Skiing in Switzerland this Year – Our 2021/2022 Recommendations

Travel to and from Switzerland is relatively easy this year, with eased restrictions from December 20th, and the payoff is brilliant. Great snow conditions have been reported across resorts, and bars as well as restuarants are open with seating and well as mask requirements in place.

Transfers to any of these resorts is simple from Geneva Airport, transfer time to Zermatt is approximately 2hrs30mins, to Saas Fee transfer time is roughly 2hrs30mins and Verbier is under two hours.

Here’s a selection of our favourite resorts across Switzerland.

Zermatt

Zermatt was awarded the Best European Ski Resort at the 2020 Ski Club Industry awards, and for good reason. There are over 285km of on-piste runs, with the greatest number of slopes geared towards for intermediate skiers, however due to its size and proximity to surrounding resorts there is something for everyone. For access to the surrounding areas in Italy you can get an interlinked ski pass which covers 360km of slopes.

Zermatt is famously known as the home of the Matterhorn and has a beautiful landscape which can be viewed skiing or walking lakeside closer to the base of the mountain.

Outside of skiing, there are over 100 restaurants to dine in, as well as many bars, or spas for those looking to recuperate after a long day exercising.

Verbier

Verbier is fantastic for off piste skiing and snowboarding, with many areas suitable to those new to off piste skiing. The area is interlinked with the expansive 4 vallees, so there are slopes suitable to all skiers, as well as cross country skiing.

When skiing in Verbier you will encounter many wide, steep slopes, perfect for meandering or snowplowing down at your own pace, with the quietest routes free for the more advanced skiers to speed down.

Aside from skiing, Verbier is well known as having Switzerlands best apres ski and nightlife. There are many sophisticated cocktail bars, as well as apres ski bars that have live bands (try Farinet for live music every day throughout ski season) and venues with DJ’s open till late.

Saas Fee

Saas Fee is a great place to ski or snowboard, with two snowparks and a half pipe for adventurous types.

Saas Fee is known to be less expensive than Zermatt, however Zermatt is reachable by an off-piste route, therefore it is a great location for those wanting to save a bit of money while experiencing great ski conditions. Saas Fee itself is considered a charming village, it is a car-free resort so ski in ski out is convenient, and the accomodation is quaint and traditionally Swiss.

There are over 40 restuarants in Saas Fee at various price points, the food is mostly traditional and warming, with many bakeries and tea rooms ideal for mid-morning ski breaks.

Swiss Entry Requirements – 20^th Dec 2021

As of December 20th Switzerland have eased restrictions for entry to the country. You now need a pre-departure negative PCR test (not older than 72 hours) or a lateral flow test (not older than 24 hours) to enter the country.  The lateral flow option was added last week, giving skiers the opportunity to reduce their test costs. Children can accompany their vaccinated parents, and requirements to isolate in the resort or take Day 4 or Day 7 tests were removed for fully vaccinated adults. All travellers must complete passenger locator forms. 

Of course our top tips for Skiiing confidently this winter continue to apply:

1. Always book your transfers with Ski-Lifts – our flexible cancellation terms and Covid guarantees are there should your plans change
2. Always review Foreign Office travel advice before you book and again before travelling
3. Check your travel insurance that it comprehensively covers you should your travel plans need to change.

Best early skiing in Europe

If you want to beat the crowds and get in a ski trip before the end of year, then you do not have to wait till January or February for good snow and skiing. High resort altitudes and glacier skiing offer opportunities to ski early on in the season, so you can beat the crowds and holiday sooner.

Best resort to ski in October

Cervinia

Ideally situated at a resort altitude of 2050m, Cervinia is known for its long season running between October and May and consistently good snow. Skiers in Cervinia can enjoy a wide range of piste’s as Zermatte and Valtournenche are both reachable and covered by the Cervinia ski pass, totalling 350km of piste. There are slopes ideal for beginner and intermediate skiiiers; slopes in the Klein Matterhorn glacier area better suited to beginner skiiers, and more challenging slopes are generally found in Zermatt. Cervinia itself is known for wide, long and spacious trails that offer the opportunity for those new to skiing to snowplough around and those more adventurous to race down.

Cervinia is geared towards families, with a plethora of ski schools and after ski family activities such as a cinema, bowling and amusement arcade. There are accommodation options to suit all budgets and over 50 cafe’s and restaurants at various price points.

Find out more about what Cervinia has to offer here.

Best resort to ski in November

Les Deux Alpes

Due to being a glacier resort, Les Deux Alpes has a long ski season from late November to April. Despite its altitude and proximity to Mont-de-Lans glacier, there is plenty of sun with many south facing slopes and a mostly tree-less terrain.

Les Deux Alpes is ideal for skiers and snowboarders with its modern lift system and wide range of slopes amounting to 220km of pistes. Skiers can access slopes at their highest point of 3600m, with 2300 metres of slopes downwards from its peak.

Known particularly for its suitability for snowboarders, Les Deux Alpes has a border cross and half pike as well as snowparks for skiers and snowboarders to enjoy.

There are runs suitable for skiers at all levels, with easier slopes found at the top of the summit and more challenging slopes lower down the slope. For those looking for a budget destination, Les Deux Alpes is ideal with a wide range of accommodation at affordable prices, as well as places to eat and drink.

Book your Les Deux Alpes transfers, or find out more about the resort here.

