Category: coronavirus

Here, we’ve collated our main Coronavirus Skiing and Covid-19 resources and information. Don’t forget to check out the Hassle-Free Covid-19 Guarantee.

Can I ski in 2022? Current UK Travel Guidelines

Where can I ski in 2022?

Where is best to travel, tips for travelling and
guidelines for UK travel from December 2021

Originally published 22nd December 2021, updated Jan 5th with reduced UK requirements.

Are you dying to go on your ski holiday but nervous about current testing requirements? While difficult to understand and keep track of, current regulations are actually less stringent than in the summer, when many people were able to travel abroad and enjoy their holidays. In reality, it is still easy to travel to and plan your ski holiday for 2022, and probably less expensive than you think. In this guide, we have sourced the most reasonable test kits and advise how to book a trip that is fully protected for your peace of mind.

From this week (Jan 5th) lateral flow tests are acceptable for your day 0-2 test on return and no self-isolation is required will you wait for your result. These tests are cheaper than a PCR test, with prices starting from £18.00 per test. Moneysupermarket has a list of government-approved home antigen or lateral flow test kit suppliers here. These are also fit for travel to countries that require the use of antigen tests.

This guide is up to date as of the 5th of January 2022, and although we will keep updating the guide, it is always best to check for up to date guidance from the UK government page for each country, or their own government site.

Italy

Double-vaccinated people or those that have a proof of Covid-19 recovery pass can visit Italy freely without isolating on arrival. To enter Italy you simply need to fill out a passenger locator form and have either a negative PCR test within 48 hours or a negative antigen test within 24 hours of entering Italy. For more information you can visit the gov. website here.

Cost rundown:

  • Negative antigen test 24 hours before arrival £18.00-22.00.
  • Day 0-2 antigen test on return £18.00-22.00.

Total cost: £36 – £44.00

Switzerland

Double-vaccinated people or those that have a proof of Covid-19 recovery pass can visit Switzerland freely. Beforehand they need a negative PCR test result taken within 48 hours of arrival or a negative antigen test, taken within 24 hours before arrival into Switzerland. They also need to complete an immigrant form (similar to a passenger locator form) before travel, which you can find here. For more information visit the government page here.

Cost rundown for a weeks stay:

  • Negative antigen test 24 hours before arrival £18.00-22.00.
  • Day 0-2 antigen test on return £18.00-22.00.

Total cost: £36 – £44.00

Austria

Austria is open to vaccinated skiers or tourists that have proof of recovery from Covid-19. On entry to Austria, you either need proof of a booster vaccination or a negative PCR result to avoid quarantine and fulfilling a passenger locator form.

Cost rundown:

  • Negative PCR fit to fly test 48 hours before arrival (not neccesary if you have recieved a booster vaccination) £35.00 for an Amazon home kit, £55.00 – 80.00 for an in-person test with one day or less turnaround.
  • Negative antigen test 24 hours before arrival £18.00-22.00.
  • Day 0-2 antigen test on return £18.00-22.00.

Total cost: £71 – £124.00, if you haven’t received the booster jab (otherwise max £44.00).

Panoramic view of Zell am See with Zeller See lake in twilight during blue hour at dusk in winter, Salzburger Land, Austria
Zell am See Lake, Salzburger Land, Austria. Open to double-vaccinated tourists with no testing requirements.

Returning to England

If you are double vaccinated, and returning from a country not on the red list you need to have the following on arrival:

  • Filled in passenger locator form (available for you to complete 48 hours before arrival in the UK).
  • To have booked a lateral flow or PCR test to take by the second day of your return.

Protecting your holiday from cancellations

Travel insurance

When planning any holiday, but particularly with current events, travel insurance is necessary. Every provider listed on Moneysupermarket offers emergency medical treatment and repatriation for coronavirus claims as a minimum. To protect you under any circumstance, choose insurance which will cover you if you test positive at the resort so you are covered if you need additional accommodation and return travel.

Plus, if you like going off-piste or snowsports outside of skiing and snowboarding there are options to cover you.

Flexible bookings

Book flights and accommodation with providers that have flexible terms that allow you change dates or cancel for free and be refunded without excessive admin fees.

Flexible airport transfers

At Ski Lifts we have always provided a flexible service with free cancellations and amendments to bookings up to 7 days before departure. We now protect our customers even further with our covid-19 guarantee, which allows covid related cancellations up to the day before planned departure before 4:00 pm. Book your ski transfers now, or find out more here.

