Struggles persist for Alpine skiing destinations
The winter season is approaching, and ski enthusiasts are eagerly awaiting their annual trips to the Alpine slopes of Germany, Austria, Italy, France, and Switzerland. However, this year, the situation is different due to the ongoing pandemic.
In a surprising turn of events, the German-Austrian ski jumping competition Four Hills Tournament, which normally attracts tens of thousands of people to Oberstdorf between Christmas and New Year's Eve, will be held with no spectators this year. The small Bavarian town of Oberstdorf, which generates around €360 million annually, is opposed to the closure decision due to its impact on local businesses. Oberstdorf's mayor, Klaus King, is drafting a letter to the German government to protest against the shut-down decision.
Similarly, Austria plans to open ski lifts from December 24, but hotels and restaurants will remain closed, and people arriving from red zones will have to quarantine for 10 days. Business owners in Oberstdorf are concerned about the lack of visibility for making orders and hiring seasonal workers due to the potential closure of ski resorts.
In contrast, France and Switzerland have looser restrictions. Hotels and restaurants in France are currently closed, while shops are still open, with some federal states planning to reopen hotels during the Christmas period. Switzerland has ski slopes already open, and most arrivals from the EU do not require quarantine, causing concern for French, Italian, and German border towns.
However, France has announced measures to prevent people from going on skiing trips. The mayor of Morzine-Avoriaz, Fabien Trombert, has stated that he will not protest against the government's decision to close ski resorts, despite the difficulties it creates for local businesses. There is a concern in Morzine that visitors performing winter sports will be in danger as the rescue apparatus will be shut down during the closure of ski resorts.
Italy is also pushing for a closure of its ski slopes and is advocating for a European agreement. The Italian government's decision comes as a response to the increasing number of coronavirus cases in Europe.
Despite the challenging circumstances, some businesses have made investments in safety equipment to remain open during the winter season. Hotels and restaurants in Germany have made such investments, hoping to reopen before the holidays.
As of August 2025, there appear to be no specific or active Covid-19 related regulations explicitly mentioned for ski resorts in these countries during the winter holiday season. Current travel and tourism information for these countries emphasize standard safety precautions, general alpine hazards, and normal hygiene practices rather than pandemic-related restrictions or mandatory procedures for skiers.
Visitors are advised to verify closer to travel dates for any updates but can expect minimal Covid-specific restrictions at ski resorts during the upcoming winter season. The Schengen area, which includes Germany, Italy, France, Austria, and Switzerland (though Switzerland is not in the EU), allows visa-free travel with valid passports, and no mention of Covid-19 border restrictions or special entry requirements is currently indicated.
In summary, Covid-19 regulations affecting ski resorts in these countries have been largely lifted or are not currently specified, allowing ski holidays to proceed under usual conditions with typical alpine and travel safety considerations.
- Ski enthusiasts are looking forward to their annual trips to the Alpine slopes, but the ongoing pandemic has resulted in changes for the Four Hills Tournament in Oberstdorf.
- Business owners in Oberstdorf are worried about a lack of visibility for making orders and hiring seasonal workers due to potential resort closures.
- In contrast, France and Switzerland have looser restrictions, with some French regions planning to reopen hotels during the Christmas period.
- Visitors are encouraged to check for updates closer to their travel dates, but minimal Covid-specific restrictions are expected at ski resorts during the upcoming winter season.
- Italy is advocating for a closure of its ski slopes and is pushing for a European agreement in response to the increasing number of coronavirus cases.
- Some businesses have made investments in safety equipment to remain open during the winter season in hopes of reopening before the holidays.
