Skiing Covid-19 Travel Rules for this Winter – 2021/2022

LAST UPDATE 14/03/2022

Please note this page reflects the rules for those travelling from the United Kingdom only on a full ‘British Citizen’ passport.

In March, the coronavirus pandemic abruptly ended the 2020 ski season, and many of us have not been able to return to the mountains since, so there really is no denying that this is the most anticipated season yet. 

Skiing this Winter 2021/2022 is looking very promising, with several resorts already open for business, and we can’t wait to return to the slopes. But there are a few requirements and changes that are important to be aware of. 

Whilst England has dropped most restrictions surrounding day-to-day life, these remain in place throughout Europe with mandatory mask-wearing in public places.

The rules vary from country to country but it’s clear that being fully vaccinated will make life a lot easier for skiers and snowboarders looking to hit the slopes for the 2021/2022 winter season. Being double vaccinated can count for children as young as 6 years old in some places.

We have put below the latest updates with insights into the travel rules for going on a ski holiday this Winter (2021-2022 ski season) (correct at time of publishing: 9th November 2021/last update date).

FRANCE

Entry rules for fully vaccinated adults: Travellers who are fully vaccinated do not need to self-isolate on arrival. All arrivals need to complete a ‘sworn statement’ and show proof of 2 vaccinations. 

Entry rules for unvaccinated: You can travel to France if you are unvaccinated but you need to have a negative PCR test result taken within 72 hours or an antigen test result taken within 48 hours pre-departure. You also need to complete a ‘sworn statement’. All arrivals need to fill out a pre-travel form. 

Boosters: Those who are aged 18-64 years old and who have been fully vaccinated for more than nine months will need to demonstrate they have received an approved COVID-19 booster injection.

Entry rules for children: From 14th March, a COVID pass is no longer needed, so children will no longer need to test daily. Before this, Children aged 12 years old or over who are not fully vaccinated and travelling with a fully vaccinated adult are required to present a negative test result (PCR or antigen taken within 24 hours prior to departure. Self-administered tests are not accepted). All arrivals need to fill out a pre-travel form.

Entry into restaurants and events: From 14th March, a COVID pass is no longer needed. 

Latest French Travel information: Find out more here >>

Useful website: COVID-19: rules for travel between France and the UK

RETURNING TO THE UK FROM FRANCE

From 11th February:

1.  Complete a passenger locator form – to be completed in the 48 hours before you arrive in England.
2. If you are fully vaccinated & children aged 17 and under – you will not need to take a COVID-19 test before you travel to England or after you arrive
3. If you are not fully vaccinated – Book and pay for a day 2 COVID-19 PCR test – to be taken after you arrive in England. You will need to enter your booking reference number on your passenger locator form, so it’s vital to buy this in good time before you depart on your holiday. 
4. If you are not fully vaccinated – Book and pay for a pre-departure COVID-19 test – This needs to be taken in the 2 days before you travel to England.

Upon entering the UK you must:

Not Fully Vaccinated – Take a day 2 COVID-19 PCR test that you booked before travel. You can take the test any time after you arrive and before the end of day 2 at the latest. The day you arrive is day 0. You must quarantine in your home whilst you await your test result. If your test result is negative you can go about your daily routine, if your result is positive you must self-isolate for 10 full days.

Randox Health offers at-home Covid-19 tests. Use client code CHALET43 for a discount at check out.

AUSTRIA

Entry rules for unvaccinated: If you are not fully vaccinated you are unable to travel to Austria. People who are not fully vaccinated must remain at home whilst in Austria, with certain valid reasons to leave home. 

Entry rules for fully vaccinated adults: When entering Austria proof of a booster shot eliminates the necessity for a PCR test, and for those who have had two vaccines, a PCR needs to be taken 72 hours before arrival.  Austria will accept the UK’s proof of COVID-19 recovery and vaccination record. Complete a pre-travel clearance form not more than 72 hours before entry to Austria.

Entry rules for children: Children up to the age of 12 do not have to provide a test result if travelling under the supervision of an adult.  Children aged 12-15 who are not yet fully vaccinated can take advantage of a “Holiday Ninja Pass” to access venues at ski resorts. Find out how to apply online. From the ages of 12 to 17 they also have to show proof of a negative test/past infection/vaccination.

