Coronavirus Information for Ski Holidays Winter 2022 – 23

Welcome to our dedicated section for Coronavirus and COVID information, and how this may relate to your ski holiday in France for this Winter 2022/23 ski season.

After being forced to sit out last December and early-January, we were fortunate to be able to offer the full Ski Weekender programme across all our resorts during the remainder of Winter 2022.

Whilst travel restrictions have currently been lifted across Europe, there is still the possibility that the situation could change at any time over the coming months.

Unlike some other travel companies, we are proud of how we have treated all of our guests, and we have refunded all of our affected customers 100% of their monies paid, in less than 14 days from their request.

Looking Forward and Working Towards Ski Season 2023

We are very much looking forward to the 2022 – 23 Winter Ski Season, however, we cannot ignore the possible risk of future disruption to international travel, or the challenges that this could pose for winter ski holidays once again.

Whilst we will do our best to adapt and be flexible where we can, we do want to stress that we can’t be expected to assume all the risk!

Please understand that we’re not being pessimistic – we hope it’s going to be another fantastic season, and really hope you’ll all be able to join us for some amazing fun in the snow!

We want to be as transparent and up-front with you as possible, so that if you are unable to join us for whatever reason, it will avoid any difficult conversations further on down the line!

An Equal Acknowledgment of COVID and Travel Risks

We want to ensure you are happy to book with us, and that you have an awareness of the possible risks with forward planning international travel in this new COVID-world.

As we did in 2020/21 and 2021/22, we fully recognise our responsibility as a Tour Operator. Unlike some other operators who are trying to avoid this responsibility – we are governed by, and you are protected by the Package Travel Regulations.

If we are unable to operate your holiday safely and legally for you, offering all the elements of the holiday that you have signed up for (airport transfer, accommodation, ski pass) then we would be forced to cancel your holiday.

This would also be the case when borders are closed, or the Foreign Office advises against all but essential travel to France. Equally, if (as they did so in March 2020 and again in Dec 2021 / Jan 2022) local laws and regulations mean that the resort and/or ski lifts, or your accommodations are closed, then we will be obliged to cancel the holiday.

If we have to cancel your holiday for whatever reason, we will offer you a 100% refund of all monies paid.

Equally, by booking a holiday with us you are accepting that you also have certain obligations, and acknowledge a degree of risk in agreeing to these. It is always your responsibility to get to the starting point of the holiday (which is either Geneva or Annecy), and that all issues related to travel restrictions, international entry requirements, health requirements, tests, forms or visas are your responsibility and will be at your expense.

If we are able to safely operate the holiday, but (for whatever reason) you are unable to join us and take up the holiday, then this would be treated as a cancellation of the booking by you. This is covered by our Terms and Conditions and specifically – Section 6 – Cancellation by You.

Expectations for a Ski Holiday in 2022/2023

Whilst it’s impossible to predict what the Coronavirus situation may be when you travel, we have outlined a few issues we think you should all take into consideration before confirming your holiday, in case any new restrictions are reintroduced again this winter.

We strongly advise you keep an eye on these issues on the run up to your trip. Being organised and preparing in advance is likely to help you save money, and avoid any last-minute stress when travelling.

At all times, we recommend that you consult the official government websites to get the best advice.
For the UK you can find that here >>> https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice

COVID Vaccination and Passes

There are more choices and greater freedoms for people who have been double vaccinated.
This enables you to obtain a UK COVID Pass, which is also accepted across the EU.

Currently, if you are fully vaccinated then you are able to visit France without any entry restrictions. You simply need to show your COVID Pass.
If you are not fully vaccinated, then you will need to provide a negative PCR test result, taken within 72 hours before departure, or an antigen test result, taken within 48 hours before departure.

Wearing a mask is no longer compulsory in France, however, some public transport providers may require it.

Potential Issues Related to International Travel if Any Restrictions Are Re-imposed

You should be aware of the requirement to adhere to any testing requirements, and administrative procedures when travelling internationally. It will be your responsibility to ensure all of your party are compliant with these when you travel.

