The Swiss Way: Ski Areas Remain Open

While in many countries ski resorts are closed during the second corona wave, the ski season in Switzerland is in full swing. This makes the Alpine Republic currently the only country in Central Europe where skiing is possible. The operators and also the politicians are convinced that they can offer safe winter tourism with comprehensive safety and hygiene concepts. This is to remain the case for the upcoming holidays as well, although a reduction in capacity is also being implemented in Switzerland. However, a complete closure of the ski resorts as in Germany, France and Italy is out of the question

Unlike during the first corona wave in the spring, when all ski resorts were closed, Switzerland opted for a different strategy in autumn. Instead of a strict lockdown, they concentrated on extended compulsory masks, hygiene and distance rules despite very high corona numbers. Only in severely affected cantons did they introduce stricter rules such as the closure of restaurants. For financial reasons, the economy and also tourism are to be kept going at all costs, and the mountain railways and ski resorts with extensive hygiene concepts are also to be kept open.

In the glacier ski areas of Saas-Fee and Zermatt, the lifts have been running since summer and Laax, Andermatt and Engelberg-Titlis have also been open since October. After the snowfalls of the last few weeks, more resorts are starting the new season every weekend. Only the small ski area Fideriser Heuberge has decided to suspend this ski season due to Corona and not to open.

Swiss ski resorts rely mainly on distance regulations and compulsory masks in their protection concepts. Mouth and nose protection must be worn in all ski lifts, i.e. gondolas, chair lifts and also drag lifts. Masks must also be worn in queuing areas and indoor areas such as ski hire or restaurants. Unlike in neighbouring countries, in Switzerland self-sewn masks or simple scarves are not regarded as suitable mouth and nose protection. Only medical masks or industrially manufactured textile masks (community masks) are permitted here.

Some ski resorts also have more stringent measures. In Andermatt-Sedrun-Disentis, for example, the capacity of the aerial tramway on the Gemsstock is limited at the start of the season. Reservations are required in advance on weekends. In addition, in cantons with a very high number of cases, some restaurants are closed and only offer a take-away service for skiers. You can find out exactly which measures apply in the respective ski areas in each ski-area-entry and also find further links there.

>> List: Open ski areas in Switzerland

Guests from abroad should note that numerous countries have issued travel warnings for Switzerland due to the very high corona numbers. When returning to the home country, ten days of quarantine should be expected. Likewise Switzerland has its own risk list. Visitors from these countries must first be quarantined before hitting the slopes. In neighboring countries, only some Austrian and Italian regions are currently classified as risk areas. Germany is not on the list so far.

The Swiss saw the effect of their Corona strategy confirmed in the drop in infection figures. Mainly due to the extension of the mask requirement and the regional restrictions in the gastronomy sector, the numbers initially dropped significantly in November, albeit still at a very high level.

However, as the situation has deteriorated again in the past two weeks, the Federal Council is now reacting by tightening the measures. To prevent infection figures from exploding because of the upcoming holidays, the Swiss are to limit their meetings to two households from December 9. Contact information will be recorded in restaurants for tracking purposes. From December 12 to January 20, catering establishments, stores and leisure and sports facilities are then to remain open only until 7 p.m. and completely closed on Sunday.

Ski resorts are not affected by this rule. They will remain open for domestic tourism. However, only two-thirds of the seats may be occupied in closed means of transport, which include trains, gondolas and cable cars. Masks are compulsory on all lifts and in queues. In restaurants, guests may only be allowed inside if a table is free. A maximum of four people may sit at each table.

From December 22, ski resorts will also need a permit from the canton to operate. This may only be granted if the epidemiological situation in the canton allows it (capacities in hospitals, testing, etc.) and an appropriate protection concept is in place. The cantons are obliged to monitor compliance with the rules. If abuses occur, the skiing area's permit can be withdrawn again.

While Switzerland wants to keep its ski areas open, a dispute has erupted in neighboring countries over closing ski slopes until mid-January. The heads of government of Italy, France and Germany want to keep the ski areas closed until after the Christmas vacations and called for a Europe-wide solution for this.

However, both Switzerland and Austria were strongly opposed to this proposal. Austria has since decided to reopen the ski resorts from December 24, but only for day tourists and local guests, as hotels and restaurants will remain closed until January 6. In addition, travel restrictions with quarantine obligation will be introduced around the Christmas holidays.