COVID-19: HOW MORZINE IS PREPARING FOR SAFE WINTER HOLIDAYS

As winter draws nearer the resorts of the Portes du Soleil are starting to release details of their policies the ensure the health and safety of guests, employees and local communities this winter season. Whilst Covid-19 has presented us all with an unprecedented situation, we want to share the enhanced safety protocols in place to ensure you can holiday in Morzine with maximum safety.

In accordance with government guidance, current restrictions and the latest safety advice, here are the safety measures being implemented during the 2020/2021 winter season in Morzine & Les Gets.

THE SKI LIFTS

The Portes du Soleil ski area is partially open from the 11th of December, and fully open from the 18th.

New procedures were put into place across the Portes du Soleil this summer to ensure the safety of everyone during the busy mountain bike season in which a large number of the ski lifts are in operation. The local lift companies successfully implemented all health and safety measures specified by the government.

Looking forwards to the winter, the French national operating body for ski areas will announce national guidelines this autumn, but we can expect to see similar measures as implemented during the summer season. Currently the Portes du Soleil lift operators are not planning to reduce numbers on the lifts, but keep 100% of capacity this winter.

Current planned safety measures on the Morzine-Les Gets ski area are as follows:

• Wearing a mask is compulsory in the waiting areas, at boarding and on the ski lifts.
• No limitation on the number of visitors to the ski area has been set to date.
• Cancellation and total reimbursement of ski passes not used without proof.
• Cancellation and refund of Morzine-Les Gets season pass until the opening of the ski area (12 December).
• You are encouraged to buy online to beat the queues and avoid contact with people –> Bonus: ski passes are cheaper online
• Observe social distancing when queuing (ground markings in the waiting areas at the checkout).
• Hand sanitizer will be available at checkouts and at the entrance to ski lifts.

RESTAURANTS & BARS

Restaurants will continue to follow government guidelines. Mask wearing is compulsory when not seated at your table, and seating has been arranged to ensure distancing of at least 1 meter between different groups. Hand sanitizer is available, and frequent cleaning and disinfection is carried out.

SKI & SNOWBOARD SCHOOLS

There is currently no planned limit on the number of skiers in group lessons, however at MINT we always keep snowboard group lessons to a maximum of 6 people. Masks need to be worn at lesson meeting points by everyone over the age of 11. If you prefer your MINT instructor to wear a mask throughout your snowboard lesson then please just let them know.

In the booking offices and all interior spaces, mask wearing is obligatory, hand gel is available and all surfaces are regularly disinfected. If you prefer to avoid contact with people then you can book your snowboard lessons online.

All material used is also disinfected between each use.

SHOPS

You will need to wear a mask in shops and hand gel is available. This includes The Woods where MINT Snowboard School has its office. If you prefer to avoid contact with people then you can book with us online.

For ski / snowboard rental, equipment is disinfected between each rental.

FREE SHUTTLE BUSES AROUND MORZINE

The buses will be operational but with special safety measures in place to ensure everyone’s safety.

TRAVELLING TO RESORT

All transfer services are enforcing mask wearing during the journey and asking clients to use the provided hand sanitiser before entering the vehicle.

Morzine is one of the closest resorts to drive to from the UK so driving could be a good option if you prefer to avoid public transport.

ACCOMMODATION

Morzine has a wide range of independent accommodation providers that are offering relaxed cancellation conditions with regards to Covid-19. See individual accommodation providers for details.

Mask wearing is currently obligatory in common areas of all accommodation. All areas are regularly disinfected, and hand gel is available. Reinforced cleaning and disinfection protocols using appropriate equipment are in place, along with social distancing measures in any common spaces.

Here are the official French guidelines for ski resort operations for winter 2020 / 2021: