Summer in the Mountains

People in England can start thinking about booking foreign holidays again this summer. The government has unveiled further details of its traffic light system, though there is criticism of the testing costs and most European countries still have high levels of Covid-19.

It is a surprisingly simple formula that gives an indication of which country may be going on and off the list. Much of the Alps and Pyrenees are out of bounds unless you are prepared to go into 14-day quarantine, but not everywhere.

PlanetSKI has recently been in Switzerland. It would have been rude not to pop over the border to one of our favourite places in the mountains and where we lived last winter – Aosta. And take a few pictures.

Despite the new quarantine regulations from France it is possible to drive across France from another country in a private vehicle as long as people do not get out, or allow anyone in. And use the Channel Tunnel.

The Foreign Office is warning against “all but essential travel” to France. It’s dealt a body blow to UK visits to the French Alps and the French Pyrenees this summer. It remains possible to drive across France to reach or return from another country.

An ice block of 500,000 cubic metres is threatening to fall. Some people have been evacuated from their homes and hotels on the Italian side of the mountain. Footpaths and areas of the mountain have been sealed off.

As cases rise in many parts of Europe Italy seems to be currently on top of the pandemic. PlanetSKI looks at the situation in Italy and considers a summer visit to the Italian Alps.

Falls Creek and Hotham Alpine Resort in the state of Victoria will not re-open for Spring skiing, the owners, Vail Resorts, have announced.  

Austria has had some snow and there’s been a dusting elsewhere. Summer snow is not unusual and has helped refresh the glaciers open for skiing.

The team at PlanetSKI is reporting all the news & developments as it affects the snowsports world in our ever-popular rolling blog. If you want to see its impact and the response of skiers & snowboarders then read on… UPDATED

If you’re one of the thousands who have taken to the saddle during lockdown, why not challenge the legs with a trip to one of the top cycling destinations in the Alps?

Lockdown is easing across the Alps and beyond. We covered the stories of our readers, reporters and others under lockdown. So, what are they up to as restrictions are lifted? UPDATED

It fired up its lifts on Wednesday and people had to make reservations with only 600 allowed on the slopes. So many people have tried to book online that system was unable to cope.

There is a chance the ski resort could open later this week. If so what will skiing and snowboarding look like as covid-19 restrictions will be in place and enforced?

Italy has announced that travel will be allowed from June 3rd.  It follows Austria, France and Switzerland relaxing some restrictions today with a plan for borders reopening on June 15th.

Timberline Lodge in Oregon has fired up its lifts after the governor allowed resorts to reopen. Other ski resorts in the state remain closed as they prepare for summer.

Will it be enough to kick start summer tourism safely? Some alpine tourism is set to restart and there are implications for next winter’s ski season.

A small number may offer some skiing but for most it will be summer activities. Arapahoe Basin is one that wants to offer skiing again as others say it is too late.

The Kitzsteinhorn glacier in Salzburgerland is being prepared for opening on May 29th.  There will be some restrictions and social distancing measures will be required.

Timberline Ski Area in Oregon says it will open if an executive order from the governor, Kate Brown, allows.

New Zealand says it has stopped the community transmission of Covid-19, effectively eliminating the virus. Ski resorts are cautiously optimistic they will be able to open for a locals’ season, albeit under tight restrictions.