Five key changes to expect on a Euro ski holiday this season

If you are a regular skier, chances are you are desperate to get back on the slopes if you can this winter.

In fact, a recent report by the Ski Club of Great Britain showed that 86% of respondents intend to go on a skiing holiday if it’s possible. And with just weeks before the start of the season, resorts across Europe are getting ready to welcome people back.

Of course the slopes will look different in our new normal, but if you want extra reassurance in these uncertain times remember that booking a package ski holiday will give automatic ATOL and ABTA protection. Some operators, such as Crystal Ski Holidays (crystalski.co.uk), are giving customers COVID-19 cover and have flexible amendment policies in place to give people freedom if they need to change their plans.

SO WHAT SHOULD YOU EXPECT?

1. You will need to wear a face mask in ski hire shops and the number of people in shops at any one time will be limited. Equipment will be deep cleaned between uses and you may be able to make an appointment to collect it.

2. Masks must also be worn while queuing for and on lifts. Queues will be managed, social distancing in place and there could be fewer people allowed on cable cars at the same time.

3. Ski schools may be running as usual, but with smaller numbers in classes and all but the youngest skiers needing to wear a face mask as they gather before and after sessions.

4. Après ski is where you’ll see the biggest changes. It will be low key this season with no mass gatherings. Opening hours are likely to be shorter and there could be curfews in place in some resorts.

5. Venues, restaurants and bars will full make use of their outside spaces and you can expect the numbers allowed indoors to be reduced. You’ll find table service in operation and you may even see partitions in place to ensure a minimum distance of one metre. It’s probably a good idea to call ahead and book a table to secure a space.