Best resort to ski in December

Tignes

Sitting at a resort altitude of 2100m, Tignes has a long snow sure season between early December and May.

Tignes is a go to destination for intermediate and experienced skiers, with a wide range of steep, challenging slopes. There are over 100 blue and red runs between Tignes and Val D’Isere and infamous slopes such as “The Wall” which attract thousands of ambitious skiers each year.

Outside of skiing Tignes is known for its apres ski scene, with some of the best bars in the Alpes as well as popular nightclubs that stay open late.

20 telltale signs to check if you have a ski addiction

No 16 applies to our team in Morzine and don’t think any of them will score less than 15. What’s you’re score? The only antidote is more skiing!

Thanks to our friend at Snow Gaper for this great graphic.

8 ways that travel to Europe has changed since the UK left the EU

Okay. So the UK has now left the EU – but what can you expect when travelling to the European member states from 1st January 2021?

The UK will no longer be treated like a member of the EU, and is subject to new rules.

Once the COVID situation is under control and UK citizens are generally allowed to travel abroad again, you’ll need to be aware of these 8 changes when travelling to any EU countries (plus Switzerland, Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein).

Planning your trip…

1. How long you can stay

Most British travellers spend a few weeks at time abroad, however if you are thinking of spending longer you need to be aware that you’ll only be able to stay in an EU country for up to 90 days in any 180-day period. If you want to stay longer, you’ll need the right to remain/visa. The rules for Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus and Romania are different – as you can be there for 90-days and not use up your 90-day allowance for other EU countries.

2. Check your passport

You’ll need at least 6 months left on your passport and it must have been issued in the last 10 years. To make sure your passport is valid please visit the Government’s passport checker.

3. Check your travel and health insurance gives you the right level of cover

If you have a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) it is valid up to the expiry date displayed on the card.

There are limited details about what will replace EHIC but the UK government has said it will be issuing UK Global Health Insurance Card, which will most likely cover chronic or existing illnesses, maternity care and emergencies. Further details will follow.

The advice is to always take-out comprehensive travel insurance with appropriate healthcare cover, including existing medical conditions and any activities you plan to do such as skiing or other winter sports.

Ski-Lifts’ partner for travel insurance can be found here.

4. Mobile roaming charges may now apply

While the UK’s four main mobile operators have said they have no plans to reintroduce roaming fees, it’s a good idea to check with your provider before you head off. As of 1st Jan 2021, Brits in Europe are not guaranteed free mobile data roaming so you could be charged for calls, messages or using the internet or apps.

At the airport…

5. We love a queue but make sure you’re in the right one

You will no longer be able to use the EU passport lanes on arrival. You might also have to show a return ticket and that you have enough money for your stay.

6. Duty free is back!

Good news if you are travelling to the EU from the UK (expect Ireland) as you can now stock up on duty free shopping with tobacco and alcohol limits set to increase as well.

7. Know what food you can take with you

Meat and dairy products cannot be taken into EU countries so please check as recent news reports show they are checking. The exceptions are powdered baby milk, baby food or food required for medical reasons.

8. Driving in Europe

Take the hassle-free approach and book a transfer with Ski-Lifts to ensure that your holiday runs as smoothly as possible – be met at the airport and taken directly to your accommodation. Get an instant quote here.

If you are hiring a car, you’ll need to take your driving licence (you’ll need an international driving permit if yours is the old paper version or issued in Gibraltar, Channel Islands or the Isle of Man).

If you are taking your own vehicle, you’ll also need the logbook (V5C) and valid insurance documents – please contact your insurance company four to six weeks before travel to get a green card to prove you have insurance. They may charge you an admin fee for this. You’ll still need a GB sticker on the car.

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World’s Best Ski Transfer Operator 2016

Ski-Lifts are delighted to announce that we have for the second year running collected the award for the World’s Best Ski Transfer Operator, at the World Ski Awards. These awards are voted for by members of the public and from industry insiders, so it really means a lot to us to have won this award.

To get this kind of industry recognition is absolutely  fantastic. Twice in a row is mind boggling, but it’s testament to all of the hard work put in over the years by the guys at Ski-Lifts HQ in Morzine.

Our business has grown over the years, adapting to a changing market, changes have been made, ….and made again until the services we can offer are as comprehensive as you will find anywhere in the ski industry.

We would like to take the opportunity to thank all of our loyal customers and clients for their ongoing support over the years, without your loyalty and you guys challenging us, perhaps we wouldn’t have developed the  solutions which make us the best at what we do.

As with any tourism related business, and particularly at Ski-Lifts,  we would be nothing without the  people who continue to choose to use us winter in winter out so thank you all very much.

An added bonus to the award was being invited over to Kitzbuhel for the ceremony over the weekend. We had a nice ( if a little on the whiteout side ) ski, followed by lunch at the top of the Streif where we were so lucky to be joined by 1950 Hahnenkamm winner Fritz Huber. After that it was into the penguin suits and cocktail dresses for the gala dinner and ceremony. The rest as they say is…..( well it’s a little hazy to be honest, there was food, a trophy,  plenty of fine wine, a speech and not a small amount of schnapps! )…..History.

Sore heads nursed, award safely on the mantelpiece in the office and back to work for us. The winter season is upon us and we have a lot of work to do to make sure we live up to our reputation.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]