At the moment, there are a number of things to keep in mind when skiing, because Austria, Switzerland, Germany and South Tyrol, for example, all have different rules. In Italy, it should also be noted, among other things, that private liability insurance is required to use official ski areas.

The following guest article is intended to provide an overview of the current regulations in the most frequently booked winter sports countries in Europe.

Austria: Back on the slopes – with après-chill

Austria would like to avoid a corona outbreak like in Ischgl at the beginning of the pandemic in this year's ski season. After the end of the lockdown for the vaccinated and unvaccinated, the country took some protective measures for 2022 to prevent the hotspot from forming again. In Austria, the 2G rule applies in large parts of public life - including skiing (except for children up to twelve). Winter sports enthusiasts need a full vaccination or recovered status to purchase a ski pass. Tickets can usually be bought in the online shop or at the on-site ticket offices - this is where proof of the 2G status is provided.

Ski and snowboard schools are open - the 2G rule also applies here in the small groups. On the slopes, minimum distance and FFP2 masks are compulsory for everyone aged 15 and over in the gondolas, chairlifts with hoods and access areas to the lifts. Up to the age of six there is no obligation to wear a mask, up to the age of 14 a tight-fitting mouth and nose protection is sufficient. Cable cars, ski buses, sports shops and toilet facilities are disinfected with cold fogging devices. In addition, camera systems use density measurements and mobility analyzes to optimize waiting times at the cash desks and lifts. In addition, there is no classic après-ski, as the night restaurants are closed. "Holidaymakers don't have to do without it entirely," says Birgit Dreyer, travel expert at ERGO Reiseversicherung. “In Zell am See-Kaprun, for example, 'Après-Chill' celebrates its premiere. 30 catering establishments have developed a new concept for a quiet but equally enjoyable evening.”

South Tyrol: Mask requirement, distance requirement and 2G

Italy and especially the numerous ski areas in South Tyrol have prepared for the coming season with stricter entry rules for vaccinated and unvaccinated people. In general, 2G+ now applies here for those who have been vaccinated and those who have recovered (plus test) and five days of quarantine for those who have not been vaccinated – here too including a negative test result. In the ski areas themselves, on the other hand, it means 2G for guests and locals – vaccinated or recovered. There are a few exceptions: All winter sports enthusiasts can buy lift tickets at stations that only have open ski and chair lifts. The ski passes should primarily be bought online. When using the lift, a safety distance must be observed and a mask must be worn from the age of six. Proof of 2G is required for the "stop-off" in the ski huts. South Tyrol also relies on the training of employees in ski operations. There is online training for how to deal properly with those who refuse to wear masks.

Switzerland: Keep an eye on dynamic ski prices

According to the Robert Koch Institute, Switzerland is currently a high-risk area. Holidaymakers who are fully vaccinated (2G) as well as those who have recovered need a negative PCR test upon entry – unless they live in the border areas of Bavaria and Baden-Württemberg. A 3G obligation for the use of the cable cars was discussed, but not yet introduced. The cable car operators have the right to introduce their own measures. However, the 3G rule currently applies to people over the age of 16 if they want to stay and stop in the interior of the restaurant. You have to pay for any tests yourself. There are also exceptions, for example when skiing and snowboarding in Samnaun: Due to the association with Ischgl in Austria, a 2G certificate is required here. If a negative test result is presented, some of the systems are also available without 2G. According to the Swiss Federal Office of Public Health (BAG), a mask must be worn in all closed mountain and cable cars, ski lifts and chairlifts as well as in closed station buildings, waiting areas and lift ticket sales points. Masks are mandatory throughout Switzerland from the age of twelve. Ski instructors wear masks for the courses, and these take place in smaller groups with only a few participants.

"Like in other countries in the Alpine region, dynamic ski pass prices are becoming increasingly popular," says expert Birgit Dreyer. “Similar to hotel or flight prices, it can be worth monitoring in advance. We also recommend booking online.”

France: Skiing and snowboarding also possible with a test

Like Switzerland, France is currently considered a high-risk area and is struggling with high infection rates. This results in a number of safety measures for the ski season. As in all countries, in addition to general obligations such as a mask requirement in cable cars and queues (from eleven years of age) and distance requirements, there are also additional protective measures. Our neighbors to the west require proof of vaccination, recovery or a negative test (3G) result. What is the CovPass app in Germany is called “pass sanitaire” in France. It is thus possible to prove one's 3G status - important for gaining access to après-ski bars, for example. Ski schools have developed special hygiene and safety concepts and there are also discounts when buying ski passes online. Important for entry: For people who are not vaccinated or have recovered, there is a ten-day quarantine obligation, from which you can test free on the fifth day at the earliest. A negative PCR test result is also required.

Germany: Different rules depending on the federal state

If you prefer to spend your holiday in Germany this winter and want to use the local ski areas, different rules apply depending on the federal state: 2G in Bavaria, 2G+ in Baden-Württemberg and North Rhine-Westphalia, and 3G in Thuringia. Masks are compulsory and distance is required in all lifts. This does not apply to children up to the age of six and students who are regularly tested. Furthermore, the ski areas rely on sufficient distance, disinfection, visitor management and open windows as well as the general obligation to wear a mask - between the ages of six and 16 a medical mask is sufficient. The ski passes should be booked online and the 2G proof should also be provided online with the booking - tickets for the Zugspitze are only available three days in advance. As far as the ski and snowboard schools are concerned, a concept was worked out with the German Ski Instructors Association (DSLV): courses are offered at different times and without lunchtime supervision. As in all shops, the number of people who can stay inside the ski rental shop is limited. When buying a ski pass, you are asked to book online.