It may be peak ski season, but with cases of omicron increasing across Europe, travel restrictions have been tightened in many major winter sports destinations.

Rules are starting to loosen as Austria and Switzerland have canceled some requirements for tourists wanting to access their snow-capped slopes.

but under another season COVID-19 restrictionsHowever, planning a ski vacation based on these evolving rules and regulations can be difficult.

That’s why we’ve rounded up everything you need to know for some of Europe’s favorite ski destinations.

Austria

Austria’s tourism minister previously summed up the travel restrictions as “tougher rules and a safer winter”, but things have turned sour in recent weeks with the Omicron version spreading.

Skiers wishing to travel to the country must provide proof that they have been fully vaccinated or cured of the virus, as well as proof of a positive or negative PCR test. I

Once you arrive, the 2G rule in Austria applies to all use of cable cars and other facilities. It stands for Vaccination or Recovery, which means you will need to provide proof of complete vaccination to recover from COVID-19. A negative test will not be accepted unless you have official proof of vaccination exemption.

Children under the age of 12 are exempt from the 2G requirement and teens over the age of 12 can provide proof of vaccination or sign up for a “Ninja Vacation Card”. This system allows them to enter places using negative tests instead. more information can be found Who,

Aprs-ski clubs have also been closed since late December and restaurants have imposed a curfew until 22:00. Masks are also required in this country inside cable cars and other enclosed spaces.

It is worth checking the individual restrictions of the state you plan to travel to as they may have stricter requirements than those that apply to the whole of Austria. For example, in Vienna, testing is mandatory for children aged six years and over.

France

Currently, unvaccinated travelers from France’s red and orange lists are only allowed to travel to the country for limited basic reasons. UK people, vaccinated or not, It is not possible to travel to France as a tourist But there have been indications from the government that soon these rules can be relaxed.

If you are able to visit ski resorts in this country, a health card is also required to access facilities such as ski lifts, bars, cafes and restaurants. This requires you to provide proof that you have been fully vaccinated, have recently recovered from COVID-19, or have had a negative PCR or antigen test within the past 24 hours.

It applies to everyone over the age of 12 and will soon pass a vaccine, meaning negative tests will not be accepted.

A mask is required for queuing on closed lifts and cable cars, but not if you are taking an open chairlift or actively skiing downhill. There are no medical exceptions, and you can be fined 135 euros if you do not wear a mask.

But do check the resort you intend to visit as some local authorities have strict rules including the use of outdoor masks.

Germany

The travel restrictions for entering Germany are relatively strict as is the prevalence of the Omicron version.

Germany uses a two-tier system for its sanctions, with “high risk” and “low risk” zones. It is possible to travel for tours from EU countries and Schengen countries, but you need to check the area they fall in.

All arrivals over 12 years of age from high-risk areas must provide evidence of vaccination, treatment, or a negative PCR test. Unvaccinated travelers will also need to self-isolate for 10 days.

For people coming from this region, the rules may differ depending on whether your country is on the “Safe” list.

Some ski resorts are open in Germany but many resorts have strict rules.

As in Austria, the grafted or reinstated 2G rule applies to many indoor venues, including restaurants, bars and leisure facilities. Comments from the German government indicate that it is likely to be further tightened from January 15 to introduce 2G+, which means you will also have to submit a negative COVID test.

Requirements may vary by state, however, 2G+ rules are already in place in Bavaria and ski resorts are closed in some areas. So before taking any decision it is best to check what is going on at the resort you are planning to visit.

Italy

To enter Italy, skiers must show evidence of vaccination or recovery with a negative PCR test done within 48 hours of arrival or an antigen test done within 24 hours.

The Italian government introduced new rules for ski resorts after cases escalated late last year. Before now, the Green Pass, which you can obtain with a negative COVID test, gives you access to trails in white or yellow danger areas.

But from January 10th you need a very green pass to access ski slopes across the country. This applies to anyone over the age of 12 and means you must be fully vaccinated or have proof of recovery from the virus.

When your ski passes are verified, this Super Green pass will also be checked. FFP2 or medical masks are also mandatory on ski slopes and wherever it is not possible to maintain sufficient distance, even in outdoor queues.

A super green corridor will also be required to enter the bar or restaurant, as well as to dine in the outdoor seating areas. After the last rule change, Non-vaccinated people will no longer be able to access a negative COVID test to enter these places.

Swiss

Since 22 January, Switzerland has removed the requirement for pre-travel polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing for vaccinated visitors. People who can show that they have recently recovered from COVID may also go without pre-travel testing.

Ski resort regulations across Switzerland were issued in October 2021 after the government agreed that no certificate would be required to access the country’s slopes.

A COVID certificate will be required to enter any bar, restaurant or other indoor facility, indicating that you have received vaccinations, have been cured or tested negative.

You won’t need this if you plan to eat only with seating outside.

Face masks are mandatory on cable cars or cable cars, and some resorts are limiting their ability to help stop the spread of the virus. Individual resorts may also impose any other restrictions on travelers that they deem necessary.

So check before you go for a ski break, especially if your final destination borders another country that may have strict restrictions.