France Unveils What Resorts Will Look Like Next Winter
25th September 2020
Last modified on May 20th, 2021
The body representing the French mountain resorts, France Montagnes, has published details of the Covid-19 rules for next winter. Some things will be the same with others very different.
France Montagnes is the federating body of French mountain resorts, regional tourist boards, ski lift companies, French ski schools and other organisations.
It has created this infographic to try to explain things:
Here at PlanetSKI this week we have reported on what things will look like at the ski resort of Morzine in the Portes du Soleil.
Morzine Unveils Covid-19 Plans for Next Winter
Here are the general rules and regulations covering all the resorts in the Alps and the Pyrenees.
Measures on ski lifts
Specific measures are being applied to ski lifts including social distancing, single-directional movement and flow management in lift queues, obligatory mask-wearing and regular disinfection of equipment.
Measures at ski schools
When gathering at the beginning or at the end of the class, it is mandatory to wear a face mask for everyone aged over 11 years old.
The mask can be taken off while on the slopes.
All hired equipment will be thoroughly cleaned.
If during the class, the group will walk into a public indoor space, it is mandatory to wear a face mask and hand sanitising gel will be made available.
Measures in bars and restaurants
All guests must wear a face mask when walking in a bar or restaurant and when walking around the premises.
Once seated, a table service only operates and tables are 1 metre apart minimum or separated with fixed or removable panels to ensure physical distancing.
A thorough cleaning of all surfaces is done more frequently and hand sanitising gel is made available.
Measures in equipment hire shops
Shops are enclosed spaces and wearing a face mask is compulsory for both staff and customers, hand sanitising gel is also made available.
All hired equipment is thoroughly cleaned before and after use.
Measures in accommodation and tourist offices
It is compulsory to wear a face mask in all communal and enclosed spaces, this includes accommodation and tourists offices.
Accommodation hosts in the mountains will be providing guests with full details of the measures put in place for their stay.
“The evolution of the pandemic remains unpredictable, so you may hear of local increases in COVID-19 numbers or possible local lockdowns. So please do travel responsibly, follow local government guidelines and ensure that you have valid and up-to-date travel insurance,” adds France Montagnes.
The EHIC (European Health Insurance Card) will not be valid for travel after 31 December 2020, once the UK has left the EU on December 31st.
See here for the latest UK Government advice on travel to the EU from 1st January 2021.
There is currently a quarantine between the two countries with people being requested or required to isolate for 14-days.
If this remains in place there will likely be very few British skiers and snowboarders who will head to the French Alps and Pyrenees.
The French ski season is due to start in the glacier resort of Tignes on October 10th.
Snow conditions look like they will be good with a huge storm currently hitting the Alps, with Tignes expected to see around 50cm of fresh snow.
