Many ski resorts across Europe are not operating over the festive period due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This comes as governments wish to discourage people from traveling outside of their local area and mingling in and around ski resorts.

This is already having a huge impact on the ski tourism industry, which is set to lose billions of euros this year. So, what’s the situation in Europe’s major ski destinations? We take a look.

France

France led the way in shutting ski resorts over the festive period. This has been done to contain a new wave of infections across the country and to discourage people from traveling en masse over the festive period. Ministers have said that they will allow resorts to open on January 7, if the coronavirus situation allows. They also announced that the 2021 budget has put aside 400 million euros to support ski resorts that have been forced to close for Christmas holidays.

The French Alps

Italy

Italy France’s lead and has closed resorts over the festive period, with the possibility of re-opening on January 7, depending on the Covid situation. There are also restrictions on people heading to the slopes in neighboring Switzerland and a 10-day quarantine will be in place for foreigners coming into Italy. Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte said: “It’s not possible to allow holidays on the snow, we can’t afford it”.

The Dolomites, Italy

Austria

Austria has adopted a slightly different approach to France and Italy. Ski resorts there will open on the 24 th of December for locals only and accommodation will remain shut. Foreigners are discouraged from traveling to Austria for skiing over the festive period, with a 10-day quarantine period in place for anyone coming from high-risk countries. These include the neighboring ski countries and the UK. Like France and Italy, they hope to open resorts fully on January 7.

Skiing in Austria

 Switzerland

Switzerland has a different attitude towards the ski season, which has proved to be a controversial topic over the past few weeks. They have opened ski resorts as usual but with restrictions in place. Visitors from other countries are discouraged from traveling there, with resorts opening for the domestic market.

This decision has not been welcomed by the EU, who are trying to come to an agreement with the Swiss authorities to avoid any unfair competition. French and Italian leaders have called on the Swiss government to shut slopes, but Switzerland is, so far, intent on going ahead with plans to keep resorts open.

Zermatt Valley, Switzerland

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