurant is ordered and delivered en masse. Details
April 12, 2020–A letter posted on Wintergreen Resort’s website by General Manager Rod Kessler says:
• There are new rules for playing golf at Stoney Creek (the mountain top course is remaining closed), including no carts and no food or beverage service;
• Projections from the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation, which are assuming full social distancing throughout May in Virginia, is what the resort is using in making its plans. Details
April 10, 2020–Bloomberg.com uses a photo of Wintergreen’s Stoney Creek Golf Course to illustrate their feature on how golf has been impacted throughout the U.S. by the virus threat. Details
April 10, 2020–More information on how operations are adapting are outlined in an update from the Wintergreen Property Owners Association. Details
April 9, 2020–LOCKN' reschedules its June event for October 1 through October 4. Details
April 8, 2020–The part of the Blue Ridge Parkway that runs along the western side of Wintergreen was closed, as was the Shenandoah National Park and Skyline Drive. Details
April 6, 2020–The Wintergreen Spring Bass Tournament held by the Wintergreen Sporting Club, scheduled for May 2, is canceled. Details
April 5, 2020–Rockfish Valley Community Center sends out details on this week’s Thursday local food pickup. Details
April 4, 2020–Guidelines for playing golf are posted by Wintergreen Resort. Details
April 4, 2020–Wintergreen Music announces "we cannot proceed this summer with our festival and academy.” Details
April 4, 2020–Where are the positive COVID-19 cases within the Wintergreen community? It's almost impossible to say, reports the WPOA Board of Directors. Details
April 3, 2020–The Nature Foundation at Wintergreen says it will postpone its Spring Wildflower Symposium, scheduled for May, to sometime in October. Details
April 2, 2020–The Appalachian Trail Conservancy requests the closure of the entire 2,193-mile trail, part of which runs next to Wintergreen on the mountain. Details
April 2, 2020–Volunteers start sewing up masks for the Wintergreen Rescue Squad. There is a shortage of elastic and donations are sought. Details
April 2, 2020–"If you dial 911, it’s imperative that you answer all screening questions asked by the dispatcher as accurately as possible," says WTG Fire & Rescue Chief Curtis Sheets. “If you dial 911, we’re coming. The answers you provide will help crews determine how much PPE to don before entering your home."
April 2, 2020–The Wintergreen Property Owners Association sends out an update. Among the news, Tuckahoe Clubhouse will remain closed through at least April 17, Rodes Farm Tennis Court is closed, more WPOA employees are being trained to drive ambulances, and there is a serious shortage of personal protection equipment for all area first responders.
March 31, 2020–UVA Family Medicine Stoney Creek temporarily stops seeing patients so as to help prevent the spread of coronavirus. Nellysford area patients with a medical need were instructed to call 434-297-6000. Details
March 30, 2020–An email for a “Dinner Relief Program” is sent out by the Here to Stay at Wintergreen group to those on its email list, offering a way to order a to-go meal from The Brewing Tree for pick up in Nellysford on April 2. Details
March 27, 2020–Reporting that their first “local food” pickup gathering last week was a “big success” Rockfish Valley Community Center announces they’ll continue on each Thursday. Details
March 27, 2020–Nellysford's ABC new hours are reduced to noon to 7 pm six days a week, closing at 6 pm on Sundays. The state reduced the hours in all stores. Details
March 27, 2020–Devils Backbone begins offering to deliver Ready-To-Heat Family Meals for Four from 12:00-7:00 pm daily in addition to having many of their regular menu items and beer available for curbside pick-up. Details
March 27, 2020–The Rockfish Valley Foundation postpones the opening of its Natural History Center on Route 151 which has been set for April 4. A new summer date for their Earth Day Festival, first scheduled for April 19, may be set later. Trails and parks around the museum are open. Details
March 27, 2020–That Tuckahoe Clubhouse will remain closed through April 10 is one of several notes of interest in WPOA’s third COVID-19 Friday update. Management, staff and volunteers with fire & rescue continue to adjust to the extraordinary changes to their procedures. Details
March 26, 2020–Wintergreen is in the George Washington and Jefferson National Forest. Federal officials overseeing campgrounds, bathrooms, off-highway vehicle trails, trail shelters, and many day-use areas, such as the popular Crabtree Falls hike, are closed. Details
March 25, 2020–The Rockfish Valley Community Center announces details on its effort to offer area consumers safer shopping for food while assisting local farmers and small-business food producers who are facing the loss of farmers’ markets and their wholesale accounts. Details
March 22, 2020–To connect local food providers with the people who need their products, Rockfish Valley Community Center is serving as a pickup location for local vendors. Customers will place pre-paid orders with participating vendors and pick up their orders at RVCC. Details
March 22, 2020–The Blue Ridge Parkway’s outdoor spaces remain accessible to the public, but officials add, "if you encounter a crowded trailhead or overlook, go elsewhere." Details
March 21, 2020–Nelson County is projected to see the peak in infections between late May to after July 31, depending on how well control measures succeed, according to the data in this national study published by The New York Times. Details