Additional documentation and test results/certificates may be required for all travel. You may need to submit/upload these before travel as well as to present them to officials at departure points/arrival hubs (such as airports, Eurotunnel and ports) at the time of outbound and inbound travel.

Testing may also be required in resort a day or so before your return flight home.

You will need to make sure that you allow enough time in order to be clear on what is needed at the time of your travel and so that you can get everything ready, and have the available technology to do this when travelling abroad.

Please make sure you know all about the requirements for entering Switzerland (Geneva), France and for returning to the UK. You can find latest information here>>> – https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice

Travel Insurance

It’s even more important than ever that you ensure that you get a suitable travel insurance policy, and that you are aware of the cover provided and, perhaps more importantly, what is not covered!

We would highly recommend that you take out additional COVID-19 travel insurance. Many travel insurance policies will no longer cover you as standard if your holiday is disrupted due to Coronavirus. It is important that you check the small-print about what is covered before purchasing your policy.

Local Regulations

There could be COVID-related mitigation measures required at your destination, to ensure the Health and Safety of our team, guests and partners. These may have an impact on the operational delivery of your holiday.

This will be dictated by the local French legislation in effect at the time of your holiday, and it could be different to our normal operating procedures, and also to what you have become used to in the UK.

Whilst it’s impossible to fully predict what measures may be required, you should be aware that they may impact our operations in the delivery of your trip, or possibly in the feel of the holiday for you as a guest.

It is possible that face masks may be required when inside public buildings (including communal areas of hotels, and telecabines).

Social distancing measures may also likely be in place to manage queues and crowds.

Again – you can have confidence in us to do our best for you, but we do ask that you think about these things in advance, and don’t just expect it to necessarily be like the good old days!

We will keep you updated if the situation evolves as we approach Winter 2022/23.

Implications of Brexit

As a result of the UK leaving the EU, British passport holders should be aware of the following points related to travelling in Europe. For full details of travel requirements in the EU please see here >>>
https://www.gov.uk/visit-eu-switzerland-norway-iceland-liechtenstein

Passport Validity
Your British passport must have 3 months left after your return date, and it must have been issued within the last 10 years.

Some travellers who renewed passports before their previous one expired were given extra months beyond the 10-year expiry date to cover the period between when they renewed and the expiry date of their old passport. Those extra months may not be valid because of Brexit changes.
You can check yours here >>> https://www.gov.uk/check-a-passport-travel-europe

Visa Requirements
You do not need a visa to visit the EU for short stays as a tourist. However, if you are travelling regularly, or for a sustained amount of time, in the Schengen zone – please be aware of the 90 day limit (within a rolling 180 day period) and make sure you aren’t close to the limit.

If in doubt, you can calculate your days in the Schengen zone here >>>

EHIC to GHIC
We recommend you apply for a UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC). If you already have a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC), this will still be valid until its expiry. The GHIC or EHIC entitles you to state provided medical treatment that may become necessary during your trip to an EU country (it is not valid in Switzerland). Any treatment provided in France is on the same terms as French nationals. The GHIC and EHIC do not cover all health-related costs, for example medical repatriation, ongoing medical treatment and non-urgent treatment.

Driving in Europe
For anyone driving, an International Driving Permit will only be required if you only have a paper licence or if your driving licence was issued in Gibraltar, Guernsey, Jersey or the Isle of Man. This can be easily obtained from UK Post Offices for an approximate cost of £5.50.

For anyone driving with their own car, you’ll need a Green Card from your car insurance company. These can be obtained free of charge from your insurer in most cases. You’ll also need a new UK sticker from the September 2021.

In summary, all of us at Ski Weekender are hoping for a normal 2022/23 Winter Season, but accept that there is still the unfortunate possibility of further disruption and challenges to overcome!

We require you to do the same, and make an informed decision before committing!