Ski holiday tracker: The latest covid rules and restrictions in ski resorts
Ski holidays look set to boom in popularity next winter as operators and resorts claw back what has been lost this season
As the ski season reaches its peak the majority of resorts remain in a state of closed, open or semi-open limbo, and British operators have cancelled all remaining trips this winter. Thoughts have turned to 2021/22 and whether ski holidays will once again be possible.
It’s the million pound question for every keen skier and snowboarder, but with seven months to go and very few ski destinations currently accessible to Britons there is no clear answer and a lot will depend on if international travel is allowed to resume this summer, as part of the Government's roadmap to ease lockdown restrictions.
With that in mind, and with a pinch of optimism, we’ve put together a guide to help you navigate the uncertainties and maximise your chances of getting away to the slopes next winter, with details of all the rules and regulations you can expect in ski resorts.
Those determined to travel will likely need to be flexible, take the right precautions and plan carefully – that doesn't mean it isn't worth booking now. If you're keen to secure your spot on the slopes read our expert guide for more advice on travelling in the current climate.
Where should I go?
For snow-sure slopes
Zermatt, Switzerland
Quarantine status: Red (Non-essential travel is banned during the UK's lockdown. Swiss borders closed to UK arrivals until further notice, arrivals from Britain must take a test 72 hours before and quarantine for 10 days. A further 10-day quarantine is required on return to the UK, which can be reduced to five through Test to Release scheme, plus proof of a negative Covid-19 test taken within 72 hours before travelling, to be allowed entry)
The risk: Switzerland’s case rate have begun to drop to 96 per 100,000. Resorts are open, including Zermatt. Unfortunately, since the UK revealed it has detected a new strain of the virus Switzerland has closed its borders to the UK until further notice.
The rules: Switzerland allowed resorts to open before Christmas, but under new rules. Ski areas continue to need local authority approval to operate, while gondolas are limited to two-thirds capacity. People are required to social distance, or otherwise wear a face covering, which are available to buy (along with hand sanitiser) from lift stations in Zermatt. The resort has also adopted the country-wide Clean & Safe label, which showcases businesses that have committed to new measures to keep guests and employees safe, which include social distancing in restaurants and bars and increased hygiene standards.
The reward: One of the main attractions for experts in Zermatt is the off piste and yellow itineraries (runs that are avalanche controlled but not checked by ski patrollers). A mountain guide can take guests ski touring beyond the lift system – a real opportunity to socially distance and escape it all. That said the resort has something for every level of skier, plus plenty for non-skiers to enjoy in the charming village.
Getting there: Zermatt has a number of independent hotels and bed and breakfasts, all available for independent booking. The Schweizerhof Zermatt is one of the resort’s longest-standing. It’s close to the train station and Gornergrat lift and punches above its four-star rating. Prices start from CHF 310 (£256) per room per night on a bed and breakfast basis, booked direct.
Val d’Isere, France
Travel status: Red (Non-essential travel is banned during the UK's lockdown. France has reopened its borders to British tourists with proof of negative Covid-19 test taken 72 hours before. They current face a 10-day quarantine on return to the UK, which can be reduced to five through Test to Release scheme, plus the requirement to take a test 72 hours before travelling, to be allowed entry)
The risk: The infection rate in France is 249 per 100,000 – the country is now under eased lockdown measures but ski lifts remain shut. There's a curfew between 6pm and 6am and most shops and services are open.
The rules: Unfortunately, while French resorts have been able to open ski lifts are still not allowed to operate. The association for major French ski resorts, France Montagnes, which includes Val d’Isere, has revealed the new rules that will be in place once they reopen. Capacity on the slopes and on lifts will not be reduced, however there will be one-way systems, regular disinfection of cabins and chairs, sanitisation points at entrances and exits, and masks will be mandatory when queueing and riding on the lift. Apres-ski will be muted, as venues are required to only operate table service – on entering a bar or restaurant visitors must wear a mask until seated. Tables will be distanced one metre apart or separated by screens to adhere to social distancing rules. In equipment hire shops, where staff will be full training in regular disinfection protocols, masks will also be mandatory for customers. Masks will also be compulsory at the beginning and end of ski school, but not once the lesson is underway, as well on ski buses and in all communal areas in hotels and apartment blocks. Read more on the new rules announced for French ski resorts this winter.
The reward: Linked to neighbouring Tignes to form a ski area of 300km of pistes and 90 lifts, Val d’Isère offers high quality, snow-sure slopes for everyone from complete beginners to veteran powderhounds. The village, located at the end of the Tarentaise valley, stands at a respectable 1,850m, with top slopes at an altitude of nearly 3,400m, beneath the summit of the Pointe du Montet. The resort has some great off piste, which could be accessible to those willing to hire a guide and go ski touring if the lifts remain closed.