March 21, 2020–The archery group of the Wintergreen Sporting Club delays its season until further notice; Rodes Farm range is open. Details
March 20, 2020–The second weekly update from Wintergreen Property Owners Association is posted outlining staffing changes and other challenges. The WPOA offices are closed to the public. WTG Fire & Rescue’s chief offers local insights on the global shortage of medical gear and has more information on how volunteers are reaching out to those at higher risk with assistance with deliveries and trash. Details
March 20, 2020–A very detailed report for the public from Wintergreen Resort was released. “The medical community recommends fresh air and spending time in the sun. Wintergreen is a great place to be.” Stoney Creek golf is operating, but much of the resort is closed. Details (pdf)
March 20, 2020–The REIT which owns Wintergreen Resort, EPR Properties, saw its stock price drop over 36 percent over the last five days and is down over 73 percent over the last 30 days. Details (pdf)
March 20, 2020–Devine Cafe on the mountain says its grocery and cafe is open from 10-5 Fridays, Saturdays & Sundays for take-out, curbside pickup, or delivery; phone 434-326-1940. Details
March 19, 2020–The Rockfish Valley Community Center sends a listing of “what’s open and what’s not.” RVCC’s annual meeting is postponed, as are several classes hosted at their facility, but some services continue as before. Details
March 19, 2020-The April 8 Fashion Show & Afternoon Tea at 12 Ridges Vineyard, a fundraiser for Wintergreen Music, is postponed. Details
March 19, 2020–Agents with Wintergreen Real Estate will not hold any open houses and will take extra precautions. Details
March 19, 2020–The new Here to Stay at Wintergreen group is still getting organized (working to make aging in place practical here) but is offering volunteers to provide services such as pick up and delivery and more. Details
March 18, 2020-Giuseppe's dining room is closed but offers its entire menu for take-out, no delivery. Details
March 18, 2020–Devils Backbone is taking online orders for food and beer for curbside pickup from noon to 7 PM. Dining area is closed. Details
March 18, 2020–Basic Necessities announces a new take-out food service with online ordering and is selling wine by the bottle by phone. Dining area closed. Details
March 18, 2020–Nelly’s Wok and Wild Wolf Brewing are closed.
March 18, 2020–Nelson County’s SPCA Almost Home goes to appointment-only for pet adoptions and stops taking in animals. Details
March 17, 2020–Major changes are announced about Wintergreen Resort’s operations, including shutting down restaurants (The Copper Mine, The Edge, Stoney Creek Bar & Grill), tennis center, spa, pool, fitness centers, Discovery Ridge Adventure Center and retail. Some operations will remain ongoing, including The Market. Details
March 17, 2020–The management challenges facing the Wintergreen Property Owners Association are outlined. Details
March 17, 2020–The fishing conclave season kickoff party of the Wintergreen Sporting Club scheduled for March 24 is postponed. Details
March 17, 2020–Senior citizens and those at-risk have priority shopping the first hour that Dollar General in Nellysford is open (8 am). The store is closing at 9 pm, one hour earlier, for cleaning. Some limits on the number purchased is on some products. Details
March 16, 2020–Bold Rock Nellysford closed until further notice. Details
March 16, 2020–The Wintergreen Sporting Club Spring Meeting and Dinner scheduled for April 4th at Tuckahoe Clubhouse is postponed. Details
March 16, 2020–More updates from Wintergreen Resort on special policies are posted. Details
March 16, 2020–WPOA announces that Tuckahoe Clubhouse will be closed as of Tuesday, March 17th until at least April 1.
March 16, 2020–All of Adipsy's Home of Hope Getaways, Retreats, and Events through April 30th, 2020 are postponed. Details
March 16, 2020–Rockfish Valley Foundation updates their plans for April. Details
March 16, 2020–”As the Festival and Academy take place in July, we are optimistic that we will be able to move forward,” says Peter Winik, President of Wintergreen Music. Details
March 15, 2020–The Treasure Chest Thrift Store will be closed until April 6, according to the Rockfish Valley Community Center, with the RVCC staff working from home. The RVCC building will remain open. Details
March 14, 2020–Wintergreen Resort says they are continuing operations but with extra attention on guest and staff safety, adding, “We have relaxed our cancellation policies and are being flexible with booking policies as it relates to future bookings.” Details
March 14, 2020–Nelson County Public Schools will be closed at a minimum of two weeks, March 16, 2020 - March 27, 2020, following an order from Virginia’s Governor to all state schools. Details
March 14, 2020–Wintergreen Mountain Homesteaders postpones its March 20th Speakeasy event. Details
March 13, 2020–The Nature Foundation at Wintergreen’s Trillium House is closed to the public until March 31.
March 13, 2020–The Here to Stay Wintergreen meeting scheduled for March 19th is canceled. Details
March 13, 2020–Nelson Cable announces additional bandwidth for distance learning at no added cost, reduced fees for those stressed by the economic impact of the virus, and more. Details
March 13, 2020–"Of concern for Wintergreen is the mortality rate by age group. The rate for persons in their 70’s is 8% and for persons 80+ the rate is 15%," reports Wintergreen Fire and Rescue Chief Curtis Sheets. Rescue operations have been modified to protect first responders. Details
March 6, 2020–The first notification from the Wintergreen Property Owners Association (WPOA) regarding COVID-19 is here.
How to protect yourself against COVID-19 in 90 seconds.