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What influence will Corona have on the 2021/22 ski season?

After the lockdown and a ski season last year that was affected by many restrictions, the current winter season 2021/22 sees a return to a bit more normality and we lift good news: The ski resorts in Austria are open - also for tourists. The decisive prerequisite is proof of 2G (vaccinated or recovered).

After the end of the Austria-wide lockdown, we can once again enjoy winter in all its glory on the ski slopes of the Alpine region. The ski season is in full swing. But because of Corona, winter sports enthusiasts have to observe some rules.
Many therefore ask themselves:  Where can I go on a skiing holiday this winter? Until when can I cancel? Can I party at the après-ski again? Do I have to be vaccinated for a holiday in the ski resorts or is a negative Corona test also sufficient? Whether lifts, restaurants or accommodation - most of the Austrian ski resorts are currently opening their doors again. 

We reveal what you can expect in the coming ski season and why we are looking forward to winter in Austria - despite some restrictions.

News: These rules apply to skiing in 2021/22

Mandatory masks, distance rules, hygiene concepts: the 2021/22 ski season will still have measures to combat the corona virus. Ski resorts, restaurants, hotels, lifts and co. have defined measures so that all winter sports enthusiasts can enjoy skiing again. We'll keep you up to date with the latest ski winter news and measures here. In general: check the website of the ski resort before your holiday and follow the rules set by the government. The latest news keeps you informed about where and how the season – despite Corona – will run and what measures are currently in place:

• 2G rule in Austria: Throughout Austria, proof of 2G must be provided for all accommodation establishments, catering establishments, leisure and sports facilities, cultural establishments, as well as in all cable cars, trade or body-related services (e.g. hairdressing). Skiing holidays possible again:With the end of the lockdown, tourist travel to Austria is also possible again. Hotels and holiday accommodations as well as gastronomy open and may be visited according to the 2G rule.
   

• Skiing only for vaccinated & recovered people: PCR or antigen tests are no longer sufficient proof for skiing. 
  Therefore, as a visitor to a skiing area, you should always carry your valid 2G certificate with you. Random checks can be carried out at various locations. The 2G rule should be checked while skiing, but especially at the ticket counter or pick-up machine: Here, the employees link the ticket number with the 2G proof. If you would like to order your ski pass digitally in advance, you can scan your certificate of recovery or your vaccination certificate when buying your ticket.

• Rules for children: Children under 12 are exempt from the 2G rule. However, students between 13 and 15 who have a Ninja Pass are also allowed into ski resorts, restaurants and hotels without proof.
   
• FFP2 mask requirement: An FFP2 mask is required to be worn in all indoor public areas. Outdoors, the FFP2 mask is required if you cannot keep the minimum distance of two metres from people from another household.
   
• Closing time in gastronomy & end of après-ski: The closing time for gastronomy is 10 p.m. throughout Austria. Night, stand-up and après-ski restaurants remain closed.
   

• Entry to Austria with 2G-Plus rule: Hotels and holiday accommodation as well as gastronomy have opened their doors. However, proof of 2G-Plus must be provided when entering Austria. Means: vaccinated, recovered and PCR-tested or boosted.
  
  - If no negative PCR test result can be presented, an immediate quarantine obligation applies. In this case you should also register electronically.
  
  - For all guests who have received a booster vaccination, the PCR test obligation does not apply.
   

• Validity of vaccination certificates: A vaccination certificate is valid in Austria for 270 days after full immunisation.
  The booster vaccination is valid from the day of vaccination 
   

• Return journey from Austria: Since Sunday, 16 January, Austria has again been classified as a high-risk area by Germany. This means that you need a digital entry form for the return journey to Germany.
  If you are neither vaccinated nor recovered, you have to be quarantined in Germany for 10 days after your return. There are exceptions to the return travel rules for commuters and also for cross-border commuters who have only been in Austria for 24 hours.

Whether it's skiing, cross-country skiing, tobogganing or one of the many other options you enjoy on a winter holiday in Austria, the hosts and all SPORT 2000 rent dealers are well prepared. 

