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.
2nd December 2021
It’s been a long time for most of us so here’s something to get us in the mood for skiing.
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
Inghams has recently launched its Covid-19 Online Hub to guide customers through the various and complex rules. Here it looks at the situation in Switzerland.
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
It is no great surprise and it brings France into line with Austria and Italy. There have been further changes to mask wearing rules with more requirements. UPDATED
24th November 2021
The iconic US resort that is a firm favourite of PlanetSKI is firing up its lifts in time for Thanksgiving Day on Thursday. Here we look at the resort and what the season may hold in store. 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
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.
20th November 2021
The whole country goes into lockdown on Monday. Some ski resorts remain open this weekend for final turns and others are now changing their opening plans. NEW
18th November 2021
The highest resort in the Alps kicked off its season at the weekend. The French resort plans to be open until the beginning of May. PlanetSKI is in the resort for its opening – we’re finally back on the slopes and making some turns. UPDATED
18th November 2021
It comes as cases surge despite a recent increase in restrictions. Vaccinations will alos be made compulsory. The move will have a significant impact on the start of the ski season, but it is hoped it will mean Xmas skiing can take place. UPDATED
18th November 2021
Intersport is running a ‘White Friday’ promotional campaign with some seriously good offers. The offer is underway and expires on November 29th so you’ll need to hurry.
17th November 2021
The UK’s largest ski operator has created a special information hub to help people navigate through all the details about getting to the slopes with all the various Covid-19 rules and regulations.
15th November 2021
It advises on the resort best for families, best for foodies, best for snowboarders, best for luxury and best for spring skiing. NEW
15th November 2021
Both companies specialise in short breaks to the mountains and will be run by a parent company Ski Elements Ltd.
10th November 2021
Hell Yeah! The Ikon Pass covers many fabulous resorts in the USA and Canada and so with a single pass you can ski dozens of resorts. PlanetSKI reports from experience on the possibilities and what road trips are all about.
9th November 2021
Some countries, including Austria and Switzerland, require people to have had their second jab within a set time frame. The ommission of the booster will therefore affect some winter travel unless changes are made. NEW
8th November 2021
With the US borders now open to travellers from Europe latest figure show travellers from the UK are most keen to visit. It is hoped by ski resorts that this transfers to winter tourism.
8th November 2021
A health pass will not be needed to use ski lifts, though masks will need to be worn. President Macron has announced some further details about the criteria for the ‘pass sanitaire’ that will be needed in the resorts next winter. UPDATED
5th November 2021
At a time when chalets are in short supply as some UK operators have cut them back due to employment laws and Brexit, one operator is adding to its portfolio. And throwing in a few free airport transfers. NEW
4th November 2021
World attention is on the COP26 summit and how we can tackle the climate situation. Skiers wanting to head to France are being advised that train travel is perhaps better for the planet.
3rd November 2021
The Ikon Pass expands further into Europe with the addition of Dolomiti Superski in Italy and Kitzbühel in Austria for Winter 21/22. Time is running out to buy the pass that gives access to 47 ski areas across 9 countries and 5 continents.
31st October 2021
Skiing starts at 800m and heads up to 3,600m. The spectacular mountain resorts and the people of Isère in France are waiting to share their region with visitors again. Much of its skiing is perhaps not familiar to UK visitors – yet.
31st October 2021
Train journeys in France from 3rd January to 28th March 2022 are now on sale. This means that for those dates, Eurostar journeys can be combined with onward trains to the Alps. UPDATED
31st October 2021
In SalzburgerLand resorts have taken advantage of the pandemic pause to invest in improved ski facilities, plus launch new and refurbished hotels.
28th October 2021
The iconic US resort is due to open at the end of November in time for the Thanksgiving Weekend. Things are looking pretty good with the first snow already falling. Time for a bucket list ski trip across The Pond?
28th October 2021
One scenario sees UK Covid cases remaining stubbornly high and perhaps further nations restricting travel. Another sees our cases tumbling as we enter a post-pandemic world. Whatever the outcome the next month will have a crucial impact on the season ahead. UPDATED
27th October 2021
The White House has outlined new rules for foreign travellers to the US that will affect those heading to ski in the USA this winter. Flight restrictions are lifted on November 8th. NEW
24th October 2021
People returning to England now need to take lateral flow test instead of the more expensive PCR test. However with surging Covid-19 cases in the UK there are worries that some European nations may not welcome people from the UK with a huge impact on the ski season. UPDATED
24th October 2021
The resort in the Portes du Soleil is looking ahead to winter. It has been working hard to ensure that guests can enjoy the resort’s facilities safely and hassle-free, while experiencing a warm and heartfelt French Alpine welcome.
