After the premature end of the season due to the Coronavirus pandemic, it was extremely encouraging to see that the lifts in Chamonix started again last weekend.
Lifts working again in Chamonix
Under the French ‘déconfinement’ rules people are currently only allowed to travel a maximum of 100km.
Despite this over 1000 people enjoyed the first trips on the Aiguille du Midi cable car and the Montenvers rack railway.
Social Distancing in place
These were the first lifts to operate in France since 15 March and might give some insight into how ski resorts will operate this winter.
Capacity on the lifts was reduced to 40% of the usual levels, with 2m distancing marked clearly:
The wearing of masks was compulsory and thermal cameras measured the temperature of everyone taking the lift:
Which resort will be next to open?
The lifts in Chamonix will be opening again each weekend for the immediate future.
Next in line to open will be the resorts of Les 2 Alpes and Val d’Isère. Both resorts plan to open their glacier skiing on 06 June.
These plans depend on the control of Covid-19 progressing as planned. The next raft of ‘déconfinement’ measures will be confirmed on 02 June.
Assuming this goes ahead as planned, both resorts will be offering skiing. It is likely as well resorts will be accessible to people beyond the existing 100km limit.
When will UK residents be able to ski in France again?
This is a harder question to answer. Everything is dynamic, but Italy has announced it is opening its borders in early-June and Spain hopes to do the same from late-June.
France currently has no plans to open its borders and the UK government has suggested there might be a 14-day quarantine period for anyone returning from overseas.
However, this only applies for someone desperate to ski this summer. As far as next winter is concerned, it looks like ski resorts will certainly be opening.
A recent survey of UK ski industry professionals showed that 92% expect ski resorts to open, although most expect social distancing to be in place.
Booking ski holidays for next winter
We can understand you might be concerned about booking a ski holiday for next winter, but we have already taken plenty of bookings.
Many tour operators have changed their booking conditions to allow a full refund in case of Covid-19, meaning you can secure your chalet at no risk.
Companies are also updating their hygiene protocols to adjust to the ‘new normal’.
Perhaps the best start would be to contact our small team of experts on 01822 617761. We can give you independent advice on finding the right chalet for you.