So - wherever it is prescribed - observe the 2G (Plus) rule. Then nothing will stand in the way of extended skiing pleasure in the 2021/22 winter season. We are looking forward to your visit!

Can i Ski in times of Corona?                                  

One thing is certain: whether skiing, cross-country skiing or snowshoeing – we are talking about outdoor sports. On the slopes we spend the whole day outdoors, filling up on fresh air and vitamin D. Snowboarding or skiing is always associated with the feeling of freedom. You canfind the right equipment for an unforgettable experience on the slopes and trails at SPORT 2000 rent rental stations and there are many more reasons why a skiing holiday is worthwhile this year too.

You experience unique nature:
The unparalleled view of the valley from the summit, the snow under your skis and the clear winter air filling your nostrils: skiing brings you closer to nature.

Your workout is included:
Get on your skis and go. Strap on your snowboard or skis! Because: on a winter holiday you train your entire body and have fun in the process. Skiing is a workout for your arms, stomach, back, legs and buttocks. It also makes you mentally fit. Furthermore, you train your endurance. You boost your metabolism, which is not inconvenient during Christmas cookie season. On average, we burn 400-600 kcal per hour while skiing. So skiing is right up there when it comes to calorie consumption.

You're promoting your health:
Especially at altitude, fat burning is stimulated and the blood is pumped faster through the veins. This is good for your blood pressure and increases the oxygen supply to the brain. Vessels and tissue are kept healthy. Exercise in the fresh air improves lung capacity. Your balance and flexibility are improved.

You increase your well-being:
Blue skies, a freshly groomed slope and a magnificent mountain panorama – is there anything more beautiful? Endorphins are released while skiing. Even a day trip to a ski resort can increase our satisfaction. The little problems at home fade into the background, stress and even depression are minimised. You simply feel free and happy!

You meet new people:
Skiing is more than just carving down a piste. Whether moguls, steep slopes or the trip to the top – a skiing holiday is characterised by variety and surprises. Downhill, you carve your turns through the white powder snow. We conquer the spacious slopes alone. Yet winter sport also has other facets: we make new acquaintances on the ski-lift as it makes its way to the top, queuing in front of the lift or partying at the hut; and all that in a very concentrated space. At least that was the case before this winter.

Skiing holidays 2021/22 in Austria - is that possible?

In 2021/22 it's finally time to go skiing again. Whether snowboarding or skiing, cross-country skiing in Austria's most beautiful ski resorts, ski boot hiking or tobogganing - the coming ski season will once again attract winter fans to the Alpine Republic.

This winter, the 2G rule applies on Austria's slopes. This means that cable car and gondola operators may only transport vaccinated or recovering adults. In addition, an FFP2 mask must be worn in all lifts. In gastronomy and hotels, the presentation of a 2G certificate is also one of the measures adopted. 

Where and when the ski resorts start the new season

The first glacier ski areas in Austria, Switzerland and South Tyrol have already resumed operations, and this winter there will also be a ski opening in many places. Here we reveal which rules will apply in which country.

• Austria: Ski resorts in Austria will be allowed to resume operations in winter 2021/22. Since November 15, a 2G proof has to be provided at the already open ski slopes. Since 20 December, a negative PCR test result or proof of booster vaccination must also be provided upon entry. Restaurants, après-ski huts and hotels are once again allowed to receive guests from all over the world under certain conditions: For example, masks are mandatory in ski lifts and gondolas as well as in the waiting area. Only FFP2 masks are permitted. 
   
• Germany: Unlike last winter, German ski resorts should be allowed to open their gates again in 2021/22. Different regulations currently apply here.
  o Bavaria: The 2G rule applies to cable cars and ski lifts in Bavaria. In addition, there are certain capacity restrictions for gondolas. 
  o Baden-Württemberg: Here, depending on the infection situation, 3G, 2G or 2G-Plus applies. 
  o Thuringia: In Thuringia, the ski lifts are currently still open under the 3G rules.
  o North Rhine-Westphalia: In the Winterberg ski area, 2G has already been in force on the slopes and in the huts since the opening in November.
   
