Salopettes, knee-deep snow, cable cars. It can only mean one thing. The 2021/2022 ski season is underway. And while there’s an eagerness to hit the slopes, notably after two seasons lost to the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic, you can dust off your gear if you’re willing to be a little more flexible with your choice of winter destination. <br> <br> For starters, late December 2021 saw Austria impose an entry ban on UK travellers (only to recently be lifted, subject to measures). Moves that were preceded by the French’s decision on 16 December 2021 to close borders to non-essential arrivals from the UK. But on 11 January 2022, French politician Alexandre Holroyd tweeted that <a href="https://twitter.com/alexIholroyd/status/1480930261978255370" target="_blank">border restrictions look set to ease</a> “very soon.” And today, French Tourism Minister Jean-Baptiste Lemoyne announced <a href="https://twitter.com/JBLemoyne/status/1481545885167280130" target="_blank">relaxed entry restrictions for vaccinated British travellers</a> (more on this later). While we await further details, here’s a look at some of the resorts that are open to us Brits and how to comply with safety measures. <br> <br>
Scotland
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Often overlooked, <a href="https://www.gov.scot/coronavirus-covid-19/" target="_blank">Scotland</a> offers you a home turf alternative to getting your European skiing fix! You have a choice of five outdoor ski resorts – with each site accessible via the country’s main cities. So, whether you’re a novice or a seasoned pro, you have ample choice! <br>
Head via the A93 to the southern part of Cairngorms National Park in Aberdeenshire, home to the <a href="https://www.ski-glenshee.co.uk/" target="_blank">Glenshee Ski Centre</a>. As the UK’s largest and most popular ski resort, the alpine snowsports area spans 2,000 acres, boasts 40km of <a href="https://www.ski-glenshee.co.uk/Piste-Map" target="_blank">pistes</a> spread across four mountains and varying from ‘beginner’ to ‘advanced’ to suit everyone’s level of expertise, and features <a href="https://www.ski-glenshee.co.uk/Glenshee-Lift-Status" target="_blank">3 chairlifts, 3 T-bar lifts, and 16 pomas</a>, to name a few. <br>
You can book tickets online on a full day basis, starting from <a href="https://www.ski-glenshee.co.uk/ski-hire-prices" target="_blank">£32 for one adult pass</a>. Note: half day passes are not available this season. On arrival at the ski centre, present your QR code at the main ticket office to collect your pass(es). <br>
Season tickets purchased after 30 November 2021 will set you back <a href="https://www.ski-glenshee.co.uk/ski-hire-prices" target="_blank">£400 per adult</a>. But you can look forward to a 30% discount on day tickets from Glencoe, Nevis Range, and Lecht 2090 areas – Glenshee’s fellow Scottish ski resorts (more on these a little later). <br>
And to serve your après ski needs, the ski resort has three self-serve cafés (including the Cairnwell and Meall o Dhar cafés, which close at 4pm). Look out for the [email protected] Shee Base Café – open 7 days a week, you’ll find a wide range of freshly made sandwiches, soups, burgers, hot meals, and cake. <br>
Other Scottish ski resorts include nearby <a href="https://www.cairngormmountain.co.uk/" target="_blank">Caingorm Mountain</a> (the UK’s second largest ski resort and home to the highest ski slope in the country); family-friendly <a href="https://www.lecht.co.uk/" target="_blank">The Lecht 2090</a>; the <a href="https://www.nevisrange.co.uk/activities/ski-board/" target="_blank">Nevis Rage Mountain Resort</a>; and <a href="https://www.glencoemountain.co.uk/" target="_blank">Glencoe Mountain</a>. Be sure to refer to their respective websites to check run status, ahead of booking. <br>
Website: <a href="https://www.ski-glenshee.co.uk/" target="_blank">www.ski-glenshee.co.uk/</a> <br> Glenshee’s Ski Centre’s ski season duration: running from mid-December 2021 to late March/early April 2022. <br> Covid compliance: Masks/neck gaiters and social distancing, especially in queues, lifts, toilets, and indoor areas, is a must. You’ll find screens and hand sanitising stations around the site. <br> <br>
France
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Following an untimely and much unwelcome inbound travel ban on all Brits, Friday 14 January 2022 will see the French Government publish a decree – granting fully vaccinated British travellers entry to France. According to The Telegraph, all-inclusive holidays brand Club Med has said the news has driven a 60% increase in its web traffic. <br>
