Summer in the Mountains

Cervinia in Italy and Tignes in France are the latest resorts to fire up their lifts for summer. They join others open in Switzerland and Austria. It will though be a far from normal summer.

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.

As lockdown restrictions are eased and some border controls lifted the ski resorts are preparing for summer. It will though be a very different experience.

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 UK is set to introduce quarantine measures for international visitors. France, though not the other alpine nations, is exempt. Other alpine countries put restrictions and quarantine regulations in place back in March. They re more likely to be extended rather than lifted. UPDATED

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.