Not only Austria, Italy and Switzerland, but also the French ski resorts are preparing for the new winter season. Because unlike last winter, French ski resorts will be allowed to reopen in the 2021/2022 season. To ensure that the ski season can start safely in November and December, the French winter sports resorts are also taking extensive safety and hygiene measures. Safety distances, compulsory masks and regular disinfection are at the top of the list.
Corona measures in France
Mountain railways and public transport
Wearing a mask is mandatory both in lift queues and in enclosed lifts, such as gondola lifts or cable cars. In open chairlifts, the mask can be removed after queuing. Masks are compulsory in France from the age of 11.
In order to avoid large gatherings of people and to better maintain distances, queuing areas are also organised with guidance systems. The contact areas are disinfected daily. Capacity restrictions are currently not in place.
A certificate for being vaccinated, recovered or tested negative, which is called "pass sanitaire" in France, is not necessary for the time being. Only when the national 7-day incidence rises to 200 infections per 100,000 inhabitants will the health pass become a prerequisite for using the ski resorts' lift facilities. Currently, the incidence in France is 91.5 (as of 10 Nov 2021).
Update: As the incidence in France is now above 200, the pass sanitaire is required in ski resorts as of December 4!
A protective mask must also be worn when travelling by public transport on buses and trains. For long-distance travel such as domestic flights, TGV, intercity or night trains and interregio buses, the pass sanitaire is obligatory.
Mountain restaurants
The restaurants and huts in the ski areas are open. For them, as in hotels, the pass sanitaire is necessary. As a health passport, you can use the app TousAntiCovid in France, where you can upload your vaccination certificate or current Covid test results. Children under the age of 12 do not need a certificate.
Both employees and guests who move around in the restaurants must wear a mask. The surfaces are regularly disinfected and cleaned. Disinfection gel is also available for guests.
Ski schools & ski rental
Snow sports schools can offer courses again this winter. However, teachers and participants aged 11 and over must wear a mask at the meetings or gatherings at the beginning and end of the course. This is also obligatory on the premises of the ski schools.
Ski rental is also still possible. Masks are compulsory at the rental stations. In addition, the rental material is disinfected and disinfection gel is provided for the customers.
The most popular ski resorts in France
The largest and most popular ski areas in France are in the Rhône-Alpes. Some of the largest ski resorts in the Alps await you here, including Portes du Soleil, Les 3 Vallées and Tignes-Val d'Isère.
The ski season in France starts at the end of November. We have an overview of the planned season starts 2021 of the most popular French skiing areas:
| Chamonix | December, 4 |
|---|---|
| Tignes-Val d'Isère | November, 27 |
| Les 2 Alpes | November, 27 |
| Les 3 Vallées | December, 4 |
| Portes du Soleil | December, 10 |
| Paradiski | December,11 |