Getting there: Le Ski offers a week's stay at Chalet Bel Air, which sleeps 16, from £1,940 per person. The price includes five days chalet board, flights to Chambery and transfers.
For families
Åre, Sweden
Quarantine status: Red (Non-essential travel is banned during the UK's lockdown. Borders have temporarily been shut to UK arrivals, anyone who is exempt from the ban must show a negative Covid-19 test, then faces a 10-day quarantine on return to the UK, can be reduced to five through Test to Release scheme, plus they are required to provide proof of a negative Covid-19 test taken within 72 hours before travelling, to be allowed entry)
The risk: The FCDO currently advises against all non-essential travel to Sweden. Its current case rate of just over 272 per 100,000 people, but ski resorts are open.
The rules: In ski resorts there have been changes to queuing systems for lifts to increase social distancing, home delivering services for equipment and digital check-in/check-out procedures for accommodation and lift passes. The resort's SkiStar app plays a big role in this and allows guests to see which lifts have the biggest queues, top up lift passes, make restaurant reservations and see how busy super markets are. Unlike in central Europe, face masks are not be compulsory on lifts or when meeting for ski schools, instead skiers are encouraged to only ride lifts with their family or ‘bubble’ and there will be reduction in capacity in cable cars and gondolas.
The reward: Åre is Sweden’s biggest ski resort, with three separate ski areas strung out beside a frozen lake, and a winter season that goes on well into April thanks to the long hours of sunlight and warmer temperatures later in the season. The resort opened on December 18 thanks to early-season snow fall. It’s popular with families who love the off‑slope activities including dog-sled or reindeer-sled rides, tobogganing, snowmobiling, skating, curling and ice fishing.
Getting there: Ski Safari offers seven nights for a family of four at the five-star Copperhill Mountain Lodge from £1,095pp at Easter. The price includes half board, flights and transfers.
Passo Tonale, Italy
Quarantine status: Red (Non-essential travel is banned during the UK's lockdown. Entry into Italy from the UK is only permitted for those with official residency or those with absolute necessity, UK arrivals must provide their airline with a negative test before takeoff and then take another test on arrival, before quarantining for two weeks, followed by a 10-day quarantine on return to the UK, can be reduced to five through Test to Release scheme, plus proof of a negative Covid-19 test taken within 72 hours before travelling, to be allowed entry)
The risk: Italy’s current case rate of 257 per 100,000 means the country is not rated safe for travel. Passo Tonale lies on the border of the Lombardy and Trentino regions, which were some of the worst hit earlier in the year and where lockdown rules now apply and resorts have not yet been allowed to reopen.
The rules: Official guidance for ski resorts in Italy is yet to be announced, but skiers and snowboarders should expect face coverings to become commonplace, as well as social distancing in restaurants, bars and hotels – it is unlikely there will be reduced capacity on the slopes.
The reward: Passo Tonale is set on a high mountain pass in the Val di Sole (Sun Valley), which luckily lives up to its name. It’s one of the few Italian resorts to be snow sure from late October to mid-June, thanks to the Presena glacier at 3,000m, with ideal slopes for intermediates. The gentle wide-open pistes that form the resort’s near-perfect nursery area are ideal for children who are taking their first turns and gaining confidence. It's considered to be one of the best ski resorts for families.
Getting there: Crystal Ski offers a week’s stay at the four-star Hotel Grand Paradiso from £554 per person. The price includes half board, flights from Birmingham to Verona and transfers.
For empty slopes
Levi, Finland
Quarantine status: Red. (Non-essential travel is banned during the UK's lockdown. Finnish borders remain closed to non-resident foreign nationals entering the country, UK arrivals must enter a 10-day quarantine. Plans for a new testing based model have been delayed. Travellers face a 10-day quarantine on return to the UK, can be reduced to five through Test to Release scheme, plus proof of a negative Covid-19 test taken within 72 hours before travelling, to be allowed entry)
The risk: Scandivia has emerged out of the pandemic largely unscathed, with the case rate in Finland currently at 86 per 100,000 residents. It was granted a travel corridor on July 4 and managed to hold on to it before they were scrapped entirely.
The rules: Finnish borders remain closed to non-resident foreign nationals entering the country, with some exemptions. Lifts in Levi have been turning this winter. Face masks are not mandatory but social distancing is encouraged and all public spaces have introduced new cleaning protocols. Skiers are asked to purchase lift passes in advance.
