What will ski holidays be like this winter? A country-by-country guide to Covid restrictions in ski resorts
Ski resorts in Europe are preparing to welcome back visitors this winter, but what are the current travel restrictions?
The government's 'safe list' of quarantine-exempt destinations allowed international holidays to kickstart from July 10.
This list of countries banishes the need for travellers visiting the named nations and territories, which are deemed as low risk, to quarantine on arrival home in the UK – although the destination itself could still impose a quarantine or restrictions on arrivals and the UK government can drop countries without much notice.
A ski holiday could be the first taste of travel many Britons get to experience in over a year and luckily resorts have had plenty of time to plan ahead. That said, anything could happen, lockdowns could be reinforced and as ministers U-turn and remove countries from the safe list with little notice travel plans could be left in tatters again, but for now hopes are high that we could be back on the pistes next season.
Those keen to start researching and booking their ski holidays for next winter can find all the latest travel information below, including an outline of the current advice for British travellers from the Foreign and Commonwealth and Development Office, which will inevitably change regularly, as well as specific guidelines from ski resorts across the world as they release plans for next winter and begin to welcome visitors back.
Those looking for further information about the risk of ski holidays being cancelled next winter, refunds and changes can also read our full advice on whether it's safe to book a ski holiday here.
France
France has long been the favoured destination for British skiers and snowboarders. After its initial inclusion on the government’s safe list France has been removed as cases there rise, meaning returning holidaymakers must quarantine. However, the ski season is still over three months away and experts are somewhat confident that British skiers will return to the pistes of the Alps and the Pyrenees next winter.
The country is using a traffic light system to categorise each region, (red, orange or green), dictating the extent of measures in place – the entire country is currently marked as green. However it is complusory to wear a mask in all enclosed public spaces, including restaurants, mountain huts and bars, as well as on public transport. Airport testing has been in place across much of France since August 1 and is compulsory for all passengers arriving from the countries currently deemed as high-risk by the French government.
Some resorts in France including Val d’Isere, Tignes and Les Deux Alpes are among those that have been able to reopen recently for summer skiing and snowboarding on high-altitude glaciers. Covid measures here will act as a blueprint for the coming winter months. In Les Deux Alpes it is compulsory to wear face coverings on lifts while Val d’Isere have limited the number of skiers and snowboarders permitted on the mountain each day to 500.
Read our first look at the return to the French slopes post-lockdown here.
"It is clear that lifted the quarantine would be the first step to facilitate British travellers to travelling to the French Mountains, the closest to Great Britain. We know that British skiers will most likely book their holidays later in the year - probably organising last-minute trips - the French Mountains want to ease this process, that’s why resorts are offering late cancellation or refunds for more agility. Not to forget that resorts and the French Mountains are continually working on clear health and safety guidelines to make sure everyone feels welcome in our resorts. After all, being in the French mountains is being outside, breathing fresh air and enjoying what nature has to offer," said Jean-Marc Silva, executive director of France Montagnes.
The FCO’s current travel advice for France includes the following:
The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) advise against all but essential travel to France (including Corsica). This is based on the current assessment of Covid-19 risks."
"If you are returning to the UK from France on or after 15 August, you may need to self-isolate on your return."
"Travellers arriving in France from the UK, European Area, Australia, Canada, Georgia, Japan, Montenegro, Morocco, New Zealand, Rwanda, Serbia, South Korea, Thailand, Tunisia and Uruguay are no longer required to self-isolate, to demonstrate their travel is essential or to hold an international travel certificate."
"Arrivals by sea and air routes will need to complete a ‘sworn statement’ (déclaration sur l’honneur) form self-certifying they are not suffering from symptoms associated with coronavirus and have not been in contact with confirmed cases in the preceding fortnight."
"Travellers from any country showing signs of a Covid-19 infection upon arrival in mainland France will have to carry out a mandatory 14-day quarantine at home or in a dedicated location indicated by the French authorities if home quarantine is not feasible."
Italy
Ski resorts in Italy were the first in the world to close last season as cases in the European country quickly surged. Following a strict period of lockdown the Italian border has reopened to foreign travellers and the British government includes Italy on the list of low-risk destinations available to visit quarantine-free.
Popular ski resorts in the likes of the Aosta Valley, Sud Tyrol and Dolomites have begun to plan ahead for next winter and how restrictions in resorts might look. Cervinia, which shares a high-altitude glacier with Zermatt in Switzerland, has reopened for summer skiing recently and its approach will no doubt inspire others as they prepare to reopen.