• Italy/South Tyrol: Italy has tightened the Corona rules for winter sports enthusiasts: The 2G rule applies to all cable cars and ski lifts: All persons aged 12 and over must provide proof of vaccination or recovery in the form of the EU digital Covid certificate. This also applies in the gastronomic sector.
   
• Switzerland: Switzerland had already opened ski lifts and slopes - also for tourists - last winter. Skiing operations were also resumed in 2021/22. In all closed mountain and cable railways, ski lifts and chair lifts, as well as in closed station buildings, waiting areas and lift ticket sales points, the mask requirement applies here. Swiss ski resorts require proof of 3G only for persons over 16 years of age who are in indoor catering areas. On entry, all holidaymakers aged 16 and over require a negative Corona test (PCR test, max. 72 hrs old, or rapid antigen test, max. 24 hrs old). Those who are unvaccinated must undergo another test after four to seven days.

Rules for Aprés-Ski 2021/22

Still out and about after a great day on the slopes? When the sun disappears behind the mountains and it gets dark outside, the majority of ski holidaymakers are drawn to the busy pubs and bars. Live music, good food and a drink or two. For most, après-ski is as much a part of the winter holiday as the skiing itself, and some drive to the well-known hotspots like Ischgl, Kitzbühel, St. Anton or Zell am See specifically forthat.

Fun and party in the huts, bars or pubs of the ski resorts – that's what we know and love – but what does the corona virus mean for après-ski?

Due to the rising incidences and the spread of the omicron variant, night-time and après-ski venues remain closed for the time being. For huts and other parts of the catering industry, the closing time has been set for 10 pm.

2G rule - measures taken by the ski resorts

All ski areas that have been allowed to open in 2020/2021 have ensured that skiing is not a risk by implementing Corona measures. The most important measures therefore also apply for this winter:

• In enclosed rooms and premises, 2G proof must be provided.
• The 2G rule also applies at the lifts and gondolas. On the other hand, the mask requirement will be waived here from 15 November. 
• Disinfectant will be available at touch points such as in catering or hotels.

What you should consider as a winter sportsperson

"Stay safe together" - To make sure we all get through the 2021/22 ski season healthy, you should know what the rules are and stick to them. For your safety and that of everyone else!

You should follow these rules at all ski resort:

• Show 2G proof if requested
• Disinfect hands
• Ensure that the room/lift is ventilated.
• Refrain from shaking hands
• Sneeze/cough into the crook of your arm or a handkerchief
• Follow the instructions of the staff

The mobile phone as a ski ticket

Reduce the possibilities of infection: this is the goal of the measures in times of Covid-19. So that mountain ski-lifts can ensure safe operations for their guests, more and more new gadgets are coming onto the market. Bluetooth Low Energy radio technology is now being used as a digital alternative to the classic ski ticket.

1. The purchase takes place entirely online.
2. When the skier enters the scanning area of the gate, the mobile phone automatically connects via Bluetooth.
3. The ticket is checked.
4. The gate will then open automatically.
5. This enables contactless access.

During access, the mobile phone stays in the jacket and the gloves stay on. No waiting at the ticket booth and no danger of getting too close to someone. During the coming season, the mobile ticket will be tested in six countries across Europe.

Conclusion:

Sure: You'll have to be prepared for some changes in the upcoming season as well.

For all those who have a 2G (Plus) certificate, there is not much standing in the way of an unforgettable winter. Whether it's winter fun on skis or snowboards, on your next ski tour or in the snow park for freestylers - if we all stick to the measures and take care of our fellow human beings, a wonderful winter will be possible after all. The SPORT 2000 team is looking forward to a great ski season 2021/22!

We want you to be well informed and stay healthy. That's why this article is constantly updated.
Last update: Januray 17th, 2022