Covid-19 and ski holidays

Should I go on a ski holiday this winter?

Yes, of course! We have been living with this epidemic for many months now and have learnt to adapt our behaviour accordingly by washing our hands, using hydroalcoholic gel and social distancing. To make the most of your holiday, all you have to do is continue these, now normal and everyday hygiene practices. Also, don’t forget that in the mountains, it’s easy to limit your risk of infection by being outside in the great outdoors, far from the crowds.

TRAVELLING FROM THE UK TO FRANCE - 14/01/22

The French government is sofltking health measures at the borders with the United Kingdom for vaccinated travelers.
From this Friday 14th, January, 2022 and until further notice, rules will be as follows (subject to changes):

- All travellers, vaccinated or not, must present a negative test (PCR or antigen test) within 24 hours.
- For vaccinated British travelers, there will no longer be any obligation to justify a compelling reason for coming to France, nor any obligation to respect a period of isolation upon arrival on national territory.
- For non vaccinated British travellers, travels from or to the United Kingdom will be possible, only subject to a compelling reason valid for the "red" countries.

From 12/02/2022, new conditions will apply. More details on Consulate General of France in London

What about the cleanliness of my rental property, how can we be sure that it has been properly disinfected?

Your hosts have put in place very strict sanitary protocols which have been proven to work since summer 2020. Respecting national security recommendations is in everyone's interest; yours, ours and your landlord's, so you can take possession of your rental in complete confidence. For total peace of mind, think about using disinfecting wipes to wipe down points of contact such as door handles and light switches. Don’t hesitate to use the same good practices on holiday as at home.

What will happen on the chair lifts? Will I have to wear a mask?

All ski lifts are considered as a mode of public transport, like buses, trains and the underground, as such it is obligatory to wear a mask on all lifts. The upside to this is that the majority of lifts are in the open air so the mask will keep you warm! Ski Planet Tip : Remember to bring a “Bando2”, the approved Covid-19 barrier mask. Wear it around your neck while descending and then pull it up to use as a mask for going up on the lift. You can also use it on the ski bus and other buses. It is soft, breathable and filters the air as well as keeping you warm. On the slopes you can ski without a mask, unless there is a change in government recommendations.

Since 14/03/22, wearing a mask is no longer compulsory, except in public transport and health establishments. It must also be worn for access to "closed" ski lifts. It is recommended to keep barrier gestures and to remain vigilant.

Will there be any entertainment organised by the resort?

2020 summer season has proved that it is possible to hold certain events by adapting them slightly. Events will take place but will be adapted for your security and wellbeing. Certain events may however, have to be cancelled and replaced by others but rest assured that the tourist office team are already working on exciting alternatives. Thanks to their determination and imagination, you won’t be disappointed!

Après-ski or not?

Again, unless government restrictions are put in place changing currents rules, you can drink your mulled wine at the bottom of the slopes, whilst respecting hygiene barriers. Wash your hands, Wash your hands, Wash your hands…the current mantra! To be followed without moderation! Exactly the same for The Savoyard Evenings in the restaurants, you can go and eat a delicious fondue with friends as long as you don’t put the fondue fork directly from the pot to your mouth then back into the pot, which we shouldn’t do even under normal circumstances! Will covid-19 change our fondue nights forever????

What should I do if I fall ill whilst on holiday?

The simple answer : Exactly the same thing as you would do at home. See a doctor and follow their advice. Medical centres and pharmacies can be found in nearly all ski resorts. Health care professionals in the mountains are adapting just as well as the health care personnel in the city. Hospitals are also located close to the resorts, often in the valley. Whether it’s for a usual ailment or Covid-19 symptoms, see a doctor as soon as possible and follow their advice.

Will I find masks and hydroalcoholic gel in the ski resort?

Of course! Gone are the days of mask and gel shortages, in the mountains as well as in the towns. Whether in pharmacies or mini-supermarkets, you will easily find these 2 essential and trendy products!

Will I be able to make the most of all the services usually offered?

Under the current health measures imposed by the Regional Health Agency, certain services usually offered by chalets and hosts may be subject to restrictions or temporary closures, for example: restaurants and catering, swimming pools, gyms, spa areas (saunas, hammams, whirlpool baths, treatment rooms etc). These measures may change depending on the health situation and on decisions taken by the authorities. Reimbursement only for the days not stayed, if the decision is taken during the reserved dates (cleaning costs could be charged).

What will happen if I have to cancel my holiday due to Covid-19 restrictions?

Total reimbursement of the entire stay* in case of :
- confinement of Covid-19 in your hometown or holiday destination.
- movement restrictions, limited to 100 km from home, for example, on the holiday dates reserved.
- border closures of the client's country of origin or France on the holiday dates reserved.
- closure of the residence, chalet or hotel on the holiday dates reserved.

These governmental or prefectural measures must be in force the day before your arrival date. Proof from the public authorities will be requested. Depending on your country of origin, it is up to you to find out about the health measures in force before you arrive and during your trip.