Scotland Skiing During Coronavirus

Scotland Skiing – Where Is Best?

Scotland skiing? Really? Yes, really. A vintage trend that is gaining huge popularity during Coronavirus as UK skiers are not allowed to travel outside of their own borders.

And it’s underrated, especially for freeride junkies and skiing families. The Nevis Range, Glencoe, Aviemore, Cairngorms, Glenshee and Lecht 2090 arguably aren’t the first peaks and valleys that skiers and snowboarders are used to hearing of, or even thinking about when planning ski holidays for the season.

A vintage ski trend, renewed

But don’t speak too soon about Scotland for skiing! Internet search engine queries for “Scotland skiing” have experienced a meteoric rise of 1000x the usual amount of interest over the last two years. With trends moving increasingly towards low-impact and sustainable tourism habits in the UK, particularly for “new” holiday makers aged 20-39 (and with the oldest Millennials now hitting 40s in 2019 and beyond), doing a Scotland skiing season is experiencing a spike in its popularity for outdoorsy folk, skiers and snowboarders.

Granted, we are more likely to dream of The Three Valleys before we even consider the Grampian. Yet Scotland skiing is savouring its own renaissance tale of late: with local funds being dedicated to help capitalise on the Scottish ski trend for years to come, a ski holiday focused around Scotland skiing is destined to become one to actually tick off the list once more.

So where’s good for Scotland skiing?

Best Scotland Skiing Locations

 

The Nevis Range

Ben Nevis Ski-Lifts Ski Airport Transfers

The Nevis Range is iconic, with Ben Nevis being the highest peak and the most famous mountain in the UK. It only stands 1,345 metres above sea level, but the carns at the top of the cairn means that skiing in The Nevis Range puts you just 100 metres below the actual summit itself, which is quite cool. With lots of freeride areas, untouched snow and a 500 metre vertical descent in the Back Corries, the Nebis Range offers a lot of variety for every skier and snowboarder.

This chunky mountain range in the Highlands is also popular with mountain bikers in particular. (We say MTB because The Nevis Range hosts the UCI Downhill World Cup every year, which is why you’ll see many mountain bikes sticking out of the gondolas!)

 

Cairngorms & Aviemore

The biggest ski resort in Scotland, relatively speaking, with 32km of slopes, the Cairngorms has been steadily hosting more and more skiers and snowboarders since the 1960s. The Cairngorms ski transfer from Inverness is just one hour, and usually a little less in late season.

Aviemore is the place to stay if you ski and want to explore the Cairngorms.

As matter-of-factly as Boaty McBoatface, the Cairngorms National Park is of course named after the Cairn Gorm itself – the cairn (peak) standing at the heart of this highland. The Cairngorms park is spectacular throughout the year, and for skiers, they offer the most family-friendly facilities plus a better guarantee of snow. Visit Scotland recommends the whole-family-together classes at the snow school in the Cairngorms. The Ciste has the most snow and least explored runs where you’ll find the off-piste crew.

Airport Ski Transfers - Cairngorms Ski Lifts Transfers

Accommodation-wise, you’ll often find the best deals in the Cairngorms and Aviemore if you are skiing in Scotland. They’re not ski chalets obviously, but in Scotland you’ll generally find yurts, treehouses, cabins; and mostly lodges, guest houses, farmhouses and family-run B&Bs.  Accommodation generally in Scotland often allow pets, but be sure to call up before booking to check – especially in reserve areas where most of the wildlife in the Cairngorms is protected by law, such as the reindeer which you may see on your airport transfer into the mountains.

As well as attracting overseas skiers from Scottish heritage families in the US, Canada and Australia, the Cairngorms are also chosen by skiers in the Nordics looking to experience their own tradition with a twist; along with the ongoing surge of hiking holidays with millennials and Generation Z who venture to the Highlands to learn ice climbing and snowshoeing from base camp.

 

Glencoe

Glencoe Ski Lifts Airport Transfers

Glencoe is the quieter area, away from the Nevis Range but just as neighbourly to the beautiful areas of Fort William. Although it’s a small ski area, it was the first ever Scottish ski resort, and it continues to be noted as being the most chilled out of all the cairns. If you’re lucky, you might catch a rare sighting of the world mountaineering legend and inventor that is Hamish McInnes in the wild! In Glencoe you’ll only find 6 skilifts, most of which are old school drag lifts/ T-Bars, and a couple of chair lifts. Nevertheless, Glencoe has a great variety of runs, for beginner skiers to advanced skiers – the latter whom might be pleasantly surprised by the diversity of freeride areas and untouched highland.