Entry into restaurants and events: Only fully vaccinated persons, those who can prove they were infected recently with COVID-19, as well as those who can present negative COVID-19 test results, will be eligible to enter places like restaurants, hotels, events, etc. Austria will accept UK’s proof of COVID-19 recovery and vaccination record.

Latest Austria Travel information: Find out more here >>

Covid-19 rules on the ski slopes in Austria: Skiers will have to wear face masks on enclosed ski lifts and show they have been vaccinated, tested or have recovered from COVID-19 when they book a ticket. The new measures include classifying apres-ski bars as nightclubs – only patrons who have been vaccinated or have recovered from COVID-19 will be let in.

RETURNING TO THE UK FROM AUSTRIA

From 11th February:

1.  Complete a passenger locator form – to be completed in the 48 hours before you arrive in England.
2. If you are fully vaccinated & children aged 17 and under – you will not need to take a COVID-19 test before you travel to England or after you arrive
3. If you are not fully vaccinated – Book and pay for a day 2 COVID-19 PCR test – to be taken after you arrive in England. You will need to enter your booking reference number on your passenger locator form, so it’s vital to buy this in good time before you depart on your holiday. 
4. If you are not fully vaccinated – Book and pay for a pre-departure COVID-19 test – This needs to be taken in the 2 days before you travel to England.

Upon entering the UK you must:

Not Fully Vaccinated – Take a day 2 COVID-19 PCR test that you booked before travel. You can take the test any time after you arrive and before the end of day 2 at the latest. The day you arrive is day 0. You must quarantine in your home whilst you await your test result. If your test result is negative you can go about your daily routine, if your result is positive you must self-isolate for 10 full days.

Randox Health offers at-home Covid-19 tests. Use client code CHALET43 for a discount at check out.

SWITZERLAND

Entry rules for fully vaccinated adults: You are eligible to enter Switzerland for any travel purpose if you are fully vaccinated and can show adequate proof.  All arrivals need to fill out a pre-travel form. 

Entry rules for unvaccinated: You can travel to Switzerland from select countries if you are unvaccinated. Travellers from the UK are only eligible if they are Swiss or Liechtenstein nationals, or EU or EFTA nationals / and are holders of certain documents. You will need to take a PCR test 48 hours before travelling.  Travellers who are not fully vaccinated and do not meet one of the exemptions are not eligible to enter Switzerland. All arrivals need to fill out a pre-travel form. 

Entry rules for children: Unvaccinated children (under 18)  arriving from the UK are allowed to enter Switzerland if they are accompanied by fully vaccinated adults. Children under the age of 16 are exempt from testing. 17 & 18-year-olds must present a negative PCR test on arrival, taken within 48 hours of travelling.  All arrivals need to fill out a pre-travel form. 

Latest Swiss Travel information: Find out more here >>

RETURNING TO THE UK FROM SWITZERLAND

From 11th February:

1.  Complete a passenger locator form – to be completed in the 48 hours before you arrive in England.
2. If you are fully vaccinated & children aged 17 and under – you will not need to take a COVID-19 test before you travel to England or after you arrive
3. If you are not fully vaccinated – Book and pay for a day 2 COVID-19 PCR test – to be taken after you arrive in England. You will need to enter your booking reference number on your passenger locator form, so it’s vital to buy this in good time before you depart on your holiday. 
4. If you are not fully vaccinated – Book and pay for a pre-departure COVID-19 test – This needs to be taken in the 2 days before you travel to England.

Upon entering the UK you must:

Not Fully Vaccinated – Take a day 2 COVID-19 PCR test that you booked before travel. You can take the test any time after you arrive and before the end of day 2 at the latest. The day you arrive is day 0. You must quarantine in your home whilst you await your test result. If your test result is negative you can go about your daily routine, if your result is positive you must self-isolate for 10 full days.

Randox Health offers at-home Covid-19 tests. Use client code CHALET43 for a discount at check out.

Import note to ski travellers during the Covid-19 Pandemic 

• Please note that rules can change without warning at any time when travelling. 
• Those choosing to travel do so at their own risk. 
• The information compiled is correct as of the 10th November 2021 but we urge you to check the government website for each country you are travelling to prior to your departure. 
• Rules may differ within regions of each country. 
• Those travelling with children will need to assess the rules clearly. 
• Before purchasing your holiday check your travel insurance provider will cover you for all eventualities if you can not travel because of Covid, if someone becomes ill from Covid or if your chalet ceases to operate.