Vaccination status is often no longer enough – which documents you need on a ski holiday

Rising incidence and hospitalization rates are currently creating new entry regulations. Due to the new Omikron virus variant, vacationers have to be prepared for important changes.

This now applies to you on your ski holiday. The big overview!

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Switzerland

For entry, vacationers now need a negative PCR test and also their vaccination and recovery certificates. A second test must be carried out after seven days at the latest. Either in the form of a rapid test or a PCR test. Anyone who cannot submit a PCR test must pay a fine of 100 Swiss francs (approx. 95 euros). The PCR obligation also applies to vaccinated and convalescent people.

According to the Swiss Federal Office of Public Health, the country controls it at several border crossings. Exceptions apply to children under 16 years of age. In addition, Switzerland requires an entry form. German citizens are exempt from this document when entering from Bavaria or Baden-Württemberg. The background is that a “close economic, social and cultural exchange takes place”.

According to the Robert Koch Institute (RKI), Switzerland is a high-risk area for the Federal Foreign Office. Unvaccinated and non-convalescent people who stay there for more than 24 hours must be placed in a 10-day quarantine after the return journey, from which they can test themselves freely on the fifth day at the earliest. Vaccinated and convalescents need their proof and must also this entry form to complete.

There are currently no requirements for the use of cable cars. In indoor areas of the catering industry, people aged 16 and over need a 3G certificate.

There are exceptions to these regulations in the Samnaun ski area, which is part of the ski network with Ischgl in Austria, where a 2G certificate is required. It is compulsory to wear a mask in all closed mountain railways and cable cars, ski lifts and chairlifts as well as in closed station buildings, waiting areas and lift ticket sales outlets.

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Italy

For entry, vacationers need proof of vaccination, recovery or a negative corona test. In addition, an entry form must be filled out.

A 3G rule applies across the board in Italy. All winter sports enthusiasts aged 12 and over must provide evidence of vaccination, recovery or testing in the form of the EU’s digital Covid certificate. Closed gondola lifts and chairlifts with hoods may only be used to 80 percent. Passengers must keep a safe distance and wear a mask from the age of six.

Anyone who wants to eat in a restaurant or a hut and is 12 years of age or older must present proof of vaccination or recovery (“Super Green Pass”). 3G proof is required for hotels.

From January 1, 2022, ski vacationers in Italy will need liability insurance that covers property damage and personal injury while skiing or snowboarding. This must be proven on site, as otherwise daily liability insurance must be taken out. According to the Italian media, these cost from 2.50 euros per day.

In addition, helmets will be compulsory for children and young people under 18 years of age. In addition, winter sports enthusiasts have to expect alcohol tests and penalties for driving alcohol. If ski vacationers looked too deeply into the glass, it could cost up to 1000 euros in fines.

France

Proof of vaccination, recovery or a negative corona test applies to entry. In addition, an entry form must be filled out.

Winter sports enthusiasts have to prove a vaccination, recovery or a negative test everywhere due to the increased corona numbers.

From the age of 11, a mask is required in cable cars and queues. In restaurants and cafés, the 3G regulation (vaccinated, recovered, tested) applies to visitors aged 12 years and 2 months and over. The negative corona test must not be older than 24 hours.

Austria

3G applies at the border with Austria. Holidaymakers must be vaccinated, recovered or tested negative for the coronavirus via PCR results when entering Austria.

Unvaccinated and non-convalescents are largely excluded on site. If you want to travel to the Austrian ski areas, you have to adhere to the 2G rule in lifts and cable cars. Only those who have been vaccinated or have recovered may be transported. Children up to the age of 12 are exempt from this.

An FFP2 mask is mandatory for ski fans aged 15 and over in gondolas, chair lifts with hoods and the access areas to the lifts. Mouth and nose protection is sufficient for children between 7 and 14 years of age.

The 2G rule applies in restaurants and hotels, après ski bars must remain closed. While the accommodations are open again in Tyrol and Vorarlberg, Carinthia, Styria and Salzburg will follow from December 17th. In Upper Austria, the lockdown will continue until December 16 – including those who have been vaccinated.

What applies in Bavaria, Lower Saxony, Saxony-Anhalt and Co.?

Access to the ski area is only possible with 2G proof, so visitors must be vaccinated or have recovered. This is checked before you even drive to the parking lot. In return, guests receive a ribbon with which they can prove their status. An FFP2 mask must be worn in all lifts, cable cars and indoor areas. In addition, winter sports enthusiasts should register their stay via the Luca app.

Vaccinated and convalescent people no longer have to show a negative corona test.

In Bavaria, however, a maximum of a quarter of the possible guests are allowed to ride in the large cabins of the cable car gondolas with space for more than ten visitors. “It is clear that this will quadruple the waiting time”, press spokeswoman for the Bavarian Zugspitzbahn, Verena Altenhofen.

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