The runs all have brilliant names – a few examples being Happy Valley, Thrombosis and Old Mugs Valley. Although, if you want to get serious, then the most notorious ski run to try in Glencoe is the Flypaper, a black run that is small, but challenging and perfectly formed for advanced skiers.

Glencoe is an easy reach from Glasgow Airport and all Glasgow Train Stations, with the ski transfer time taking just 90 mins. The short road trip makes for a moody, stunning view from your ski transfer. It’s important to note that Glencoe is usually busy during the UK school holidays and over Christmas, and the car parks get full fast. It might be an idea to rise early and book mini-transfers through the week from your resort accommodation to Glencoe, to beat the queues and save on the petrol. If you’re looking at Glencoe, booking your accommodation early is also highly advised, with traditional lodges and cabins being the most sought after.

Lecht 2090

The Lecht Ski Airport Transfers Scotland

OK, this photo doesn’t do justice to the snow. Locally it’s just called ‘The Lecht’, but internationally it’s Lecht 2090. Loads of wholesome skiing fun and another one that’s great for families and young skiers, as this super cool ski day in the Lecht video attests to.

 

Glenshee

Glenshee Scotland Skiing Ski Transfers Ski-Lifts Ltd

The snow, most years at least, speaks for itself in Glenshee.

After your stint of Scotland skiing

As we well know, the French are adept at coining the perfect term for anything – just as they did with Après-Ski, a time-honoured European winter tradition. Après-Ski habits, however, are believed to have originated in Norway, Sweden and Finland, where the done thing was to guzzle and share your mulled wines in almost medicinal fashion, cook food together, and huddle in furs as a group to stay warm before skiing back home…

Of course it’s not really an idea to be hugely comparative in great detail to what we see and know today for Après-Ski culture around the globe! In Scotland, it’s totally chilled out; something more in line with its Nordic heritage.

Ideas for a Scottish Après-Ski

Bonnet Cheese Scottish Apres Ski - Scotland Skiing Culture

An Après-Ski culture in Scotland is a hospitality opportunity waiting to be both revived and renewed. Scotland après-ski is a very relaxed affair for wining and dining in your lodge, guest house, stone cottage – or just your nearest pub in front of a hearth. Sipping a dram in Fort William is definitely a far cry from hitting the bars and clubs!

Restaurants, lodges, cafes and pubs are usually rammed during lunch and dinner. You might be best off self-catering or waiting to do your own apres-ski as a late dinner if you want to avoid the food queues – unless you like queuing with the bustle of it all, meeting new people.

Either way (as far as we’ve heard) Scottish Après-Ski does happily involve imbibing yourself with the local nectars and having a dram or three. Which of course you must try in the Cairngorms, being merely a few miles from Speyside!

Food-wise, it doesn’t have to be all haggis and deep fried everything. Although, there is nothing wrong with enjoying a one-off deep fried Mars bar with ice cream, other than suffering your GP’s and probably your own massive disapproval. In terms of your long, late after-ski dinner, partaking in the local salmon, beef, lobster, grouse and game; and enjoying at least one cullen and one Scottish-only cheese platter, comprising fare from the Highlands and Islands: Bonnet, Fearn Abbey, Kedar smoked, Isle of Mull cheddar, Hebridean blue and so on – similarly grass-fed cheese goodness which is all there to be experienced.

 

Other Traditions


Screenshot from Ski Club video of Scotland Ski SeriesKilts are optional! Scotland is a quirky pick for skiers of all levels. Advanced skiers might bore of the same gradients after a few days, but they will be kept entertained in areas like Glencoe where the freerides are as plentiful as the bunny slopes. And should you go off-piste, there are more challenging conditions and locations that necessitate some Nordic and mountaineering skills – simply because there are several areas with no skilifts, and getting stuck in the middle of an unmarked run here is as dangerous as it would be anywhere else in the world.

Get in the mood for Scotland skiing

There are some fun homebrew videos on YouTube from UK, US and Canadian skiers enjoying Scottish skiing. This primer Scotland skiing video series from Ski Club is stunning, and we’re sure you’ll be just as surprised as they were at how fun skiing in Scotland is.

With a bit of luck, an extra gust of arctic wind in April and May will see the snow last longer for Scotland skiing again this year, too.