The Italian Tourist Board published an extensive list of guidelines for future travellers to the country. These include guidance on social distancing, which is currently a one-metre rule, face masks, which are currently mandatory masks must also be worn in all outdoor spaces between the hours of 6pm and 6am, and specific protocols in place for all aspects of a holiday from restaurants to accommodation and public places, which are now all permitted to open but some are asking visitors to provide their name and contact details before entry.
"With the extensive and thorough protocols available online for travellers, we hope to reassure visitors that Italy is ready for tourists and has the correct measures in place to both ensure their health and safety whilst having a fantastic experience in the destination," said Flavio Zappacosta, manager for the tourist board in the UK and Ireland.
The FCO’s current travel advice for Italy includes the following:
"From 4 July, Italy is exempt from the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) advice against all non-essential international travel. This is based on the current assessment of Covid-19 risks."
"Entry to Italy from the UK is permitted. You no longer have to justify your reason for travelling. You should download and complete a self-declaration form from the Ministry of Interior before you travel to Italy. You must provide this to your airline/transport provider, or to the border police if you are stopped for checks."
"Travellers arriving in Italy directly from the UK are now usually exempt from the requirement to self-isolate."
"You will need to self-isolate if, in the 14 days prior to your arrival in Italy, you have stayed in or transited through a country where Italy continues to require self-isolation. If these conditions apply to you, then you must report promptly to the local health authorities and self-isolate for 14 days."
"All travellers entering Italy must comply with the regulations of the region they are visiting. Public transport links may be less frequent and seating limited to comply with social distancing measures. Masks must be worn on board public services. Taxi and car hire options are widely available. Train companies have reduced domestic services and international travel is limited."
Austria
Austria has been struck off the UK's safe list, after a spike in infection rates. Britons returning from Austria as of August 22 must self isolate for 14 days.
Last season a number of ski resorts in Austria were placed under strict quarantine as the virus spread across Europe but, similar to their French neighbours, some Austrian resorts have already welcomed back skiers and snowboarders to snow-sure glacier slopes. Hintertux and Zell am See kicked things off in style with impressive snow depths, as skiers and snowboarders adjusted to new measures such as reduced hours in restaurants and social distancing on lifts.
The Austrian resort of Ischgl was the first to address the compilations around crowded apres ski bars and the virus, suggesting that it set to ditch its party hotspot image. It’s a move that could influence others to reconsider off-the-slopes entertainment and activities.
Looking ahead to next season and the drive to welcome back skiers and snowboarders is in full force. "In Austria, accommodation providers were permitted to re-open to guests on 29th May, with social distancing of at least one metre and mandatory face masks in certain enclosed areas. Many providers also introduced features such as extended check in and check out times, newly installed disinfectant dispensers, protective glass screens, one-way systems, expanded outside areas and limits to the number of persons permitted in spa and swimming areas at any one time. Similarly, rules were put in place for chairlifts and gondolas," said Martina Jamnig, UK Director, Austrian National Tourist Office.
The Austrian National Tourist Office announced last month that the Alpine country would be one of the first in the world to implement nationwide Covid-19 testing for anybody working in the travel and tourism industry. Businesses where staff have been tested will be given signage to allow tourists to know their employees are being regularly screened and the premises is ‘Covid safe.’
"At the moment, Austria is working hard to ensure the safety of its residents and visitors against COVID-19, with initiatives such as frequent testing of all tourism sector employees in place. Every ski region is carefully assessing its infrastructure on an ongoing basis, implementing all possible protective measures. We hope that, by the start of the winter season, British tourists will once again be able to visit Austria without concern for their return to the UK, and enjoy relaxed, worry-free holidays on the slopes," said Jamnig.
The FCO’s current travel advice for Austria includes the following:
"The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) advise against all but essential travel to Austria. This is based on the current assessment of Covid-19 risks."
"If you are returning to the UK from Austria on or after 22 August, you may need to self-isolate on your return."
"Entry to Austria without the need for a Covid-19 test or quarantine is now possible from the UK."
"Entry to Austria without the need for a Covid-19 test or quarantine is also possible for UK nationals travelling from a country on the Austrian government’s “list of countries where Covid-19 is sufficiently controlled”, who have not travelled outside of these countries in the 10 days before arriving in Austria."
"If you’re transiting through Austria without a stopover, you do not need a medical certificate if you can prove you are transiting."
Switzerland
Switzerland is the latest Alpine nation to have its travel corridor revoked after a rise in cases. However ski resorts in Switzerland are still preparing to welcome back visitors this winter, with many resorts using the summer season to test new procedures.
Switzerland’s tourism industry has launched a new ‘Clean & Safe’ campaign in an effort to reinstate traveller confidence and label the Alpine country as a safe destination to visit.