PLEASE NOTE : If you cancel because you have been unfortunate enough to contract Covid-19, the usual general terms and conditions of sale will apply = no refund of your booking EXCEPT if you have taken out the cancellation insurance proposed at the time of your reservation on our site ski-planet.com, see step “Details & options”

*Refund of the non-consumed services if the French Government measures apply during the stay.

*The cancellation insurance premium (if taken out) remain due and booking fees too.

What is a "Pass Sanitaire" (Health Passport)?

A French Governement Decree was passed on July 20th, 2021 restricting the access to leisure and cultural venues such as cafés, restaurants, swimming-pools, cinemas, theatres, stadium, concerts, wellness and fitness centres to those who can provide a "Pass Sanitaire" / Health Passport. Pass will also be required for long-distance trains, buses and domestic flights (subject to new French government terms in the coming weeks - official decree applied on August 8th, 2021).

The Health Pass indicates that the holder :

- is fully vaccinated against Covid-19, in France it means:
• 1 week after the final dose of Pfizer, Moderna or AstraZeneca vaccine
• 28 days after a Janssen/Johnson &Johnson vaccine
• 1 week after the vaccine dose for people who had Covid (1 dose)
In France, from December 15th, 2021, vaccinated people will have to do a recall, from the moment they are eligible for it and after a maximum of 4 additional weeks. Beyond this period, their QR code will be deactivated automatically.

- or has tested negative in the past 24 hours with either a PCR or antigen test.

- or has the result of a positive RT-PCR or antigen test attesting the recovery from Covid-19 dating more than 11 days and less than 6 months.

In France, from September 30, 2021, the Health Pass is required from 12 years old.

Subject to new government measures in France, tests for adults (from 18 years old) are payable since October 15, 2021 and are on the customer's responsibility.

All information regarding Health Passport (in French) please check: Info Coronavirus Covid-19 - « Pass sanitaire » | Gouvernement.fr

"VACCINE PASSPORT" INFORMATION
In France, from Monday January 24, 2022, the health pass becomes "vaccine pass" (or "pass vaccinal" in French) from 16 years old (the health pass remains the rule for minors aged 12 to 16). It will be required in many places where the health pass was requested, including ski lifts.

"Vaccine pass" is the presentation of:

- either a vaccination prouve (complete vaccination schedule, booster dose included in the time limit for people from 18 years and 1 month who are eligible);
- or the result of a positive test attesting the recovery from Covid-19 dating more than 11 days and less than 6 months;
- or a certificate of medical reasons for not being vaccinated.

More information on Gouvernement.fr - Pass Vaccinal, mode d'emploi. (in French).

During holidays, it is therefore the customer's responsibility to provide one of these formalities if the establishment or any service providers requires.

Since 14/03/22, the vaccine pass has been suspended in all places that required it. But the health pass remains compulsory in hospitals.

Health Pass can be either digital via TousAntiCovid App, or on a paper verion with QR Code.

Where can I get tested in France?
To find the closest test center, please check below link (information only in French): https://www.sante.fr/cf/centres-depistage-covid.html

IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT SWITZERLAND

From January 22nd, 2022, and subject to modification by the authorities in Switzerland, everyone aged 16 an over entering Swiss territory, including people who have been vaccinated or recovered from COVID, must:

- show a complete vaccination scheme proof, or a negative result of a PCR test (performed no more than 72 hours prior to entry), or a negative result of a antigenic test (performed no more than 24 hours prior to entry) or a recovery proof.
- a complete entry form if your arrive by plane or longue distance bus.

In Switzerland, tests are payable and are on the customer's responsibility.

From 14/03/2022, for entry into Swiss territory, no entry form or compulsory negativ test is required.

About entry form and other information, visit Federal Office of Public Health

INFORMATION ABOUT ANDORRA

To go to Andorra, more details on Getting to Andorra.

For the health protocol in Andorra ski resorts, click on Visit Andorra.

Which establishments are affected by the Health Pass in France?

From July 21st, 2021, the Decree specifies that in France:

- Hotel Club, Residence Club, holiday villages, campsites with swimming pools, restaurants and entertainment areas will require the Health Pass on arrival for customers.

- Establishments including common areas (reception, swimming pool, hammam, sauna, etc.) are also affected by the Health Pass.

Health Pass can be either digital via TousAntiCovid App, or on a paper verion with QR Code.

Lastest news please check: Info Coronavirus Covid-19 - « Pass sanitaire » | Gouvernement.fr

A Health Pass will also be requested from customers by the various service providers in the town or mountain resort (ski lifts, ski lessons, cafes, bars, restaurants, cinemas, museums, municipal swimming pools, zip lines, etc...), independently of the control carried out in the establishment.

In the event of a failure noticed by the staff during checking in the establishment, access to common facilities will be strictly prohibited to these customers and they will be asked to regularize their situation in order to be able to benefit from the services offered.

No reimbursement request in case of non-compliance with these rules. In the event of cancellation request by the customer, the current general conditions will be applied.

Please make sure to contact your accommodation front desk before arrival to know whether Health Pass is compulsory or not to enter the residence.

Since 14/03/22, the vaccine pass has been suspended in all places that required it. But the health pass remains compulsory in hospitals.