Covid-19 and the mountains: what is the health protocol in the ski resorts this winter?

Like every winter, many of us want to go to the mountains to enjoy the snow and winter sports. After a blank season due to the health crisis, the good news is that ski resorts are preparing to reopen for the 2021/2022 winter season. However, as Covid-19 is still in effect, the government has published a national protocol that includes the ski lifts, so that the public can enjoy the joys of the mountains in complete safety

Can we ski this winter in French ski resorts?

With the rebound of contaminations linked to Covid-19, it is legitimate to ask the question about the possibility to go or not to the French ski resorts this winter. The government has recently pronounced itself on the subject and the answer is yes! The French can therefore book their accommodation in the destination of their choice, in the Alps, the Pyrenees, the Massif Central, the Vosges or even the Jura. As we will see below, some rules must be respected to limit the risks of contamination.

What is the protocol set up in French ski resorts for the winter of 2021-2022 to fight against Covid-19?

In order to fight against the spread of Covid-19 in French ski resorts, the government has published a protocol that applies throughout the territory. Here is what it stipulates: firstly, wearing a mask is compulsory from the age of 11 in all ski lifts as well as in the waiting lines. Accepted masks are surgical masks, category 1 fabric masks and certain approved filtering neck protectors. Note that for children aged 6 to 11, masks are only recommended. Then, in the access lines, a distance must be maintained between people or groups of people. The barrier gestures are of course required (coughing into your elbow and regular use of hydroalcoholic gel). Gel will be available in large numbers in the various resorts. Once on the slopes, wearing a mask is no longer mandatory

Another important element is whether or not a health pass is required. For the moment, access to ski resorts can be done without a pass. But the government leaves itself the possibility of hardening the rules as soon as the national incidence rate exceeds 200 cases per 100 000 inhabitants. In this case, the health pass will become compulsory from the age of 12 to have access to the ski lifts, the ski slopes, to take lessons and in the physical areas where ski passes are sold. Lift operators and instructors will be able to check the health pass at random, at various times.

As for restaurants and bars, the legislation is the same as for the whole territory. The health pass is compulsory to be able to set up and consume. In hotels, it is not necessary to have a pass to reserve a room. However, it is required for access to restaurants, wellness areas and other communal areas. Finally, the health pass is not required in shops.

Will all ski resorts be open?

Yes, all French ski resorts are ready to welcome the public. Moreover, some resorts have anticipated their opening date because of the abundant snowfall at the end of the year. Tignes and les 2-Alpes have been accessible since October for glacier skiing, Val Thorens since November 20th. The ski resorts of the Alps are often among the destinations where the snow falls the earliest and where you can enjoy winter sports from November.

It should also be noted that the activities and events are maintained. Everything is in place to ensure that barrier measures are respected. The sanitary pass is not compulsory in the open air, it becomes compulsory when the events take place in closed places like a bar for example.

Which are the first ski resorts to open this winter?

Many French ski resorts will open on the weekend of December 4th. This is the case for several resorts in Savoie and Haute-Savoie: La Clusaz, Les Gêts and Le Grand-Bornan for example. The snow has fallen abundantly over the last few days and the conditions are already ideal for downhill skiing, snowboarding, cross-country skiing or even a dog sled ride. Thesnow cover is also exceptional at the end of the year in the Pyrenees. The resorts of Cauterets, Grand-Tourmalet and Luz-Ardiden in particular will open on the weekend of 3 and 4 December. In the Vosges, La Bresse-Hohneck will also open on December 4th and you have to be a little bit more patient to ski in the Massif Central. Super Besse will open on December 11th, Le Lioran on December 18th.