And no doubt, the world’s ski capital and popular spot <a href="https://courchevel.com/en/the-ski-area" target="_blank">Courchevel</a> will be on the fingertips of avid skiers itching to return to the French Alps. Home to six villages, the ski resort is the largest of Les Tres Vallées (Three Valleys) – which, in turn, makes up the world’s largest alpine ski domain. 60 lifts, 150km of runs with links to 600km across all three valleys, 10 summits with altitudes hitting as high as 2,500 metres, 180 green-blue ski runs, and 140 red-black ski runs – all this and much more for you to look forward to. <br>
Aside from the panoramic views of Vanoise peaks and the Mont Blanc, <a href="https://courchevel.com/en/restaurants-and-bars" target="_blank">Courchevel’s après-ski life</a> offers you a choice of seven Michelin-starred restaurants to treat your culinary senses to the finest French cuisine, and restaurants serving more traditional Alpine dining created with the freshest local produce. <a href="https://courchevel.com/en/accommodation" target="_blank">Accommodation</a> among snow-covered pine forests is equally as varied. From ski-in/ski-out apartments, to luxury hotels, to mountain chalets, to tourist residences, there is something to suit all preferences. <br>
You can book your ski pass online, with a <a href="https://www.les3vallees.com/en/skipass/day-solo-pass" target="_blank">one-day adult solo pass starting from £55</a>. <br>
Website: <a href="https://courchevel.com/en/" target="_blank">www.courchevel.com/en/</a> <br> Courchevel’s ski centre ski season duration: running from December 2021 to April 2022. <br> Covid compliance: British travellers will need to provide proof of full vaccination, marking the end of needing a compelling reason to travel to France. Further details are to be published by the French Government on Friday 14 January 2022. <br> <br>
Austria
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Nestled among the Rettenbach and Tiefenbach glaciers in Austria’s Ötzal Valley, the snow-sure <a href="https://www.soelden.com/winter.html" target="_blank">Sölden ski resort</a> is spread over <a href="https://www.soelden.com/winter/ski-area/information-on-the-ski-area/soelden-ski-area-map.html" target="_blank">three mountains higher than 3,000 metres</a> (called the BIG3) – served by 31 state-of-the-art lifts. This Austrian resort also offers an extensive <a href="https://www.soelden.com/winter/ski-area/information-on-the-ski-area.html" target="_blank">144km-long network of slopes</a>, to challenge all ability levels. <br>
If you’re a beginner, you’ll find gentle runs at Innerwald and Giggijoh. Whereas, if you consider yourself an experienced skier, Gaislachkogl at 3048m tall awaits you for an unforgettable experience – complete with obligatory breathtaking 360-degree views. And while you’re there and, perhaps, in need of a treat, swap your skis for a spot of gourmet cuisine at <a href="https://www.soelden.com/winter/ski-area/ski-huts-and-mountain-restaurants-in-the-ski-area/iceQ-gourmetrestaurant.html" target="_blank">ice Q</a>; distinguishable by its steel-glass façade (made famous in 2015’s James Bond film ‘Spectre’). <br>
Talking of culinary delights, you’ll love après-ski at Sölden. Its <a href="https://www.soelden.com/winter/live-info/current-ski-resort-information.html" target="_blank">main strip</a> is buzzing with 80 open-air bars, clubs, and more restaurants to suit your every wish. The party atmosphere tends to kick in between 3pm and 7pm, and typically attracts an equally lively crowd – ideal for unwinding after a long day of slopes. Note: given the pandemic, the ambience may be a little tamer than previous years. <br>
And if that’s inspired you to visit soon, there’s good news – at the time of writing, Sölden is offering a 20% discount when you <a href="https://soelden.skiperformance.com/en/winter/store#/en/winter/buy" target="_blank">book your ski pass online</a>, with one-day adult passes starting from little as £47. Simply present your QR code to pick up your pass at the lift ticket offices or machines, and kickstart your skiing holiday! <br>
Website: <a href="https://soelden.skiperformance.com/en/Soelden/store# " target="_blank">www.soelden.skiperformance.com/en/Soelden/store#</a> <br> Sölden ski centre’s ski season duration: running from November 2021 to April 2022. <br> Covid compliance: Christmas day last year saw Austria announce a blanket ban on UK arrivals, which has since been amended – but not without measures and restrictions in place. <br>
You can now enter Austria from the UK without the need to quarantine on arrival, provided you can provide proof that you are either triple vaccinated (with the third vaccination done at least 120 days after the second); double vaccinated following recovery from Covid-19 (where the first vaccination was at least 21 days after a positive test or antibodies); or double-vaccinated with Johnson & Johnson. <br>