Why some UK skiers are heading to the Cairngorms for skiing

Why some UK skiers are heading to the Cairngorms for skiing

So the Cairn Gorm certainly is not Mont Blanc. But it deserves to be respected for its unique beauty and non-mainstream appeal. It’s funny that a season spent in Scotland skiing isn’t more well-known as it makes for a more authentic, environmentally-friendlier ski learning experience than sliding up and down a large fridge. The UK – often completely unknown to, and unwanted by UK skiers and snowboarders – has a petite number of its own natural ski destinations; the most stunning and snowsure of these being in Scotland. And in particular to the powder hounds who are ‘staying home’ – heading to the Cairngorms skiing will be your safest bet for fresh and long-lasting snow.

Why are some UK skiers choosing the Cairngorms?

The Coronavirus epidemic in 2020 has had a huge role to play in UK skiers choosing the Cairngorms for skiing as flight bans and travel bans were put in place.

Nonetheless, they probably deserve more credit than that. A huge, undulating Celtic landscape of protected natural beauty, filled with wildlife and completely untouched forests, meadows and valleys topped by the Cairn Gorm mountain – the Cairngorms are a must-see and do for any skier, at least once. The Cairngorms have the most reliable snow out of all the peaks in Scotland, which normally lasts into the late season. The best way to stay up to speed with the snow is to sign up to the Scotland snow alerts from the official Visit Scotland site.

Other field notes for Cairngorms Skiing

For skiers heading up the actual mountain peak itself, the Cairn Gorm, having Nordic ski skills will be immensely helpful for more of the daring runs, where it is likely you will need to go off-piste onto the peaks, across unmarked territory and where there simply won’t be any working lifts – at least for a few years while the £20 million funicular repair work gets underway. In the meantime, some little pistes to enjoy:

 

Get in the mood for Cairngorms skiing

It’s a different type of anticipation, that’s for sure – but the Cairngorms have a habit of surprising people for the size and majesty of the area, both in the traditional Scottish wintertime and throughout the rest of the year – making it hugely popular with those looking to take hiking trips. One way of getting in the mood for skiing in the Cairngorms might be thinking about the landscape and its wildlife. And as for a subject matter that is incredibly unique and specific to the Cairngorms, check out The Tigers of Scotland by UK natural history producer Wild Films. It’s documentary about the endangered Scottish Wildcat species narrated by Iain Glen (Games of Thrones) – it has snow-covered cats, sure – but also you can also expect lots and lots of footage of the peaks, and all the fresh powdery snow as it settles throughout Cairngorms National Park in the winter:

 

The Cairngorms are popular for skiing locally with Scottish skiers at Christmas and during the holidays, so it means there can be some big queues for a relatively small area. So it pays to get in early and book your lift passes ahead in the Cairngorms for sure. Or if you’re looking for other locations in Scotland for skiing, check out the mini guide.

 

Regular, experienced UK family skiers aged 26 – 40? You’re likely to pick the Cairngorms these days

Whole-family ski classes are abundant and popular in Scotland, which means new and young UK families from further afield are continuing to opt for Scotland skiing and a ‘staycation’, particularly if they are choosing to avoid flying with small children – this might sound familiar to you. Certainly, this global tourism meta trend: i.e. new families around the world, according to Skift, are far more likely to book a cruise than they are to fly for a short-haul all-inclusive (and to this point, the biggest data clusters in the actual research were only for cruises, resulting in so little flight data, that it ended up being removed from the original survey!) coupled with the eco-friendly staycation preference and Covid fears – all this is helping drive a steady rush of ski tourism into the Cairngorms again. So the big question is, will you be trying Scotland as family skiers, or sticking with your:

Tried and trusted Ski-Lifts destinations such as

  • Morzine
  • Avoriaz
  • Les 2 Alpes
  • Sestriere
  • Verbier
  • Le Clusaz
  • Garmisch
  • Whistler
  • Champoussin

Where are you planning to go skiing this time? Let us know on Ski-Lifts’ social media channels, we can’t wait to hear from you!


Morzine – What Covid Measures Are There?

Morzine – What Covid Measures Are There?

Yes, Morzine is taking lots of precautions for skiing this year. Undoubtedly the world has changed significantly in the era of Covid-19 and the 2020 pandemic crisis – but is this affecting skiing in Morzine? A little. There are various measures being put in place across France and by France Montagne as a wholeThese measures are also in place, with a few extra helpful elements to a visitor’s journey to help people feel at ease this season should they wish to make a booking. This includes us lot here at Ski-Lifts, who’ve introduced the Hassle Free Covid-19 Guarantee, so that you can book your ski transfers in confidence.

