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British skiers and snowboarders have to sit and watch as nearly 30 European ski nations open their ski resorts over Christmas

By Skier & Snowboarder on 21st December 2020

At the last count an estimated 27 European nations will be open for skiing of some kind during the festive period – but the situation is very complicated and with restrictions already in place, and the latest news that many countries are banning visitors from the UK because of the new strain of covid, it is unlikely that British skiers and snowboarders will be able to go to the mountains for Christmas or New Year.

Austria is allowing ski areas to open from Christmas Eve, but without tourists.

Scotland were to allow skiers and snowboarders to visit from some parts of the the UK depending on the tier they are in, but this is also in doubt following a decision to close its slopes and they were expected to completely close for at least three weeks from 26 December as part of a national lockdown.

As already reported by the Skier & Snowboarder magazine, France has has opened its ski areas for outdoor winter sports but won’t open any ski lifts until 7 January – although this date could be extended depending on covid rates.

Germany and Italy are in full national lockdowns and Iceland appears to be allowing children to ski on its slopes in certain circumstances, but not adults at present.

In Spain and Switzerland most ski areas are open but some have remained closed and local health authorities are calling for more resorts to close.

Ski areas and hotels in Switzerland do appear to be staying open through Christmas for the time being but the federal government has been making weekly announcements on restrictions, each time sparking fears that ski areas would be required to close.

Neighbouring countries like Italy, France and Germany which have shut down ski lifts, are also putting pressure on the Swiss to follow suit, although, as mentioned earlier, in France’s case ski resorts are welcoming Christmas and New Year guests who don’t mind not using the lifts.

Pierre-Henri Mainetti, Sales Director of Crans-Montana, said: “The strict implementation of the measures during November until 14 December has helped Valais to be in a more favourable situation than other areas of Switzerland. Never the less we need to stay ultra-vigilant now to ensure this remains the case.

“Our wish is that our visitors can enjoy the mountains in the best conditions. To this end, compliance with the measures is an absolute priority and we can only encourage everyone to show the greatest discipline at all times. This is only way for everyone to keep enjoying their holidays in Crans-Montana.”