19th January 2022
Testing rules for entering Switzerland were relaxed on Saturday. It’s been welcomed by the ski resorts & UK operators that offer ski holidays in Switzerland, but cases in the country remain high with health services under pressure. UPDATED
19th January 2022
It was the ambitious target the country sought to achieve before the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics. It claims it’s done it. Some are sceptical about Chinese claims.
19th January 2022
The flag is a physical sign of welcome to British skiers and snowboarders following the decision of the French government to lift the ban on non-essential travel from the UK. NEW
16th January 2022
Canada is open for skiing and, if you’re up for the trip of a lifetime, there is a whole lot on offer this winter with the adventure ski specialist Mabey Ski.
16th January 2022
A French man in his 40’s was arrested shortly after the accident in Flaine and has been has been in custody since Saturday in Bonnevile. There are growing concerns about collisions on the slopes and people out of control. UPDATED
14th January 2022
The news that France is now open for vaccinated skiers and snowboarders travelling from UK has led to a spike in bookings and enquiries. Ski holidays in France are back on and it seems there’s a huge pent-up demand, though some are angry at the ban in the first place.
14th January 2022
Many people are now eager to return to the slopes of France as the border opens up from today. However pressure on options is mounting.
12th January 2022
Travellers from the UK are now welcome in France. It’s a huge relief to the UK ski industry. The decision was announced by the French tourism minister in a tweet. There are still some restrictions in place but it means the remainder of the season looks set to go ahead. UPDATED
12th January 2022
The principality in the Pyrenees is a great alternative to the Alps for your next winter holiday according to the UK tour operator.
9th January 2022
Two people were taken to hospital. An investigation at Beech Mountain Resort in the USA is underway into one of the strangest ski accidents we have seen.
9th January 2022
Italy is now in the grip in a surge of cases with new measures coming into force on Monday 10th January. The Aosta Valley and Abruzzo head into the Yellow Zone, joining Piedmont Lombardy, Veneto and Trentino. The Trentino region may soon become an Orange Zone.
8th January 2022
That is the question from the UK ski agent, Absolutely Snow. We asked the company to provide some answers. There are plenty of hoops to jump through, but skiing and snowboarding remains entirely possible. NEW
8th January 2022
We have been in Zell am See, Saalbach and Kaprun. Experiencing skiing under the Covid rules and enjoying some fresh powder on empty New Year slopes. Has it been worth it? You bet!
6th January 2022
Another lockdown is not ruled out as the country’s Covid Crisis Coordination Commission meets. Masks are now needed outdoors & other measures are tightened. Ski resorts are watching developments closely with World Cup ski racing called off. NEW
5th January 2022
It has been widely welcomed by skiers, snowboarders and the wider snowsports industry. The risk of testing positive out in the Alps and being unable to come home until a period of self-isolation is completed has been removed. UPDATED
5th January 2022
Exact details have not been revealed but France has eased restrictions on ‘work travel’ to and from the UK with immediate effect. It follows earlier remarks from the French government spokesman. There is no easing of border rules for skiing and tourism. UPDATED
5th January 2022
It seems so judging by the briefings and media reports. The travel industry is urging for the change with renewed gusto, If so it will be very welcome by skiers, snowboarders and the UK snowsports industry. UPDATED
4th January 2022
When will France reopen its borders to UK skiers? Will Switzerland continue it open-door policy? What about Austria and Italy? What is the situation in the Pyrenees and Scandinavia? UPDATED
3rd January 2022
It was a lucky escape for Apollo who was out with his owner and friends in the powder in Colorado. The dog ran onto some steeper terrain and was swept away.
2nd January 2022
The International Olympic Committee President, Thomas Bach, said the Games must be ‘beyond all political disputes’. He made the remarks in a New Year message.
2nd January 2022
Shona Brownlee is recognised in the New Year’s Honours as she became the UK’s No 1 monoskier and is in the World Top Ten. She serves in the RAF.
31st December 2021
– It’s Never Too Early to Book a Ski Holiday
– Beijing 2022 Slopestyle Course Unveiled
– First GB Female for Summer & Winter Olympics
– UN Calls for Olympic Truce to be Observed … LIVE & UPDATED
30th December 2021
Snowsports will be taken to the ‘next level’ as a result of ‘groundbreaking proposals’ that are being worked on. That’s the word from Johan Eliasch in his first New Year Message as the head of the sport’s world governing body.
28th December 2021
The gateway airport to ski resorts in the Austrian Tirol turned more than 100 travellers from the UK away at the weekend. They are reported to have failed to follow newly-imposed Covid-19 restrictions. UPDATED
28th December 2021
New rules are being introduced in response to the Omicron variant as the number of cases in France continues to rise and hits record levels. It does not bode well for British skiers wanting to head to France. UPDATED
24th December 2021
The re-introduction of the rule comes as Omicron continues to spread. High quality masks will need to be worn at certain venues at ski resorts including cinemas, theatres, sporting events and on public transport.
22nd December 2021
The UK and three other European countries have been added to Austria’s virus variant list. It comes into force on December 25th. The measures are less stringent than had been feared.
19th December 2021
Austria introduces new entry rules for UK visitors as Switzerland continues to welcome British skiers. France & Germany have imposed travel restrictions & worries continue for further travel rules to the ski nations. We have indications that further border controls are coming. UPDATED
16th December 2021
People need ‘compelling reasons’ to travel with mandatory tests for departures and arrivals. It deals a heavy blow to those planning to ski in the French mountains over Christmas and the resorts waiting to welcome them. The key question is how long the rules will remain in place. UPDATED
16th December 2021
We have reaction from skiers, resorts, UK tour operators and local businesses in the French mountains that will be impacted. Some have described it as a ‘hammer blow’ with most angry and bewildered.