But back to your questions about Morzine:

When does it open in 2020 for the ski season?

Last updated 22nd Dec 2020.

☀️ The Portes du Soleil ski area is open all year round

? The ski lifts however are not likely to be operating until mid Jan as we await further annoucements

⛄ Morzine has already had its first snowfall

❄️ The Morzine season snow arrived on Friday 25th September 2020.

? Due to Coronavirus Portes Du Soleil have introduced ski pass cancellation insurance

?️ This will protect skiers and snowboarders.

Technically, the summer lifts schedule has actually been open throughout; only with added cleaning and infection control measures put in place as recommended by government, as well as the stricter equipment cleaning procedures for all for-hire companies advised by France Montagne’s Coronavirus ski measures over the last several weeks. This is to help the fast transition and transferring of Morzine into a Covid-19 preventative tourism location, and to encourage skiers to come back for winter 2020/21.

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What events are planned?

Please note that these may be subject to change. Last updated 22nd Dec 2020.

  • Morzine Enchanted Village, 19th December to 2nd January

  • Ladies Night, 16th February

  • Morzine Takes Care of You, 8th to 12th March

  • Rock the Pistes, 14th to 20th March

  • Finales des Foyers de Ski de Fond 74, 10th March

  • Tournoi des Douanes, 23rd to 25th March

  • La Bagui, 11th April

  • Course des Champions, 4th April

What Covid measures are the Morzine-Avoriaz ski area taking during the pandemic?

In addition to…

  1. Compulsory mask wearing in public areas for those aged 11 and over
  2. Compulsory mask wearing on the buses and any public transport throughout France
  3. Table-service only at bars and restaurants throughout the Morzine area
  4. Disinfection of high contact touchpoints and areas and higher cleaning protocol for ski equipment
  5. Hand sanitizer available for free use, from all local businesses and authorities

…As first reported by Planet Ski, it is currently known that Morzine’s hoteliers are agreeing together to offer Covid-19 refunds or credit notes should there be pandemic-related cancellations put in place by Government. Specifically, this means if Morzine and Avoriaz are closed, or in the event subsequent to booking that you’re unable to travel due to Government restrictions related to Covid-19, you will receive a refund. This is an incredible initiative from the area, designed to reassure us that it’s still safe to support the skiing industry – and that there is a mutual understanding that you will receive your money back should second and third lockdowns take place.

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What Covid measures are Ski-Lifts taking to support skiers in the Coronavirus Crisis?

Ski-Lifts announced the Hassle Free Covid-19 Guarantee, a brand new initiative for all of our customers. In the event that an official Government or Local Authority-imposed restriction, sanction or ruling related to COVID 19 epidemic results in you being denied access to your route or destination,  we will refund your transfer cost or help you change / defer your transfer dates and times, up to the day before travel. Please check out the full terms and conditions here.

Coronavirus: Efforts and measures keeping skiing in France open

Coronavirus: the efforts and measures keeping skiing in France open

Around the world, both new and avid skiers and snowboarders are looking to brave the restrictions as well as the elements to get their snow fix. But how easy is it to go skiing in France due to coronavirus travel bans? Well, it is possible – and French resorts and authorities have worked hard to create a set of resources to help those travelling, as well as the thousands of French businesses in the Alps.

Les Deux Alpes, France - image used from Valentin Rechitean for Ski Lifts

What is France doing to support skiers during Coronavirus?

Measures include:

? Compulsory mask wearing for those aged 11 and over in queues, any public transport and on lifts

? Disinfection for high contact areas is commonplace (as in most places now globally)

? Bars, cafes and restaurants have been advised that only table service should be made available due to distancing rules

⛷️ All ski schools to continue regular cleaning and disinfection of all equipment

⚕️ Hand gel will be provided by venues and skiers are encouraged to have their own supply

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France Montagnes have shared their measures previously for keeping the regions safe for the upcoming months, based on practices that began during the late season for 2020.

These have been prepared fairly early for the season ahead, so we could expect some changes to these protocols again in 2021 (but only if the infection rate in France rises). Although for now through to Christmas, we would largely expect the measures in place now, to remain the same as pictured.

skiing in france coronavirus support

What rules are there for skiing in France this year?

