COVID-19 Containment at Snow Farm

In 2020, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Snow Farm cancelled all workshops from April through July. In August, we reopened under a COVID Containment Plan (see below) and ran a highly successful abbreviated season in August, September, and October. Students who braved the new terrain with us said being at Snow Farm felt safe, and at the same time, the magic held. We hope many more of you will be able to visit this year.

The 2021 season runs from April through October. Until further notice, we will continue operating under the COVID-19 Containment Plan we developed in 2020. Operations may look a little different but the program is as robust as always, with an exciting roster of instructors and workshops. Scroll through the classes; we hope they feel like a gift, a bundle of beauty and promise to carry you through the year.

Covid Containment Plan

Operating procedures in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic are based on the most current state, local, and CDC guidelnes. 

We expect all guests to comply with the following best practices and expectations.

  • Anyone who is experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 or has had exposure to someone with symptoms or a COVID-19 diagnosis within two weeks prior to arrival, should not attend a workshop at Snow Farm.  Our flexible cancellation policy remains in effect
  • Wash hands frequently and avoid touching your face
  • Wear a mask or face-covering at all times, except when eating
  • Maintain a 6' distance between people, both inside and outside
  • Always consult travel guidelines issued by the state of Massachusetts and your home state before traveling to Snow Farm.

 Workshops

Studios have been adapted to comply with all health guidelines regarding occupancy, cleaning of surfaces and facilities, air circulation, and more. Across campus, you will see

  • Smaller classes with no more than 10 people total in any studio. 
  • Hand sanitizer stations with anti-bacterial soap in all studios
  • A designated bathroom for each studio
  • Covered outdoor spaces for eating, working, or taking breaks
  • New screen doors and extra fans for increased air circulation in all studios
  • Plexi-glass panels between work areas where possible and/or workspaces marked out by tape and signage 
  • Studio access restricted to members of the class
  • Studio access by Snow Farm staff only when necessary
  • New standards for use of hand tools:                                
    • Students are asked to bring their own tools when possible
    • Snow Farm will provide Individual tool kits wherever possible
    • UV sanitizers will be used for cleaning hand tools between classes 
  • Anti-bacterial wipes and posted instructions for cleaning shared equipment between uses 
  • Thorough sanitizing of studios with the electrostatic disinfectant sprayer between uses
  • Increased frequency of cleaning bathrooms and high-touch areas
  • Larger group evening events such as instructor slides or Friday night exhibit/auction will not take place (more open studio time!); however, we are developing outdoor spaces to accomodate larger groups, so this may change. 

Take a closer look at each studio.

 Dining

  • Food and menu:
    • Dining manager Abby Donovan is Serv-Safe certified and has developed an extensive plan that maintains the great quality of the food, reduces risk, and complies with all health guidelines.
    • Guests will choose a meal plan in advance of coming to Snow Farm which will apply to all their meals. Choices are regular (no restrictions), gluten free, vegetarian, and vegan/gluten free.
    • All meals will be freshly made and packaged for pick-up in the dining hall.
    • At breakfast, a staffed beverage bar in the dining hall will provide coffee, tea, and juice. Guests will have a choice of cold items such as muffins, yogurt, or fruit and a daily special-order hot entrée. 
    • Lunches will feature sandwiches, burgers, and grain bowls, plus dessert and a drink.
    • The dinner menu includes hearty grilled skewers, stir fry, and individual pizzas with delicious sides and salads. A staffed beverage bar will provide coffee, tea, and desserts.
  • Mealtimes
    • Outdoor tables and seating will be spread throughout campus. Many will be under cover and some will be open air. New outdoor heaters will keep mealtimes cozy as the weather cools.
    • We also encourage guests to bring a picnic blanket or folding chair to have a meal next to the pond, under a tree, or any place in our gorgeous landscape that looks appealing, while maintaining 6’ social distance.
    • Indoor tables spaced 6’ apart will also be available in the dining hall and other buildings around campus. 
    • Guests will be asked to share tables only with their classmates or traveling partners.
    • In the dining hall
      • Hand sanitation stations have been installed at the entrance.
      • Guests will wear masks, except when eating.
      • If weather dictates that everyone will be eating inside, mealtimes may be staggered.
      • Tables, chairs, and any other high-touch items will be thoroughly sanitized between meals.  
  • Snow Farm is not able to provide a shared guest refrigerator. Ice for personal coolers can be purchased right down the road.

See also: Dining at Snow Farm.

Housing

Staying at Snow Farm turns a regular workshop into a retreat! These changes will assure your safe stay at Snow Farm.

  • All dorm rooms are singles. Members of the same family or people traveling together can request a double by calling our office. 
  • Dorm assignments will be made to keep classroom groups together as much as possible. As a result, we cannot guarantee single sex dorms.   
  • Snow Farm is not able to provide linens; guests will bring their own sheets and pillowcases, blanket, pillow, and towels.
  • Snow Farm cannot lend out electric blankets.  Rooms are heated, but if you feel you'd like somethign extra on cool nights, please bring your own.
  • Rooms will be thoroughly sanitized with the electrostatic disinfectant sprayer between uses.
  • Dorm bathrooms will be cleaned frequently. 

See also: Housing at Snow Farm.

Whether you are staying overnight at Snow Farm or joining us just for a workshop, you will find the all the best parts of a Snow Farm experience ready and waiting for you: excellent instruction from professional artists, a generous spriit of sharing knowledge and ideas between classmates, the stunning landscape in summer bloom or fall foliage, the babbling of the brook and the serenity of the pond, and time and space to relax. Additional information about our Covid Containment  plans is available in the FAQs, and of course, please reach out if we can be of any further assistance.

FAQ