The campaign includes a ‘Clean & Safe’ stamp that will be adopted by hotels, restaurants and transport providers, among others, that commit to a new set of Covid-19 health and safety guidelines. Future visitors have a chance to see what specific measures are being taken in Switzerland, including on trains, in hotels, at spas and on cable cars.
The popular Swiss resort of Zermatt is leading the charge when it comes to reopening for skiers and snowboarders. The resort welcomed visitors back to the slopes on the Matterhorn glacier in June with a number of new measures in place. While there isn't a limit on capacity in lifts people must remain two metres away from each other when in gondola cabins and station buildings. If they can’t they are advised to wear a face covering, which are available to buy as well as hand sanitiser. Skiers are also encouraged to purchase lift tickets online in advance or use contactless payment methods when they arrive and groups no larger than four will be able to eat together at the glacier’s restaurant, where tables will be two metres apart.
"Switzerland opened its borders to European countries including the UK in mid-June and is happy to welcome guests back to the country. With our Clean & Safe label we want to make sure to instil confidence in our guests while they use tourism services in Switzerland. The label guarantees that a provider adheres to the safety and security set out by the state and the industry," said Alex Herrmann, Director Switzerland Tourism UK & Ireland.
Current measures in place include social distancing at 1.5 metres and compulsory masks on public transport but restaurants are permitted to welcome groups of more than four and events of up to 1,000 are permitted.
The FCO’s current travel advice for Switzerland includes the following:
"The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) advise against all but essential travel to Switzerland. This is based on the current assessment of Covid-19 risks."
"If you are returning to the UK from Switzerland on or after 29 August, you may need to self-isolate on your return."
"Entry in to Switzerland from the United Kingdom is permitted for British nationals and nationals of EU and EFTA countries. Family members of UK/EU/EFTA nationals regardless of nationality are also permitted."
"Travellers entering Switzerland who have visited certain countries within the past 14 days have to quarantine for 10 days, regardless of nationality. The UK is currently exempt from this requirement, but from 20 August travellers who have visited Gibraltar are subject to quarantine."
Norway
Norway’s approach to curbing the spread of the virus was heralded as a raging success globally. Therefore it's no surprise that the Scandinvian nation is also on the list of quarantine-exempt destinations.
Its ski resorts are particularly popular with families, beginners and those looking for a quieter, less crowded alternative to the Alps. The Norwegian resort of Myrkdalen hit the headlines when it was able to reopen for the end of the season. Bosses brought in new measures such as pre-booked lift passes and social distancing on lifts. With this, albeit short, experience of reopening in the post-pandemic world Norway is already somewhat set to hit the ground running once the snow starts falling again.
"Norway has to date continued the toughest lockdown measures in Europe and as a consequence also recorded one of the lowest levels of infections and fatalities," said Trevor De Villiers, CEO of Norway Home of Skiing.
"We have also had the experience of running a resort during the Covid-19 lockdown at the end of last winter in Myrkdalen, gaining rather a lot of very valuable experience about how to run a resort safely with new social distancing measures in place. We will be using this experience as we go into next season to ensure all our customers can enjoy the mountains while guest safety is taken as a primary concern more than ever before… We are really looking forward to welcoming many more British guests to the safety of the Norwegian mountains next winter."
Entry into Norway is currently restricted but life there is on track to returning to normal. While pubs and nightclubs remain closed, restaurants are allowed to reopen with social distancing measures in place.
The FCO’s current travel advice for Norway includes:
"From 4 July, Norway is exempt from the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) advice against all non-essential international travel. This is based on the current assessment of Covid-19 risks."
"Entry to Norway depends on your country of residence. Travellers normally resident in the UK may enter Norway but from midnight on 21 August are required to self-quarantine for 10 days. Arrivals from these counties are required to travel directly to an appropriate place of quarantine, preferably using private transportation."
America
The future of travel across the Pond remains to be one of the biggest sore spots for travel bosses – the United States suspended travel from the UK back in April indefinitely. Since, both the UK and the EU has left the US off its list of countries whose citizens are permitted to travel freely, as the States records the highest rate of infection in the world.
However, if by next winter British skiers and snowboarders are welcomed back to America’s ski resorts it’s already clear what measures might be in place, as some were able to reopen for summer skiing and other sports.
Vail Resorts, which operates a number of America’s leading resorts, is gaining experience in operation in the post-pandemic world at it’s resorts in Australia. In a statement CEO Rob Katz explained that this would give them an advantage in preparing for next season in the northern hemisphere. Measures in place down under include limits on capacity both on the slopes and on lifts.
