Update: Skiing in a Covid Secure Environment!
As the next European ski season approaches, the major resorts are starting to confirm their Covid secure policies. Whilst the snow and ice will be the same, the resort's operation may feel slightly different to create an atmosphere of Covid security and awareness.
For keen skiers wanting to head out to the mountains, here are some of the possible changes that you will spot in the Portes du Soleil* this coming season:
Ski area and ski lifts
- Wearing of a mask made compulsory in the waiting areas, at boarding and on the ski lifts
- Easier cancellation of any pre-ordered ski passes due to lockdowns
- Majority of lift passes purchased on-line
- Observe social distancing when queuing (ground markings in the waiting areas at the checkout)
- Hand sanitiser at checkouts and at the entrance to ski lifts
Ski schools
- Wearing of the mask is obligatory at the beginning and end of the lessons, for the instructor and participants
Inside Buildings
- Wearing of masks is compulsory for people aged 11 and over
- Regular surface disinfection
- Disinfection of equipment on loan (bibs, ski poles, helmets)
- Hand sanitiser provided
- We advise you to contact the ski schools directly for more detailed information on their new conditions for hosting students, bookings and cancellations
Accommodation - hotels
- Masks must be worn by staff
- Customers are not currently required to wear a mask (except in the bar, at the entrance to the restaurant or when moving about within the restaurant)
- One-way systems throughout hotels
- Buffets are organised so as to prevent customers and employees grouping together
Accommodation - Rental chalets and apartments
- Reinforced cleaning and disinfection protocols using appropriate equipment and cleaning products
- Some accommodation locations have reinforced their preventive and/or cleaning measures (electrostatic disinfectant spraying, contactless payment encouraged, etc.)
- Conditions for cancellation revised - check locally
Restaurants and bars
- All staff must wear masks and wash their hands very regularly
- Hand sanitiser is available at the entrance to each establishment
- Customers in cafés, bars and restaurants must wear masks, except when seated at tables
- A distance of one metre between tables and each person will be indicated by signage, markings on the floor and verbal instructions
- Menus will be distributed so as to avoid all contact: slate, verbally or QR code. Laminated menus will be cleaned after each time they are handled and paper menus will be single-use only
- A distance of 1 metre must be observed between staff and customers at the bar
- Contactless payment (prepayment, bank transfer, bank card or QR code) is recommended, and paying at your table is encouraged
Resort transport and airport transfers
- Drivers will be wearing masks and will be responsible for disinfecting their vehicles daily: stairwell handrails, window ledges, armrests, etc.
- Passengers will be required to wear masks in shuttles and front seats must be unoccupied
- Bus entry through the front door and exit through the rear door
- Guests required to load their own baggage and equipment into vehicles
*source: Les Gets Tourism
If you are looking to book a ski holiday to Chatel through www.skichatel.co.uk this coming season, then please look out for our Covid logo which highlights accommodations that have advised us of their own covid policy for booking and/or cleaning.
