Is the ski season going to go ahead? The short answer is we hope so and currently all resorts in the Northern Hemisphere are open, just be sure to check the entry requirements...

ARE RESORTS OPEN?

The good news seems to be a little infrequent these days. However, there are 2 things to get excited about. But now we have France closing its borders to UK residents so the rules change again.

  • Conditions: The snow has been falling across the Alps and winter has certainly started with a bang.
  • Resort Openings: Currently all resorts in the Northern Hemisphere are open – https://www.inthesnow.com/everywhere-open/

You still have to book in for pre-departure PCR tests (there are instances where you will only need antigen tests though we do recommend PCR tests to be on the safe side against further changes in regulations).

Below you can find more in-depth details of current requirements for each country. You will then be subject to tests in a resort and within 48 hours of flying back to the UK. Note the regulations are constantly changing and the below is just a guide and is not guaranteed, please get in touch if any queries.

We highly recommend having valid travel insurance covering you for cancellations against any new unseen changes to the regulations and in case you or any of your party test positive for COVID prior to departure.

Be sure to print out your NHS Covid Pass showing your vaccination status, these will be needed for entry into some or all public areas in some or all countries. If you cant get it on your phone/tablet or computer, it’s easier just to take a piece of paper skiing with you, and some ID!

Note that the information below is for UK passport holders & residents. Other passports, particularly EU, other rules sometimes apply.

TRAVELLING TO FRANCE

  • Fully vaccinated adults need to show proof of a negative antigen or PCR test taken within 24 hours before departing for France, while unvaccinated adults cannot enter France.
  • Children aged 12 and above who aren’t vaccinated also need a test taken 24 hours before departure, but children 11 and under do not.
  • Note that anyone over 65 must have received their booster shot by December 15 to be allowed into France.
  • Anyone aged 18-64 must have received their booster no later than seven months after their second injection to be considered fully vaccinated — and allowed into the country — after 15th January 2022.

FORMS:

  • NHS Covid Pass proving your vaccination status. Information about getting your NHS Covid Pass here. (A screenshot or a photo is not sufficient).
  • Completed ‘sworn statement’ (déclaration sur l’honneur) form self-certifying you are not suffering from symptoms associated with coronavirus and have not been in contact with confirmed cases in the preceding fortnight. This can be found on the French government’s website

See more advice on travel to France here.

TRAVELLING TO SWITZERLAND

  • Only fully vaccinated adults and their vaccinated or unvaccinated children are allowed to enter for tourism.
  • Everyone aged 16 and above must also provide proof of a negative PCR test taken within 72 hours before departure from the UK.

FORMS:

  • NHS Covid Pass proving your vaccination status. Information about getting your NHS Covid Pass here. (A screenshot or a photo is not sufficient).
  • If you are traveling with a printed PDF proof of vaccination status, it must date from 1 November to ensure that the certificate can be scanned successfully. (Your NHS appointment card from vaccination centres is not designed to be used as proof of vaccination and should not be used to demonstrate your vaccine status).

See more advice on travel to Switzerland here. Further information is available from the State Secretariat for Migration

TRAVELLING TO AUSTRIA

As of the 12th of December, restrictions on tourism are being lifted in a phased manner, with most of them removed by the 20th of December.

  • Only fully vaccinated adults and their vaccinated or unvaccinated children — or people with proof of recovery from a past infection within 180 days — are allowed to enter for tourism purposes from the UK and this applies from 12, 17 or 20 December, depending on the region.
  • When entering Austria you must provide either proof of COVID-19 vaccination, evidence of a current negative COVID-19 test, or proof of recovery from COVID-19.
  • All passengers aged 12 and above must provide proof of a negative PCR test taken within 48 hours before departure from the UK — or proof of recovery from Covid.
  • Children aged 12-17 must self-isolate and register on arrival, unless they or the adult traveling with them are exempt from self-isolation, for example through vaccination. Those who are not vaccinated will not be able to enter any restaurants, access lifts, enter hotels, etc, because they will not be eligible for the country’s health pass.
  • Children aged 11 and under do not require vaccinations nor PCR tests.

FORMS:

  • NHS Covid Pass proving your vaccination status. Information about getting your NHS Covid Pass here. (A screenshot or a photo is not sufficient).
  • When entering Austria you must provide either proof of COVID-19 vaccination, evidence of a current negative COVID-19 test, or proof of recovery from COVID-19. If you are not vaccinated or cannot provide proof of vaccination, you also will need to complete a pre-travel clearance form not more than 72 hours before entry to Austria and self-isolate for 10 days.

See more advice on travel to Austria here.

RETURNING TO THE UK

  • You need to take an antigen or PCR test 48 hours before your flight, train or Channel crossing.
  • After you arrive back in the UK, you’ll need a day 2 PCR test — which can be taken any time within the first two days of your arrival — and you have to self-isolate until you get the results back.
  • You also must complete is ‘Passenger Locator Form‘ online within 48 hours of your arrival back into the UK.