Face masks have been compulsory in public places and on transport for many months now, and we understand this will remain the same through the winter for skiing in France in 2020/21, for all regions of the country.

France has kept its borders relatively relaxed and open during the whole pandemic compared to others overall, allowing tourists who self-certify before or during arrival on principle (known as an “Honour Statement”). This applies in the Alps too, and visitors are expected to sign that statement to declare they are healthy enough to be in France and are Covid-19 negative.

There have been a very few reports of spot-checking and testing for Coronavirus, but some random temperature checks remain in place at the border. We would always recommend bookingyour airport transfer to France early so that you have time to cancel if you need to. According to some skiers that have dared to trip out early, this has been relaxed of late.

Skiing in France

Should I book my airport transfers early for the ski season?

We are starting to see some trends towards last-minute bookings, and another trend towards booking for the late season in 2021. We would advise booking airport transfers for 2021 for both cheaper prices and preparedness for travel if your plans are to take advantage of a forecast downwards trend in infection cases in Europe by the end of February.

Where in the world can I go skiing during the Coronavirus pandemic?

Due to the ongoing disruption to travel as a result of COVID 19 this blog has been suspended. Last updated 22nd Dec 2020.

Where in the world can I go skiing

during the Coronavirus pandemic?

Go skiing – Coronavirus? It feels stranger this year to be going through the usual resorts for the season – how can we know where we can go skiing during the Coronavirus pandemic? Keep reading. Bookmark this page for the latest Coronavirus ski travel news.

It really does seem like the anvil of another global roll-out of lockdowns against movement and freedom of travel is about to fall off the cliff edge again. In some countries this has already taken place and they continue to weather their “second wave”. In light of the changes, we will keep updating this list for people who might be looking to go skiing during the Coronavirus pandemic and where in the world is open for your season and snow holiday getaways.

It should also be noted however, for any resorts that your home country deems is within a “non-essential travel” destination (should your reasons for travel not be based on home residency needs, repatriation or key-worker status) – will largely not be insurable by yourself or your tour operator, so always check first. Also note that some travel insurance companies will not insureIyou if you are travelling against your home authority’s advice. if your insurer cannot help you, get advice from a broker who might be able to.

Ski Lifts - Airport Transfers to Ski Resorts

Go Skiing – Coronavirus?

You should also note carefully that your country of origin may still require you to either self-isolate or quarantine on your return. Please always check with your local government or national travel authority for the latest. You can also check the Travel Aware measures tips from UK Government as these are generally useful ideas for all travellers.

Places to go skiing during the Coronavirus pandemic

without a quarantine on arrival:

Sweden

Italy is currently under Emergency Decree with most resorts closed.

(However if you find an open area, fill out a self-declaration form and have proof of a negative PCR test result taken within 72 hours before arrival in Italy.)

Andorra

(Travellers may be random/spot-tested if suspected of having symptoms on arrival. UK travellers are advised to self isolate on return.)

Places to go skiing

where you must quarantine or self-isolate on arrival:

France*

(UK travellers may need to self-isolate for 10vdays on return from France)

Switzerland

(UK travellers will be subject to 10 day quarantine upon entry to CH, and will need to isolate f on their return)

Germany

(High Risk UK travellers will be subject to 14 day quarantine upon entry to DE.)

Liechtenstein (border management by Switzerland)

(UK travellers will be subject to 10 day quarantine upon entry to LI,  and will need to isolate on their return)

Norway

(All international travellers will need to quarantine for 10 days or more upon entry to NO, and UK travellers must self-isolate on their return)

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Poland

(UK travellers are not currently known to need to necessarily self-isolate upon their return from Poland unless told by Home Borders to do so)

Serbia

(UK travellers will also need to self-isolate for 14 days on return from Serbia)

Slovakia

(UK travellers will also need to self-isolate for 14 days on return from Slovakia)

Greenland

Faroe Islands

Denmark

Iceland

(You will need to pay for a test OR quarantine for 14 days. UK travellers will also need to self-isolate for 14 days on return from Iceland)

Finland

(Quaratine for 14 days – if you’re eligible to enter at all. UK travellers will also need to self-isolate for 14 days on return from Finland)

These countries, so far, have the most liberal borders policies for skiers and snowboarders, with the lowest levels of quarantine restrictions in place for arrivals.

