CORONAVIRUS FAQs & YOUR SNOWBOARD / SKI HOLIDAY

Updated: 11th December 2020

Despite the continued challenges brought to us all by Covid-19, we are still remaining positive regarding the prospects of the winter 2020/2021 ski season kicking off in January here in the Portes du Soleil. It has been announced that ski lifts in France will not open for the Christmas & New Year holidays and that a 7th January opening is likely for French ski resorts. Despite a delayed opening, the ski lift companies as well as local businesses, MINT included, are all busy preparing for business as usual for the winter season. Here in Morzine, the pistes are already getting groomed as well as snow cannons running to prepare the base for the season ahead. As soon as the green light is given, ski lifts will be ready to open.

The French ski resort towns will be welcoming guests over the holiday period despite the lifts not be open. There are plenty of mountain activities to keep you occupied including splitboarding & ski touring which we offer at MINT Snowboarding.

When will the ski resorts in France open is a question everyone is asking. An update from the French government, made on 11th December, has announced the date of 7th January as a likely opening date. This will be based on infection rate and hospital capacity targets being met.

France is currently in lockdown, ending on 15th December 2020, with the aim of reducing the daily infection rate and bringing the virus back under control. This is a small price to play if it means that we can all enjoy the mountains this winter. We all deserve a damn good shred this winter!!!

Throughout the French alps, local businesses (ski areas, ski schools, shops and rental of ski equipment, accommodation and tourist offices, bars and restaurants …) are united and working together to adapt to the measures taken by the government to stop the spread of coronavirus. We are striving to offer the best possible experience to our customers under increased sanitary conditions.

The record breaking, busy summer season in the resorts of Morzine, Avoriaz & Les Gets has helped them pave the way for the winter ahead. The resorts have been working hard implementing new safety protocols, including hygiene and social distancing measures, which will allow us to enjoy a safe ski season ahead.

Our office team are on hand if you have any questions about booking a trip to Morzine and the Portes du Soleil this winter. Here are some questions which you might already have regarding your snowboard holiday:

• Will ski resorts open in winter 2020 / 2021?

  Yes! Opening dates have been delayed in most European countries due to the ongoing pandemic, but ski resorts will be opening.

  Here is the latest on ski resort opening dates in Europe:

  France – A potential opening date of 7th January 2021 has been given, all being well with the health situation.

  Italy – Ski resorts will remain closed until 7th January.

  Austria – Ski resorts will be allowed to open on 24th December, initially for locals only.

  Switzerland – Ski lifts are already open as usual in Switzerland. There has been talk of restricting access to domestic tourists although a national decision has yet to be confirmed.

• When will French ski resorts open?

  The government has delayed the opening of ski lifts in France to help keep infection rates under control over the festive period. An update on the situation was given on 11th December when it was announced that ski resorts in France could potentially open on 7th January 2021. This date is given with some caution as it depends on the evolution of the health situation caused by the pandemic.

• How will I be able to travel to Morzine & the French alps?

  Flights are running to Geneva and other European airports although on a reduced schedule until January. Airport transfers are operating both shared and private services.

  Another option will be to travel by train or by car to the Alps this winter.

• Will I need to get a Covid-19 test upon arrival in France?

  No. There are currently no requirements for a negative Covid-19 test upon arrival in France or Switzerland from a European country. Check here to read about French entry requirements from other nations.

• Will I have to quarantine when I get resort?

  No. There are currently no Covid-19 quarantine requirements upon arrival in France from a European country. So no quarantine is necessary if you are visiting a French ski resort. Check here to read about French entry requirements from other nations.

  Switzerland did have a mandatory 10 day quarantine upon arrival in place for arrivals from many countries. On 29th October this list was dramatically reduced, with the UK and most other countries removed from this mandatory quarantine list.

  If you are flying into Geneva and travelling on directly to a French ski resort there are also no quarantine requirements. See full details of Swiss quarantine requirements here.

• Can I travel via Geneva / Switzerland for my holiday in the French alps?

  Yes. At the time of writing there are no quarantine requirements or travel restrictions for those travelling into Switzerland from the UK and many other countries. So yes you can transit through Switzerland to travel to your ski holiday in the French alps. Check here for full details of Swiss travel advice.

• Will I be able to snowboard / ski in Switzerland during my holiday to Morzine in December?

  No. Despite the Swiss resorts of the Portes du Soleil opening in December, there will be restrictions in place stopping people travelling from France into Switzerland to go skiing. There will be random border controls and a 7-day quarantine requirement to deter people travelling into Switzerland to ski.

  There are plenty of activities in Morzine to enjoy which don’t require ski lifts. Why not join us for some splitboarding or ski touring.

• Will I be able to get wintersports insurance?

  Yes. Whilst the insurance industry has definitely been changed by the pandemic, insurance policies are available for travellers. There are insurance policies popping up that include enhanced Covid cover as well as insuring you despite FCO travel warnings being in place.

• Is it safe to book a ski holiday for winter 2020/21?

  Yes!  But there are a few aspects to be aware of before you book.

  If you can’t fly, you can always drive. The Portes du Soleil is one of the closest ski resorts to drive to from the UK.

  You can find travel insurance that will cover you even if you travel against FCO regulations. Don’t forget to purchase winter sports cover as well.

  Make sure you book with an accommodation provider offering a relaxed cancellation policy (most are).

  Here at MINT we have a very relaxed Covid-19 Protection Policy in place protecting you if you need to cancel your booking. Why not join a snowboard camp with us this winter!

  This season might just be the best chance ever for a great value snowboard holiday and quiet slopes.

• How can I limit contact with others in resort?

  To help avoid the spread of coronavirus we recommend that you organise as much in advance and online as possible:

  • Ski passes – can be purchased online. If you have a hands free card already this can simply be recharged. You can also get discounts for booking your ski passes in advance.
  • Snowboard lessons – book online with MINT. You will benefit from the faster ski school queues as well as being taken to the quieter slopes.
  • Restaurants – both in town and on the slopes, these are likely to be busy this winter so we recommend booking a table in advance.
• Can I get a Covid-19 test in resort?

  The medical centres in Morzine, Avoriaz, Les Gets & Chatel all offer Covid tests. The time frame in which you will receive your results is constantly changing and varies between medical centres.

  Pharmacies in France also offer “rapid diagnostic guidance tests” (TROD) which will give you faster results. Rapid antigen tests are also available in most pharmacies.

• Are restaurants & bars open in France?

  Restaurants and bars in France will be shut until 20th January 2021. Until this date there are lots of take-away options in Morzine, both for meals & to grab a coffee.

• Will there still be apres-ski?

  Restaurants & bars in France will be shut until 20th January 2021. Although there will be apres-ski after this date, expect it to be different. It will be table service only in bars. Tables will be kept 1m apart to ensure social distancing and masks must be worn when moving around the bar. The Folie Douce in Avoriaz will be hosting more live performers and singers rather than creating the usual dance parties it is renowned for.

• I have snowboard lessons / a snowboard camp booked with MINT. Can I get a refund if I cancel?

  Check our Terms & Conditions here relevant to your booking.

  Take a look at our Covid-19 Protection Policy for details of cancellations due to Covid-19.

• What impact will Covid-19 have on my snowboard camp?

  The safety and wellbeing of our clients is our highest priority. We are working in partnership with our accommodation providers to ensure that local health and safety regulations are implemented so you can have a safe and enjoyable snowboard holiday.