The reward: Levi is more than 160km north of the Arctic Circle and is Finland’s largest ski area with 44km of pistes, but a holiday here is about more than just skiing. There’s a good chance of seeing the Northern Lights from November to April, most commonly between 5pm and 2am. At Christmas Finland really comes into its own and Levi’s location in Lapland makes for a truly magical affair, with visits to Santa and reindeer safaris a must for families.
For luxury
Lech, Austria
Quarantine status: Red (Non-essential travel is banned during the UK's lockdown. Flights from the UK have been temporarily suspended, UK arrivals face 10 days in quarantine in Austria after also having to present a negative test, before a further 10-day quarantine on return to the UK, can be reduced to five through Test to Release scheme, 10-day quarantine on return to the UK, can be reduced to five through Test to Release scheme, plus need for proof of a negative Covid-19 test taken within 72 hours before travelling, to be allowed entry)
The risk: Austria's seven-day case rate per 100,000 has now surpassed 205. Austrian resorts resisted calls for a Europe-wide ban on resorts reopening and allowed resorts to reopen on Christmas Eve, but only for locals. Some resorts in the Tirol region have decided to shut for the season, after the region was put under tight lockdown restricitons.
The rules: Ski resorts were banned from opening until Christmas Eve. Upon reopening specific rules in ski resorts this winter include a ban on traditional après-ski and curfews on bars and restaurants, once they are eventually allowed to reopen. They must only operate table service, both indoors and outdoors and singing and dancing will not be permitted. Groups in restaurants will be limited to 10 people (excluding children) and there will be a curfew in place. Masks will be mandatory when not seated at a table as well as during ski lessons, when one metre social distancing cannot be maintained, and on ski lifts and buses. The maximum capacity in gondolas will also be reduced to 50 per cent. What's more anybody wanting to use the slopes must provide evidence of a negative test, taking 72 hours beforehand – there will be patrols on the pistes to ensure compliance. Read more about the new rules in Austrian ski resorts this winter.
The reward: Few resorts have a more exclusive image than Lech, but while the resort in the Voralberg region might sound like a place for the rich and famous to see and be seen, with no shortage of five-star living, the picturesque resort remains true to its farming village origins. The village of Lech is set at a modest altitude of 1,450m, but each year the resort receives up to twice as much snow as some of its French rivals. The local slopes are best suited to intermediates, who will find the terrain a lot more friendly than in the linked resort of St Anton, which – for those seeking variety or more challenges – is covered by the same Arlberg lift pass as Lech/Zürs.
Getting there: Lech is home to some of the Alps’ most luxurious chalets. The family-owned Kristiania is one of them with an art collection boasting more than 200 pieces. It has 65 five-star suites that offer privacy and seclusion. The chalet also offers a guiding service to help make the most of the resort. Rooms start from €1,040 (£924) per night, half board. Alternatively hire the entire property from €18,000 (£16,000) per night.
For experts
Scotland
Travel status: Red
The rules: Non-essential travel is banned during the UK's lockdown and ski resort have been closed. Travel into or out of your local area in Scotland is illegal.
The reward: Scotland versus the Alps is a hard battle to draw as both offer such different experiences. However, skiers and snowboarders with a sense of wanderlust will enjoy the adventure skiing in Scotland offers.
Undeniably the infrastructure is a lot more basic, the weather is arguably less reliable and the ski areas much smaller, but the views are incredible, the atmosphere electric and while admittedly skiing in Scotland isn’t for those looking to clock up serious mileage, those happy with exploring a varied ski area, with off-piste options, and aren’t afraid to repeat the same runs a few times it comfortably fits the bill. Glenshee is Scotland’s largest resort with 36 runs, Nevis Range and CairnGorm Mountain both have 32, while Glencoe Mountain has 21 and Lecht, 20 – combined the areas cover a total 130km. In order to ensure quality conditions a trip to the Scottish slopes requires a certain amount of spontaneity. It’s possible to drive and do a roadtrip of all the resorts or catch the Caledonian Sleeper from London.
Getting there: The Gleneagles resort, in Perthshire close to Glenshee, has launched a new Strathearn Valley Pass, in addition to its Winter Playground Pass – designed to offer skiers an alternative to traditional Alpine ski holidays this winter. As well as the winter activities available across the 850-acre estate on the Winter pass, such as horse riding, zip-wiring and shooting, plus spa access, bike hire and complimentary drinks, the new Valley pass includes a guided hillwalking experience, with lunch, two evening meals at The Strathearn restaurant and an optional upgrade of a helicopter ride to Glenshee ski resort for a day’s skiing, with return transfer in a Land Rover Defender. A Valley pass package costs from £2,895 per room for two nights, available from January 3 to February 25.
