Skiing in 2022: will COVID affect winter travel? Here’s all you need to know

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Rebecca Hallett


While there’s nothing wrong with having a little sun in the winter, some of us prefer to embrace the cold – preferably escaping into the mountains. But after a year 2020/21 strongly interrupted ski season, how are things going for 2021/22?

SEE: Winter holidays in the United Kingdom: 7 cozy hotels for a dream winter stay

The lesson Coronavirus pandemic Certainly affects the winter holidays, but there are still plenty of places where you can ski, snowboard or just soak up the après-ski atmosphere. Travelers have many more options for a ski vacation in 2021 than in 2020, especially if they are looking for European or North American snow.

There’s no reason you can’t responsibly enjoy the scenic alpine scenes or the adrenaline-pumping winter sports this year. Whether you want to hit the slopes in France or Switzerland, the United States or Canada, here is everything you need to know about a ski vacation in 2021/22.

When will the ski resorts open in 2021?

We are seeing a large number of ski resorts open at regular times in 2021 – a big change from last season. In Europe, ice stations from Austria to Norway opened in October, with most others following in November and December.

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Several ski resorts have opened since travel restrictions eased

The first two resorts in Canada to open were Lake Louise and Mount Norquay in Alberta, both on November 5th. Colorado led the field in the United States, as usual, with Wolf Creek, Arapahoe Basin and Keystone all welcoming guests in October.

Ski resorts in Asia also open during regular hours, but almost exclusively for domestic visitors due to restrictions on international travel.

READ: 27 of the UK’s best luxury spa breaks

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Can I book skiing this winter?

Not only is it possible to book, but it would be wise to do so earlier than usual, as a good number of bookings canceled for 2020/21 have moved to this year. On top of that, many places are operating at a slightly reduced capacity.

With the heavy losses suffered by many ski areas during the 2020/21 season, it is not surprising that many of them are running promotions to attract people to their slopes. The Austrian Winter Love campaign keeps winter visitors up to date with news and regulations, making reservations as easy as possible. Several tour operators, like Inghams, offer early bird discounts.

Italy, like many other destinations, limits the capacity of cable cars and gondolas to 80% – and ski lifts if the sunshade is folded down. Due to limited spaces and in order to avoid unnecessary queues, Italian resorts encourage visitors to pre-book their ski passes online.

What security measures are in place for the 2021/22 ski season?

Although the exact modalities of their implementation are different in each region, the main security measures are the same at all levels:

  • Require guests to present negative COVID tests and / or proof of vaccination;
  • Social distancing, sometimes allowed by reducing capacity;
  • Wearing a mask for staff and guests;
  • Additional hand cleaning and disinfection stations.

In some European destinations, such as Italy and Austria, medical grade masks (usually FFP2) are mandatory on all public transport, including cable cars. Using the wrong type could result in a hefty fine, so check before you go.

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Prince William and Duchess Catherine are fans of a ski vacation

Many destinations, from Scotland to Canada, require you to wear your mask and / or show proof of vaccination or a recent negative COVID-19 test before entering indoor spaces, gondolas and ski lifts. Pay attention to the timing of your vaccinations; if your second took place more than nine months before your trip, you will no longer count as fully vaccinated in Austria.

As the situation can change quite quickly, many destinations have made plans for different eventualities, such as Austria’s five-step winter tourism model. In other cases it’s less clear, so you’ll have to keep checking.

Which stations will be the safest for skiing in 2021/22?

There is no guarantee that a ski resort will be COVID-free, but some are much stricter than others. In addition to reviewing regional guidelines, you should check the policies of each station, to make sure that you are going to a place that takes your safety as seriously as you do.

This is especially important in destinations like the United States, where national guidelines are largely opt-in. Different resorts have different safety measures, so while one may require all staff and guests to be vaccinated and wear masks, another may simply suggest social distancing and wearing a mask.

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Bring a picnic with you to avoid the crowds

Hygiene standards are of course important here. In addition to deep cleaning, managing the flow of people and installing hand disinfection stations, some stations have stopped offering equipment rental for safety reasons. Check in advance in case you need to bring certain items.

Overall, the safest resorts are those with strict regulations in place and located in smaller, less popular locations. Instead of the Alps, head to the Pyrenees; rather than St Moritz glam, think of the perfect Engelberg-Titlis powder.

What if I can’t travel if I book a ski vacation this winter?

Like any other trip, your ski vacation this year is dependent on the rules and regulations of the UK and the government of your destination. If the global situation changes, or if you catch coronavirus or come into contact with someone who has it, you may need to quarantine yourself for up to two weeks. Keep an eye out for overseas travel tips to stay informed.

Many companies have extended their cancellation policies in 2020, but as vaccination rates increase, most are falling back to less generous ones. However, many resorts (like Méribel) and tour operators (like Inghams and Ski World) will rebook you or refund you if changes in national restrictions prevent you from traveling.

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Wearing a mask is compulsory on all transport, including cable cars

You should also make sure you have full travel insurance, in case you need to cancel or delay your trip. It should cover you not only if you contract COVID-19, but also if you need to self-isolate due to contact with someone who has it.

Is a chalet safer than a hotel for skiing in 2021/22?

Having a private place to stay means you can avoid common areas like hotel lobbies, restaurants, and hallways, which is definitely a safer option. As the demand for this type of accommodation has increased, the level of comfort offered has increased. Self-catering cabins are now often equipped with fully stocked refrigerators or several food delivery options, to make your life easier after a tiring day on the slopes.

How can I ski safely this winter?

Common sense measures apply wherever you are. Maintain social distancing; wash your hands regularly and carry disinfectant; wear a mask, especially indoors or in crowded areas; and get vaccinated if you can. But a few other ways to make sure you have a stress-free (and hopefully COVID-free) vacation are:

  • Opt for private lessons in skiing or snowboarding, to avoid groups of strangers;
  • Use your own equipment as much as possible rather than renting it;
  • Keep your après-ski activities sweeter – stay in a bar rather than visiting several, for example;
  • Avoid traveling during popular hours and on transition days;
  • Choose a vacation by car and rental if possible.

Where can I ski without quarantine?

On October 4, 2021, the British government simplified its travel advice so that countries are either on the red list or on the “rest of the world” list. Travelers arriving from Tier 2 destinations only need to take a PCR test two days after arrival – no need to quarantine.

Many of the world’s top ski destinations are trying to encourage visitors now that vaccination rates are on the rise. The French Minister of Tourism seemed to sum up the atmosphere in Europe by declaring: “the message is very clear: this winter, we will be skiing! In the majority of European countries, fully vaccinated travelers (or those who have recovered from COVID) can enter without isolating themselves.

The luxury resort Les Arcs Panorama is the perfect choice for families and offers an abundance of ski lesson options for children. Plus, as the name suggests, the panoramic views are quite spectacular.

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Les Arcs Panorama, from £ 1,369 per person, Club Med

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Across the pond, the United States opened up to British and European travelers in November 2021, just in time for ski season. If you’re fully vaccinated, you won’t need to quarantine – just take a COVID test within three days of your flight. The conditions for entering Canada are similar.

Some destinations are still closed, especially in Asia. China will host the 2022 Winter Olympics, but is not open to international tourism this ski season. Japan’s borders are also closed. South Korea is open, however… but only to residents of Singapore.

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