Some Foreign Nationals will not need to quarantine at all for the above list of countries. We will update this daily, but please first check with your own country’s guidelines which may restrict your movement or your ability to travel, and for any entry requirements on arrival. It is important to check befor eyou go skiing, Coronavirus measures that update daily mean these places may have their own lists for certain countries and nationals.

Some nationals and locations will automatically mean being asked to quarantine first, or some may simply be refused entry on this basi. So it is important to stay alert and even set up travel news alerts on your phone.

If you are a foreign national and are able to spare the weeks, plus you’re happy to quarantine on your arrival, or your return (and potentially both)… then these countries are open for you to go skiing in:

Where else could I go to ski in 2020?

USA (1)

Slovenia

Latvia

Estonia

Morocco**

Bulgaria #

South Africa (2)

Australia

*France = Arrival is also subject to your prior self-certification of good health and French entry requirements.

**Morocco = Arrival is subject to your prior self-certification of good health, proof of a negative PCR test, and potentially an additional spot-test on arrival with a private clinic. British nationals residing in Morocco, and their families, are exempt.

#Bulgaria = Reachable but NB that some major roads are completely closed

(1) USA = Open domestically, except to those who have been in the following places 14 days prior or more to arrival: UK, Ireland, Schengen zone, Iran, Brazil, China.

(2) South Africa =  proof of a negative test taken within the last 72 hours which incudes travel time. UK not allowed unless staying for 3 months+

Where is closed for skiing?

New Zealand – Closed

Canada – Closed, except for Canada nationals and those exempt

Again, everything is subject to change, so bookmark this page and keep checking back in case this list empties, which is what we’re all hoping for. Remember, authorities in the country or area that you are going to are responsible for setting and enforcing rules for entry. To quell any confusion, make sure you contact the embassy, high commission or consulate of the place you’d like to visit to get the most up to date information, and ensure that your desired departure flights or ships are available and permitted.

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A Covid-19 Support Guarantee with every ski transfer booked with us

Ski Lifts has introduced its company-wide Hassle-free Covid-19 Guarantee from LiftsTo.

For holiday-makers and consumers booking direct with us, this gives you up to 16:00 CET the day before travel to cancel with no penalty if you are affected by Government-driven travel restrictions. Please see full terms and conditions here.

Our airport transfer + vehicle safety measures

In our incredible network of local transfer operators, drivers, chauffeurs and concierge – we have worked together to agree to maintaining the most practical and hygienic ways we can keep you safe:

  • Up to 7 people per shared vehicle. Private: up to 6 people (in a carriage for 8) maximum, and up to 8 people (in a carriage for 10) maximum.
  • Enhanced daily cleaning and airing of ski transfer vehicles inside and out
  • Drivers are isolated which means passengers won’t be able to take the adjoining seat
  • See this page for our airport transfer and train station transfer cleaning protocol to help you travel safely and with peace of mind.

Other tips and ideas

You may have also seen that The Telegraph did a fantastic piece a few weeks ago on weekend snow + ski getaway ideas, which is worth checking back to if you’re able to go flight hopping across Europe over the coming weeks.

If not, that’s OK – we have still put the above guide together to show you where (currently – we’ll update it every day that we can) you can go skiing during the Coronavirus pandemic.

To make your booking, just use our free, no-obligation ski transfer quote generator, to discover a range of the cheapest season prices to suit you.

Coronavirus: Where In The World Can I Ski, Travelling from the UK?

Where in the world can I travel to for skiing from the UK, during Coronavirus?

Due to the ongoing disruption to travel as a result of COVID 19 this blog has been suspended. Last updated 22nd Dec 2020.

Ski-Lifts’ Coronavirus Travel Update: this is a general, helpful coronavirus travel update, designed as a supportive article (and not definitive – stay up to date your local Government guidelines and news bureaus for the latest information). And don’t forget, when you book with Ski-Lifts, you’ll be covered by our group-wide Hassle-Free Covid-19 Guarantee. Please take a look at this page if you searching where to ski during the Coronavirus pandemic generally.

Where can I travel to, from the UK, without quarantine or isolating while I’m there?

The good news is that you will not need to quarantine on arrival, or return, to and from these countries. Colloquially known as ‘air bridges’, these places allow travel between them without any severe pandemic restrictions or delays, subject to any spur-of-the-moment government or airport restrictions. Some visitors are finding they have to take a test when they arrive – but if they are negative, they are free to roam. As you will see, the world is still fairly open. You should note carefully, however, that visiting these countries will not exempt you from changes in the rules or the UK asking you to quarantine upon your return.