Arapahoe Basin led the way at the end of last season where skiers and snowboarders were required to make a reservation before they visit and a limited number of lift tickets were available to buy in advance – a sign of what might be to come this winter. Bosses in Aspen have warned post-pandemic ski holidays will become 'old school'.
The FCO’s current travel advice for America is:
"Since 16 March, it is not possible for many British nationals to enter the USA if they have been in the UK, Ireland, Schengen zone, Iran, Brazil, or China within the previous 14 days. US citizens and permanent residents of the USA, certain specified close family members and certain other limited categories of visas holders (such as UN staff and diplomats) are exempt. They will still be able to enter the USA, subject to normal entry requirements."
"New and renewed Green Cards (a Permanent Resident Card) are not currently being issued until at least 31 December 2020. However, existing Green Cards remain valid."
"Those allowed entry to the USA must be prepared to self-isolate for up to 14 days after arrival."
Canada
Despite it not making the list nations opening up via travel corridors with the UK, the FCO has lifted its advice against all non-essential international travel to Canada, meaning hopes are high it will be a likely candidate for future quarantine-free travel with the UK. Unlike its southern neighbour Canada was included on the EU’s ‘safe list,’ meaning residents from Canada can travel to Europe unrestricted.
Looking ahead to the winter season and the largely uncrowded slopes of Canada’s resorts tendency to favour self-catered accommodation, and many off-the-beaten track destinations could prove popular with those looking to escape Europe.
As it stands everyone arriving in Canada is required to self isolate for 14 days and regular entry requirements such as the Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) are still in place and should be organised before you travel. Social gatherings are still banned, bars and restaurants are still closed and public transport remains to be limited across the country.
The FCO’s current travel advice for Canada includes the following:
"From 4 July, Canada is exempt from the FCO advice against all non-essential international travel. This is based on the current assessment of Covid-19 risks. The requirement to self-isolate on return to the UK from Canada remains in place."
"The Canadian authorities are now barring entry to Canada, including at its border with the US, to most foreign nationals, including British nationals."
"At point of departure, air operators must complete a basic health assessment of every passenger. No passengers (regardless of citizenship) who are showing symptoms of coronavirus will be allowed to board."
"Only Toronto Pearson (YYZ), Montreal Pierre Elliott Trudeau (YUL), Calgary International Airport (YYC) and Vancouver International Airport (YVR) are operating international flights."
Japan
Japanese visitors are now welcome back in Europe as part of the EU’s new ‘safe list’ and the British government announced the Asian homeland of skiing as one of the travel corridor partners.
"Although borders are still closed to the vast majority of international travel, remaining restrictions around non-essential domestic travel between regions in Japan have now been lifted, with detailed government guidelines regarding ways travellers can reduce the risks of infection and transmission," read a statement from the Japan National Tourist Office.
These guidelines include making bookings in advance, avoiding excessive conversation on public transport and ski lifts, and returning to a destination later in the day if it looks busy. This is in addition to more general advisories encouraging travellers to wear masks, wash and sanitise hands as often as possible. A number of airports are now carrying out airport testing too.
The popular ski destination of Hokkaido has launched the 'New Hokkaido Style' campaign, which encourages new habits and business practices as part of a new normal. These include protective screens at check-in desks, floor stickers for social distancing, daily health checks for employees and temperature and travel history checks for guests. Gassan ski resort, which operates only in summer, has been welcoming skiers since the beginning of June and putting new covid-19 guidelines to the test.
Rusutsu resort in Hokkaido is operating reduced capacity on its airport transfer buses and gondolas are being disinfected regularly. While Kiroro resort, also in Hokkaido, has introduced digital menus in its restaurants that work using QR codes and ski rental company Rhythm Japan is offering guarantees for free cancellation on orders.
The FCO’s current travel advice for Japan includes the following:
"From 4 July, Japan is exempt from the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) advice against all non-essential international travel. This is based on the current assessment of Covid-19 risks."
"Japan has suspended its visa waiver system for anyone travelling on a British passport."
"Arrivals who have been in the UK and other select countries in the last 14 days are currently unable to enter Japan, other than in exceptional circumstances."
"All passengers arriving in Japan are required to complete a health questionnaire before disembarkation, including contact details. They are then required to undergo a Covid-19 screening test at the airport. You will be asked to wait for the test results at the airport before moving to your accommodation."
"All passengers arriving in Japan are required to self-isolate for 14 days on arrival at a designated location and to avoid using public transport. These measures will remain in place for the foreseeable future."
Government guidelines may change rapidly and without warning; be sure to check the latest FCO advice before booking and/or travelling to any destination.