16th December 2021
It is a complex yet simple situation in reality out in the mountains. PlanetSKI has reporters in Les3Vallees and Les Arcs in the Paradiski area this final week of people from the UK being able to ski in France. NEW
16th December 2021
People need ‘compelling reasons’ to travel and there are mandatory tests for departures and arrivals. It deals a heavy blow to those planning to ski in the French mountains over Christmas and the resorts waiting to welcome them.UPDATED
14th December 2021
It comes as omicron cases grow in the UK with predictions of a sharp rise in new cases. The French government says it is looking at new measures and will reach a judgement ‘in the coming days.’ UPDATED
14th December 2021
The UK government has announced that the under-16s are now eligible for an NHS Covid Pass for international travel. It’s good news for families planning a ski holiday, though only if the children are double jabbed. UPDATED
13th December 2021
With so many choices, how do you decide where to go on your next snowsports holiday? Inghams can help.
10th December 2021
Brides-Les-Bains in Les3Vallees is added to the existing portfolio of Meribel, Les Arcs, Les Menuires, Val d’Isere, Tignes and La Plagne. All are now on offer as part of a package reaching the Alps by train.
8th December 2021
Snow-Camp, the charity that helps inner-city youngsters get into snowsports, is running a big new fundraising event in Crans-Montana this winter. It’s looking for teams to enter. Fancy it?
8th December 2021
The specialist operator has produced what it calls an ‘Easy Guide’ to help its guests steer a path through the rules while taking a ski holiday in France.
7th December 2021
The end of the national lockdown is welcome news for skiers, snowboarders and the ski industry. However cases remain high & some restrictions will be in place, with the nine provinces deciding some of their own rules in what will be a complex situation. UPDATED
7th December 2021
France has ruled out another lockdown or curfew for the time being despite the number of cases of Covid-19 in the country soaring. Some measures have been tightened.
6th December 2021
American athletes will be competing but no official delegation will be sent to the Winter Games because of concerns about China’s human rights record. The UK is considering its position.
6th December 2021
Switzerland sees more testing & mask wearing with Italy introducing its so-called ‘super green pass’. Cases of the omicron variant continue to grow across the ski nations of Europe as more ski resorts open and it’s hoped the measures will help skiing to continue as normally as possible.
5th December 2021
Eleven people were skiing off piste in Salzburgerland when the accident happened. Eight of them were caught in the slide. Two were injured. The authorities are urging caution after fresh snow falls on an unstable base. UPDATED
5th December 2021
Travellers heading to the UK will now have to take a Covid test before departure. It’s thrown things into further chaos with the ban being described as a ‘hammer blow’ for travel. Some skiers will be prepared to accept the risks & point out it that testing was required for travel last summer. UPDATED
3rd December 2021
In an about turn the Swiss authorities have altered some of the measures announced last week that threw the start of winter into chaos and brought travel misery for many. It has been welcomed by the Swiss ski industry, with stricter testing ordered. UPDATED
2nd December 2021
A Covid Health Pass is needed and masks are mandatory in many settings. The measures have been introduced ‘in order to save the season’. It comes just as the slopes open for the winter with significant snow falling.
1st December 2021
The French government has announced that being double jabbed is not enough. The new measure applies to all people from non-EU countries. UPDATED
1st December 2021
– For When We Can Get to Ski in France
– Colorado Orders Compulsory Masks as Omicron Surges
– Ice Cathedral in the Swiss Alps
– Jackson Hole Tram Opens.. LIVE & UPDATED
30th November 2021
It will take place in October 2022 and claims to be a great event and launchpad for the season – bigger, better, brighter. Will it live up to expectations? PlanetSKI reports from the launch event.
30th November 2021
UK operators have cancelled holidays in December after a mandatory 10-day quarantine was introduced alongside a testing requirement. Ski events have been cancelled.
UPDATED
30th November 2021
The UK government has altered its advice after conversations with Swiss authorities which means skiers can use Geneva airport and others to access ski resorts in France and Italy. Preventing people from the UK using Geneva would have had a huge impact on the French ski industry. UPDATED
28th November 2021
Switzerland has ordered all arrivals from the UK into 10-days quarantine due to the omicron variant. Swiss resorts are affected, but many people also fly into Geneva airport to access ski resorts in France. UPDATED
28th November 2021
It has added the UK to its list of countries where it decided there is a variant of concern. It will have an have an impact on the start of the ski season that is getting underway. There are question marks over people flying into Geneva to access ski resorts in France. UPDATED
27th November 2021
It comes as cases continue to soar in both countries and the Omicron variant is introduced into the equation. Concerns are rising for the approaching ski season in Switzerland and elsewhere. UPDATED
27th November 2021
UK 12-15 years old cannot get double vaccinated, but many ski nations need them to be in order for them to get a health pass. The pass gives them access to access the ski lifts and other resort facilities. Otherwise it is multiple testing in some countries or perhaps not being able to use lifts at all in others.
26th November 2021
From December 6th unvaccinated people will be banned from ski lifts and from taking part in a range of leisure activities. A negative test will not be enough for entry to restaurants, cinemas and other venues. NEW
24th November 2021
VIP SKI is offering free ski guiding at its new property in Arc 1950. It is available for the first two mornings of a holiday.
23rd November 2021
You may love it or you may loathe it, whatever your view Black Friday is upon us. And there are some rather good ski and snowboard deals out there. UPDATED
23rd November 2021
The resort’s 5-month season started last weekend and PlanetSKI was there to enjoy it. We look back at the weekend and forward to the season ahead in the highest resort in the Alps.
22nd November 2021
The Austria Province which is home to some of the major ski resorts in Austria has provided PlanetSKI with the answers to some of its Frequently Asked Questions to keep people informed.
