SKIING IN A COVID_19 WORLD
Precisely what winter 2020/21 will bring in terms of trave and skiing is still anybody’s guess, but we look at what the ‘new normal’ might look like in a Covid-19 ski world…
Getting a strong Covid-19 strategy in place this winter is critical to the survival of the world’s ski resorts, as the Tirolean resort of Ischgl knows all too well.
The first of several lawsuits, including one proposed class-action lawsuit representing over 6,000 individuals, was filed against the Republic of Austria in late September, claiming that authorities prioritised financial gain over the health of visitors to Ischgl by knowingly downplaying the threat posed to them by the Covid-19 outbreak experienced there in early March 2020.
In a country known for its love of suing, America’s Vail Resorts came out loud and proud, announcing its winter operations strategy for all 34 of its global resorts in late August. Most major European resorts have now confirmed their Covid-19 protocols for the winter, most of which are aligned with the Vail Resorts’ blueprint and based on experience gained while operating lifts in what’s proved to be a bumper Alpine summer season. Largely speaking, you can expect the following regulations in resorts:
Mandatory use of face masks for all guests aged 11 years and above in lift queues, on lifts, on public transport and in all public buildings, such as hotels, lift ticket offices and ski rental shops
Physical distancing on chairlifts and gondolas
Cashless financial transactions across the mountain and resort
Advance purchase of lift tickets online, with financial incentives to book early. Also, new pick-up boxes dotted across resorts for easy collection and increased options to purchase tickets from hotels and chalets
Ski schools are also adapting to the Covid-19 world, insisting on pre-booking and limiting the number of guests in group classes. For example, New Generation ski school (skinewgen.com), which operates in France, Austria and Switzerland, has launched a number of flexible booking options, such as an optional 7% bookings fee to qualify for a full refund and the option to defer bookings made by 31 October 2020 for up to 24 months.
These measures are, of course, dependent on whether international travel will be permitted during the winter months, and on the imposition of local and national lockdowns. Keep checking on the Ski Club website for the latest updates on Covid-19 ski news.