Currently we understand that UK travellers can head to the following locations as Covid19-negative visitors, without needing to self-isolate or quarantine on arrival.

The team will update this list daily. List correct as of 26/10/2020 at 10:46 CET. As previously stated, you may need to self-isolate upon your return to the UK – but you will need to do that in your place of abode as there are no Government quarters or border locations specified for an official quarantine or self-declared self-isolation currently, unlike other countries that you may be visiting or transferring to who will have places for you to quarantine in. We will do our best to keep this page up to date.

FCO Non-essential ski travel / “air bridge” allowed: 1 country

Sweden – (Air bridge; currently no known forms or declarations required)

FCO Non-essential ski travel allowed but you will need to quarantine on arrival: 6 countries

These trips are insurable. However, the term “air bridge” here is a bit of a misnomer, as you will still need to quarantine or self isolate in these countries on your arrival and return:

Norway(Self-isolate for 10 days or more on arrival after declaring your details at Customs)

Germany – (Air bridge only to low risk UK areas – high risk UK arrivals quarantined on arrival)

There are additional, currently less popular skiing countries in the ‘air bridge’ list where you actually still have to quarantine on arrival and return, and also be tested on arrival. These are Greenland, Iceland, Finland and the Faroe Islands.

  • Greenland asks that you have proof of a test within the last 5 days that is negative, fill out a tracer form, quarantine for 14 days on arrival and be open to being retested by Danish Police while in Greenland.
  • In Iceland, you will have to take a test on arrival OR quarantine in Iceland for 14 days, and register your details with Customs.
  • Finland has drastically reduced inbound flights, with entry restricted to residents, repatriation and family of Finland citizens only, following recent evidence a negative test, and to be open to a retest at Customs.
  • The Faroe Islands have the same rules in place as Greenland.

FCO Non-essential travel is advised against, may not be fully insurable, but some flights are still available for travel from the UK: 8 countries 

Italy is currently under Emergency decree with most resorts closed. – (You must negative within 72 hours of travel for CV19 and can prove it; also complete this form for Italy before you travel)

Liechtenstein (Borders managed by Switzerland) (Self-isolate for 10 days or more on arrival after declaring your details at Customs)

France – (Self-isolate only on return to the UK, please continue to check the French Gov website)

Bulgaria – (Self-isolate only on return to the UK)

Slovakia – (Self-isolate only on return to the UK)

Poland – (Quarantine on arrival if you show symptoms or have been traced, otherwise self-isolate only on return to the UK)

It should also be noted that if the ski destination country is not a “air bridge” or travel corridor, (and your reasons for travel not be based on home residency needs, repatriation or key-worker status) – your trip will largely not be insurable by yourself or your tour operator, because it goes against FCO advice – so always check with your provider or insurer first. Some private brokers may be able to help. Any quarantine that you do have to fulfil (self-isolation can normally take place in your accommodation) will normally be a government-sponsored hotel or housing, but you should check before travel and always stay aware of any changes to your journey.

“Let’s see what is open, and let’s go?”

The ongoing Covid-19 travel updates makes planning for a holiday -for even visitors arriving at their destinations – extremely tricky. TL;DR: Italy and Sweden are still places you can book in to ski now. However, given that Tour Operators cannot organise travel if it goes against FCO advice, and that many insurance policies don’t cover travellers defying the non-essential travel bans, many are finding that they cannot plan around this. In addition, there is the arguably volatile nature of what are ever-changing border, quarantine and testing restrictions. However, you should look for an insurance broker or find private advice as some insurers as some may be able to cover you.

However, most ski resorts are open – it’s down to your the restrictions on either side of your intra-country travel.

And it is important be prepared: there are more forgiving parts of the world, but at the same time, there could well be other measures at any of these airport borders such as paper forms, health declaration requirements, and the legal requirement to take swab or blood test at any time. In some countries, these tests may occur twice to protect from a false positive result, which could potentially delay your journey. Also, most airports globally oblige passengers to wear face coverings or masks (so, naturally, it’s handy to have a few extra ski masks with you this year).

Remember, always check official Government guidance before you travel, stay up to date on your travel insurance, and stay alert to any guidance while you are travelling. As we know, some of these lists could change while you’re “in the air”. In addition, some countries may have nurses and inspectors who observe you on arrival, and if they believe you show symptoms, you may still be asked to quarantine for 14 days. Be sure to travel safe.