22nd October 2021
Thousands of snowsport fans have been at the first ever National Snow Show that took place at the NEC, Birmingham last weekend. PlanetSKI was among them. So, how was it? UPDATED
21st October 2021
With the realistic prospect of post-pandemic skiing this winter many are looking to take a bucket list trip or ski somewhere entirely different. Perhaps Norway is worth a look. We think so.
21st October 2021
The Travelski Express is set to roll with inclusive ski holidays to six resorts in the French Alps. Perhaps now is the time to take a ski holiday by train.
20th October 2021
It is the growing worry as cases in the UK continue to rise. Morocco has banned flights to and from the UK and others with alpine countries watching our rising cases closely. Lateral flow tests are now needed for returning travellers, with the UK’s travel testing regime is set to stay in place into the New Year. UPDATED
20th October 2021
The Black Friday deals are over, but we have the latest deals coming through. There are some good deals from the family specialists, Esprit Ski. Check out the latest… UPDATED
20th October 2021
The Austrian resort is aiming to be one of the safest resorts in the Alps in a post-pandemic ski world.
19th October 2021
The Tirol in Austria has around 80 ski resorts and 3,000 kilometres of pistes and is a firm favourite for families. We asked the Tirol Tourist Office to recommend its Top Five. NEW
18th October 2021
More resorts opened in Austria and Switzerland at the weekend. 19 resorts in the Alps are now offering some skiing and snowboarding. The start of the ski season of 2021/22 continues. UPDATED
15th October 2021
It is the move the US ski resorts have been waiting for and opens up the USA for international skiers and snowboarders this winter. UPDATED
14th October 2021
It is stressing its Covid-19 precautions, the attractions of its snow and mountain regions plus the additional extras offered by a ski holiday in the Austrian Alps. It is all part of a multi-million euro marketing campaign, ‘Winter Love’. UPDATED
13th October 2021
That’s the claim from the Post Office Travel Money Ski Resort Report by the UK’s largest ski operator, Crystal Ski Holidays. PlanetSKI has been given a peak of it ahead of the main annual report in December. UPDATED
6th October 2021
The government says it hopes PCR tests will not be needed by the end of the October half term break. The UK traffic light system has already gone. It means restrictions will largely be eased for vaccinated people wanting to take a mountain break. UPDATED
6th October 2021
The UK’s largest ski tour operator has a simple message for next winter – REMEMBER THE FEELING: LET’S GET BACK TO THE MOUNTAINS. Who are we to disagree?
2nd October 2021
At PlanetSKI we are looking at the rules and regulations in place in the main ski nations as winter approaches. All the main ski nations have confirmed that resorts are set to open. First we look at the situation in Austria.
2nd October 2021
Good skiing and snowboarding is a given in the French resort in the Portes du Soleil that is a firm favourite with UK skiers. See the full details of what’s on offer this winter from the resort’s tourist office.
1st October 2021
The announcement has been made by the government and other measures will be considered in the coming weeks. The government declared some weeks ago that the resorts would open this winter & some start later this month.
1st October 2021
The optimism found after the government announced an easing of the travel rules in time for winter is continuing. Is it justified? Some operators advise people to book now as supply is limited. Are they right? UPDATED
28th September 2021
If you are a beginner or you are going with someone who has never been on the slopes before, then should it be skiing or snowboarding? Our good friends over at Crystal Ski Holidays have some advice.
26th September 2021
President Biden has ordered all private companies, including ski resorts, with more than 100 employees to make vaccinations compulsory. Those who refuse will need to be tested each week. It comes as ski resorts release details of their Covid-19 rules.
26th September 2021
Covid-19 and Brexit have turned traditional chalet holidays upside down. So Ski France has come up with a new concept, Contactless Catered Chalets, ready for the 2021/22 ski season.
26th September 2021
Western Europe’s other mountain range is often overlooked, but it has some fabulous skiing and snowboarding in France, Andorra and Spain. We look at what the region offers with the specialist, Absolutely Snow.
25th September 2021
The ski specialist has new offerings and is urging people to book early for post-pandemic skiing and snowboarding next season. It is reporting a surge in bookings as travel restrictions are set to ease.
24th September 2021
We have been inundated with requests to extend the free ticket codes so we have negotiated a few more from the organisers. NEW
23rd September 2021
A decree has been signed looking forward to ski resorts operating from 15th October with an 80% capacity in cable cars and gondolas. Other rules will also be in place. It is the first ski nation to give a clear indication of what things may look like next season.
