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St Anton Reopens for Skiing

The resort closed earlier this month after compulsory Covid-19 tests were needed due to a surge in coronavirus cases in the Tirol. Systems are now in place and some slopes are open. UPDATED

The ski slopes in the Tirol in Austria are only allowed to be used by people who have proof of a negative Covid test  (PCR or antigen) that has been taken in the previous 48-hours.

We reported on the introduction of the new rules earlier.

Some of the smaller resorts stayed open and others including Kuhtai, Stubai, Soelden and St Anton closed.

Kuhtai and Stubai have already re-opened and now it is the turn of St Anton.

Free Covid-19 tests are on offer from local doctors and no appointment is necessary.

“I was on the slopes on Sunday and it was real spring skiing,” said one of our readers in St Anton, Wilma Himmelfreundpointner who works for the resort’s tourist office.

“Perfect in the morning, slushy in the afternoon. It feels like being in a private ski area. Even though there is a limited number of open lifts, you have lots of space.”

“We are pleased to announce that the Arlberger Bergbahnen will resume operations on Saturday, 27.02.2021,” said the resort ahead of the lifts turning.

Not all the lifts are open but there’s enough for those lucky enough to be able to reach the slopes:

St. Anton:

– Monday to Sunday: Gampenbahn, Galzigbahn, Osthangbahn, Capallbahn, Exercise lift Gampen, Towing lift Nasserein;

– Saturday and Sunday additional: Nasserinbahn;

St. Christoph / Stuben: No ski operation.

Strict social distancing measures are in place and people have to wear an FFP2 mask.

The masks can be bought at the lift ticket office.

Free Covid-19 tests are on offer from local doctors and no appointment is necessary.

“I was on the slopes on Sunday and it was real spring skiing,” said one of our readers in St Anton, Wilma Himmelfreundpointner who works for the resort’s tourist office.

“Perfect in the morning, slushy in the afternoon. It feels like being in a private ski area. Even though there is a limited number of open lifts, you have lots of space.”

Full details of the rules can be found here.

FFP2 mask on the ski slopes of Austria

FFP2 mask on the ski slopes of Austria

The Austrian government is set to make a decision on Monday about whether to relax or tighten the coronavirus lockdown measures across the country.

The Chamber of Commerce is calling for restaurant and bars to open in mid-March.

There has been talk of a testing system at these venues similar to those at ski resorts in the Tirol with a negative test required for entry.

The country’s Coronavirus Commission says Austria remains at a “very high risk” and there is even talk of a further lockdown if cases go to 200 cases per 100,000 of population over a 7-day period.

It currently stands at 145.

We will be reporting the details later on Monday.

Here at PlanetSKI we’ll also be bringing you an update later this weekend from St Anton as skiing and snowboarding gets back underway.