Plus, you’ll need to present a negative PCR test no older than 48 hours on entry. Note: FPP2 face masks are mandatory in all enclosed public spaces – you can remove these only for drinking and eating. <br> <br>
Italy
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When you think of Italy, the incredible food, feats of historic architecture, and stunning vistas most likely come to mind. Skiing? Maybe not so much. Or not at all. And therein lies the beauty – there are some real gems to uncover! Take <a href="https://www.val-gardena.com/en/" target="_blank">Val Gardena</a>, for instance. Found in the heart of UNESCO World Heritage Site Dolomites, in the country’s northeastern region, the ski resort is deemed a “winter sports paradise” for avid skiers and hikers alike. Unsurprising, given it traditionally hosts international sports events, including the Alpine Ski World Cup. <br>
Almost <a href="https://www.valgardena.it/en/winter-holidays-dolomites/slopes-ski-lifts/open-slopes/" target="_blank">175km of slopes</a>, served by <a href="https://www.valgardena.it/en/winter-holidays-dolomites/slopes-ski-lifts/open-lifts/" target="_blank">nearly 80 cutting-edge lifts</a>, await you – no matter what your level of skiing expertise. And this 2022 winter season, a new black (hard) slope ‘La Ria’ makes its debut on the Dantercepies hills. With an inclination of up to 52%, the run is ideal for true skiing enthusiasts looking for the ultimate experience. And the bonus is the crisp mountain air, scenic bird’s-eye view of the valley, and winter wonderland views of the village of Selva and Val Gardena blanketed in snow. <br>
As for après-ski, Val Gardena offers an <a href="https://www.dolomitisuperski.com/en/Experience/Ski-areas/Val-Gardena/Ski huts" target="_blank">array of culinary venues</a>. 65 mountain huts and restaurants look out on to the picturesque mountains. Visit the sun-soaked terraces to enjoy a refreshing pint of beer or a well-earned Aperol spritz. Or indulge in a family-friendly lunch or dinner, sampling the best of authentic Italian cuisine. Note: you’ll be able to eat and drink indoors (and stay in <a href="https://www.dolomitisuperski.com/en/Experience/Ski-areas/Val-Gardena/Booking" target="_blank">accommodation</a>), only on the presentation of the ‘Super Green Pass’ (2G). Known as the EU Digital Covid Certificate, it also applies to outdoor areas from 10 January 2022. You can find details of this below. <br>
You’re advised to book your Val Gardena ski pass online, with <a href="https://www.valgardena.it/stchristina/dss/Listino_prezzi_202122DSS_valgardena.pdf" target="_blank">prices</a> starting from as little as £46 for a one-day adult pass. On arrival, you can pick these up from the ticket boxes at the Dantercepies, Ciampinoi, Ruacia/Saslong, Seceda, and Alpe di Siusi lifts. Alternatively, you can use the new ‘Hotel Ski Pass Service’ which allows you to purchase your <a href="https://www.dolomitisuperski.com/en/Ski-pass" target="_blank">ski pass online</a> and find it in your hotel room upon arrival. <br>
Website: <a href="https://www.dolomitisuperski.com/en/" target="_blank">www.dolomitisuperski.com/en/</a> <br> Val Gardena ski season duration: running from December 2021 to April 2022 <br> Covid compliance: To enter Italy sans the need to self-isolate, and to access ski lifts, you’ll need to present the previously mentioned Super Green Pass – i.e. <a href="https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/italy/entry-requirements" target="_blank">show a certificate of full vaccination</a> and proof of a negative PCR test taken within 48 hours of arrival, or a negative lateral flow test result taken within 24 hours of arrival. You’ll also need to fill out the <a href="https://app.euplf.eu/#/" target="_blank">digital passenger locator form (EU PLF)</a> before arrival in Italy, to generate a QR code which you’ll need to show at boarding and to Border Police on arrival. If you’re not fully vaccinated, you’ll need to follow additional measures – please refer to the <a href="https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/italy/entry-requirements" target="_blank">UK Government’s website</a> for the latest information. <br>
Access to cable cars and ski lifts is available to guests aged over 12 with a valid ‘Super Green Pass’. And on cable cars, gondolas, and chairlifts with canopy, the FFP2 mask is mandatory from the age of 6. <br>
If you’re inspired to get your skis back on and make the most out of the winter 2022 ski season, don’t miss out – make your bookings sooner, rather than later! And don’t forget you can enjoy fee-free spending, when you pay using your <a href="https://www.caxtonfx.com/cards/currency-card" target="_blank">Caxton pre-paid currency card</a>. <a href="https://myaccount.caxtonfx.com/Account/login" target="_blank">Log into your account</a> to top up your card, for fuss-free payments when you sit back to indulge in après-ski life!
