While a three-tier check system (cured, vaccinated, or tested negative) has been the standard in most of Europe for the past months, more and more countries are switching to a two-tier system (cured or vaccinated), and some are even adjusting their definition of ‘fully vaccinated’.
What is the situation in Europe’s popular ski resort areas? Which Covid-19 measures apply where?
In many of these countries, including France, Germany, or Switzerland, the three-tier system (usually referred to as ‘3G’ in German-speaking countries) is still the standard.
On the other hand, Austria has switched to a two-tier system (sometimes referred to as 2G), meaning that to access non-essential businesses, people have to be either vaccinated or recently recovered from a Covid-19 infection. A negative result from an antigen rapid test or a PCR test is no longer accepted.
However, those who have been vaccinated a long time ago may want to check their certificates before travelling to Austria: from 6 December, vaccination certificates must not be older than nine months in order to be valid. This means that some people may require a booster shot before travelling.
For many people, ‘Après-Ski’ parties are a must during a winter holiday. What measures have been taken to prevent coronavirus clusters from popping up in the humid environment of ski lodges?
Unsurprisingly, the same rules that are also in place for bars and restaurants will also apply in ski lodges. However, some ski resorts have introduced separate rules. In Austria, the two-tier system is the new standard and applies everywhere in the country.
People who want to avoid the risk altogether and instead enjoy nature are still dependent on ski lifts. What restrictions apply there?
While cabins will not be fully occupied in most places, it is still unlikely that you’ll find yourself alone in one. Some ski resorts are thinking about using 80% of a cabin’s full capacity, in others it will be more in the ballpark of 2/3. In Austria, a two-tier system will apply to ski lifts.
While the three-tier system is currently still the standard in Germany, some ski resorts have already switched to a 2G system, or even a ‘2G+' system. 2G+ means that only vaccinated or cured individuals will be granted access, but in addition, they will also have to present a recent negative test result.
In most ski resorts, you will be required to wear a mask inside a closed cabin, and some places will only accept FFP2 masks.
In France, the three-tier system is not systematically applied for ski lifts, meaning that there is no guarantee that everyone inside a cabin has a valid certificate.
In Italy, on the other hand, the three-tier system is generally applied everywhere, including ski lifts.
Before travelling to a ski resort, it is advisable to check the sanitary conditions in place for that particular area. In many places, Covid-19 measures are adjusted according to the latest incidence rate.
Classifications of countries as ‘high-risk areas’, for instance, Austria from the point of view of the German authorities, have led ski enthusiasts to reconsider their winter holiday plans. Is it possible to cancel a holiday for free because of such classifications?
No, there is no right to a free cancellation. Exceptions apply if the terms and conditions of a specific hotel stipulate otherwise, e.g. by granting a right to cancel on short notice. A general right to a free cancellation would only apply if Austria were to close hotels nationwide. Furthermore, the introduction of a mandatory quarantine for arrivals cannot be used as justification for a free cancellation.
