The 2021/22 ski season is already up and running! If you’re planning a ski holiday this year, you are probably ready and eager to hit the slopes after a long, 2-year wait.
However, before you leave, it’s worth taking note of the Covid restrictions. We detail the restrictions in place for UK citizens at the time of writing, however, please note that these rules can change at any time.
France
If you are fully vaccinated, you no longer need to get a negative PCR test to enter France. However, you will but you will need to sign a statement that you (a) have no Covid-19 symptoms and (b) have not been in contact with anyone with the disease.
If you are unvaccinated, you’re only permitted to travel from the UK to France for essential reasons. So, going to France for a ski holiday is not permitted. Unvaccinated 12–18-year-olds can travel, provided they are with a fully vaccinated adult.
Currently, a Covid pass is not needed to access ski lifts in France. However, everyone over 12 will need a health pass or ‘Pass Sanitaire’ to enter bars, cafes, restaurants, shopping centres, hospitals, planes and long-distance trains. This pass proves that you are either fully vaccinated or have tested negative. To access your pass, download the #TousAntiCovid app.
Facemasks are required in enclosed public spaces all over France. In ski resorts, you will need to wear one when queueing for the ski lift and in enclosed lifts. You will not need to wear one on chair lifts or whilst skiing.
Italy
You don’t need to self-isolate on arrival in Italy if you can demonstrate that you are fully vaccinated, you fill in the passenger locator form (EU PLF) before you enter Italy and if you show evidence of a negative PCR or antigen test, taken within 48 hours before entering Italy.
If you are unvaccinated, you’ll need to fill in a passenger locator form and show evidence of a negative PCR or antigen test, taken within 48 hours before entering. You will also need to notify the Italian health authorities of your arrival and must travel to your destination in a private vehicle. After this, you’ll need to isolate for five days and take another PCR test at the end of the five days.
Like France, a Covid pass or ‘green pass’ is needed by anyone 12 or over to access public spaces such as bars, restaurants, gyms and indoor pools.
Facemasks must be worn in indoor areas and outdoors where social distancing isn’t possible, including on all ski lifts. Most resorts also require skiers to wear an FFP2 standard or better mask to get slope access. Social distancing is being enforced throughout ski resorts; however, open-air lifts can run at full capacity. Enclosed lifts can only be 80% full.
Austria
When entering Austria, you must provide either proof of COVID-19 vaccination, evidence of a current negative COVID-19 test, or proof of recovery from COVID-19. If you cannot provide proof of vaccination, you also need to complete a pre-travel clearance form not more than 72 hours before entry to Austria and self-isolate for 10 days on arrival.
Austria has recently tightened its COVID-19 restrictions due to rising cases. From this week, only those who are fully vaccinated or who have had Covid-19 previously will be allowed into restaurants, hotels and cultural venues such as theatres and cinemas. Large gatherings of more than 25 people can only be attended by those who are vaccinated or who have had the virus.
These restrictions, therefore, only affect those who are not fully vaccinated and will be in place until at least December 6.
You will need a Covid pass (showing proof of vaccination, a negative Covid test or past infection) to use ski lifts and an FFP2 face mask.
Switzerland
If you are fully vaccinated, you are eligible to enter Switzerland for any travel purposes. Anyone who is unvaccinated from the UK needs to meet certain criteria or hold certain documents to enter, which are detailed here.
A Covid pass isn’t currently needed to access the slopes or ski lifts. However, to enter bars, restaurants and other indoor hospitality venues, you’ll need proof of vaccination, previous infection, a negative PCR test taken in the last 72 hours, or a negative antigen test taken within 48 hours.
Start looking for your ski property today
To get the process of buying your ski property underway, why not take a look at our handy ski property buying guides? They lay out the buying journey step by step to make the process as smooth and hassle-free as possible.
Jun 07, 2021