Italy is reopening its slopes to recreational skiers after one season lost and another abbreviated by the pandemic. Here is a glance at how the season is proceeding in Europe’s Alpine nations.
ITALY: Italy is reopening for the 2021-22 season after a near-complete closure last season and an early closure in 2020 after it became the first country in the West to detect local transmission of the coronavirus.
Government regulations require a health pass to access certain areas, which can be obtained with proof of vaccination, having recovered from the virus or a negative test in the last 24 hours. The new system launched Saturday in the first two ski areas to open.
Glacier skiing opened earlier this month; Italy’s ski season officially opens Dec. 4.
SWITZERLAND: Switzerland, which kept its ski slopes open last year, is sticking to its plans again this year. The season has started in pockets that have gotten patches of early snowfall, though it’s not expected to switch into full gear before mid-December.
Last year, restaurants were closed. They’ve since reopened, but patrons must show their COVID passes. Skiers won’t have to show the passes to get onto ski lifts but will be required to wear masks on them.
The Swiss are expecting more foreign visitors. A year ago, the numbers were kept down by testing and quarantine requirements. But coronavirus cases have been on a sharp rise in recent weeks in the country, and Swiss tourism officials admit things could change.
FRANCE: The 250 French ski areas have a plan for reopening after the write-off of last season. Val Thorens, Europe’s highest winter sports resort, became the first of France’s Alpine areas to allow skiers back, on Nov. 20.
In resorts, wearing a mask will be compulsory for those aged 11 or above in all ski lifts and lines. Only surface lifts and conveyor belts are exempted from mask rules. Social distancing measures also are in place.
The French Ski Areas Association said that if the national COVID incidence rate goes beyond 200 cases per 100,000 inhabitants — as is expected very soon — the Health Pass will be mandatory for skiers.
