Posted on 28 September 2021
Finally, after two seasons worth of disruption, it’s looking like this ski season will go ahead as planned. Whether you’re buying your dream property, or just viewing a ski chalet or two while you enjoy your first winter holiday in over a year, you’ll need to research the regulations. Skiers and snowboarders will need to know what they need to do to enjoy their ski trip.
It’s not always easy to navigate the complicated rules for travelling in the current climate, but staying informed makes everything run just a little smoother. While the Swiss Alps did open for a limited 2020/2021 ski season, the French Alps remained closed due to quarantine regulations.
This season is looking like new regulations will be in place for both countries. That said, these might change in the next two months before the resorts begin opening their doors. As has been the case for the last two years, you will need to keep an eye on the rule changes yourself as the season gets closer.
So, ahead of the new season, we’re taking a look at the rules currently in place for skiers hoping to visit the French and Swiss Alps!
France
On the Mountain
First things first; it’s looking likely that you will need a health pass so that you can buy a ski pass. This means that you will almost certainly need to meet the conditions of the Pass Sanitaire to be able to ski this year. These conditions are:
You have been double vaccinated for over a week.
You have a single vaccine dose, and proof that you have recovered from Covid-19 in the last three months.
You have a valid Covid-19 test, less than 48hrs old.
Please note that only children under twelve years and two months old are exempt from the Pass Sanitaire. Teenagers will need to get fully vaccinated and download their Pass Sanitaire so they can avoid being subject to tests every 48hrs for the duration of their stay.
Although the regulations on lifts haven’t yet been established, the summer regulations saw the number of people per lift reduced. As per the regulations on all public transport, masks were compulsory. This may not be the case on chairlifts, which have the benefit of being generally limited in size and open air.
In the Resort
As is currently the case across France, it’s looking like the Pass Sanitaire will be in place for the whole resort. This means that masks will be compulsory on crowded streets, while you’re standing up in bars and restaurants, and on all public transport. You will need to be fully vaccinated and carrying proof that you have had Covid-19 in the last three months if you’ve only had one dose.
Unvaccinated children over the age of twelve will need a test less than 48hrs before entering France to avoid quarantine. Unvaccinated adults will need to quarantine upon entering France. Unvaccinated teenagers and adults who want to visit the bars and restaurants will need a valid test under 48hrs old.
In light of this, you will need to consider getting your teenagers vaccinated ahead of any ski trips. Due to the rules in France tightening up once you’re over twelve years old, your kids will be subject to strict regulations. These are only marginally less stringent than those faced by unvaccinated adults.
Switzerland
On the Mountain
Where the French ski resorts were closed last year, we can look at the measures put in place in Swiss ski resorts to assess what measures might be taken to ensure this season operates safely. Gondola capacity in Switzerland is likely to be reduced again this winter to prevent the spread of Covid-19.
Last year also saw masks required when skiers were in enclosed spaces, and après ski was clamped down on. In Verbier, Covid Angels were employed to ensure all skiers were obeying the regulations. It seems likely that we’ll see similar measures this year. In Zermatt, where the ski season is year-round, masks remain mandatory in indoor lift queues, cable cars, gondolas, and all enclosed spaces.
Switzerland showed the rest of Europe that ski resorts can still operate safely despite the pandemic. We expect strict regulations to remain in place for the coming season, as demonstrated by Swiss resorts Zermatt and Saas-Fee.
In the Resort
Across Switzerland, entry to indoor venues, including bars and restaurants, is only permitted to the fully vaccinated, recent Covid recoveries, and those with a negative test less than 48hrs old. The Swiss tourism industry has also introduced a ‘clean and safe’ stamp showing a commitment to Covid safety guidelines.
Tourists arriving in Switzerland will need to be fully vaccinated or carry proof that they have recovered from Covid inside the last six months. Non-vaccinated travellers must meet a set of criteria for entry. Non-vaccinated people cannot holiday in Switzerland. Unvaccinated children under 18 must be in the company of a fully vaccinated adult. All arrivals into Switzerland must fill out a passenger locator form.
While last year’s ski season operated on a limited après ski basis, we’re hopeful this year will be a little more open. The restrictions in bars and restaurants are such that Swiss ski resorts might be almost back to normal!
Choosing a Resort and Viewing a Ski Chalet
If you’re planning on shopping for a ski chalet while you’re in town this winter, planning will be the key. Under the current regulations, you might want to organise viewing a ski chalet ahead of time. Fortunately, here at Skiing Property, our experts can help you with every step of the process. While the rules and regulations for travel are constantly changing, fully vaccinated travellers should have no issues viewing the property of their dreams.
Whether you wish to buy a ski property in France or Switzerland, please check out our selection of ski property available. If you want to make an enquiry, do get in touch with our experts. Whatever your plans for viewing or buying a ski chalet this winter, we can help you out. Whether you’re looking to buy a property as soon as possible or you’re still trying to work things out, just give us a bell!