Jasná, Slovakia
Quarantine status: Red (Non-essential travel is banned during the UK's lockdown. Border restrictions in place, with only essential travellers from the UK allowed to enter who must test and enter a two-week quarantine, before a further 10-day quarantine on return to the UK, can be reduced to five through Test to Release scheme, 10-day quarantine on return to the UK, can be reduced to five through Test to Release scheme, plus the need for proof of a negative Covid-19 test taken within 72 hours before travelling, to be allowed entry)
The risk: The infection rate in Slovakia is 258 per 100,000.
The rules: Jasná bucked the trend across Europe and began to open its slopes before the New Year – however it is now closed again. When allowed to reopen visitors are encouraged to buy their lift passes online in advance to avoid crowds gathering in the resort. Facemasks must be worn outdoors in all towns and villages in Slovakia as well as indoors and on public transport. Masks are not required in the countryside if you are with others from the same household or can maintain a five-metre distance – a rule of six applies to group gatherings.
The reward: Jasná is the largest and most challenging ski area in Slovakia, offering the best all-round slopes in Eastern Europe (furthermore, they are often deserted in comparison to resorts in the Alps). It’s a destination with sufficient terrain and facilities to keep even expert skiers and snowboarders blissfully happy. From the nearest airport at Poprad, served by Wizzair from Luton (a limited flight schedule is back in operation), it’s a 45-minute drive to the resort, which is a small purpose-built village. The ski area is served by five modern gondolas and five high-speed chairlifts among its 28 lifts, and there is also a good choice of modern hotels and attractive restaurants.
Getting there: Jasná Adventures is offering a week’s sole occupancy for 14 people at The Dragon’s Lair Chalet from €569 per person. The price includes bed and breakfast, guided skiing, transfers to the lifts each day, equipment hire and airports transfers.
Verbier, Switzerland
Quarantine status: Red (Non-essential travel is banned during the UK's lockdown. Swiss borders closed to UK arrivals until further notice, arrivals from Britain must take a test 72 hours before and quarantine for 10 days. A further 10-day quarantine is required on return to the UK, which can be reduced to five through Test to Release scheme, plus proof of a negative Covid-19 test taken within 72 hours before travelling, to be allowed entry)
The risk: Switzerland’s case rate has dropped in recent weeks, at 96 per 100,000. Ski resorts, including Verbier, are currently open and plan to continue opening for the rest of the season, but this is under constant review.
The rules: Ski resorts in Switzerland have implemented a number of new safety measures including face coverings in gondolas, hygiene stations on the mountain, hand sanitiser and masks available to buy at lift stations and social distancing in resort restaurants and bars. Verbier has employed 'Covid angels' to make sure people are following the rules. 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.
The reward: While Verbier, the main resort in Switzerland’s largest ski area, the 4 Vallées, has slopes to suit all levels, it best suits confident, adventurous skiers and snowboarders. The 80 lifts access more than 410km of runs, including some of the best lift-served off piste in the Alps. Thanks to the altitude of the ski area and the extensive snowmaking, it’s pretty safe to book early or late in the season and this winter, thanks to recent snowfall, it opened for the season on October 30, despite rising cases. It is one of the best ski for experts.
Getting there: The Warren Smith Ski Academy runs ski technique courses in Verbier throughout the season. It’s five-day Supergroup course focuses on off-piste performance. The course costs £619 per person, running on various dates. Accommodation is available at the Academy’s partner hotel, La Rotonde, with prices starting from 630CHF for a week’s stay, with 10 per cent discount available for Academy clients.
What do I need to know before I book?
Once the lockdown ban on holidays is lifted it is essential you check the latest travel for a destination before booking.
Whether you leave it until the last minute, until travel restrictions are (hopefully) lifted, or book now to secure your spot on the slopes, as long as you book with an Atol-bonded tour operator, or – in most cases – pay for your holiday with a credit card, you will get a refund in the event of the operator going into insolvency. Package holiday providers also have a legal responsibility for your safety, so they won’t take you to a destination that the FCDO advises against, and they are legally obliged to refund you for a cancellation – though many have been taking weeks or months to do so.
Many travel insurance companies have now started to sell policies again and nearly all will cover you if you get ill. Relatively few offer Covid-related cancellation cover though. Winter sport specialists MPI Brokers announced they will be one of the first to offer customers coronavirus cover this winter.
Before booking, you need to check explicitly the policy of the operator or airline you are dealing with and whether they will allow you to cancel without penalty if there is another national lockdown or your local area enters stricter tier rules and impacts your ability to travel. Everything you need before booking a ski holiday this winter
