25/11/2020
When will French and European ski resorts open? Check out this update...
Latest updates from the French government regarding opening ski resorts:
Last night Emanuel Macron delivered a long speech explaining the details of what France plans to do in the coming weeks and months in it's fight against COVID-19. At the moment France, like the UK is in a strict national lockdown.
The main objective of the French authorities for the coming weeks and months, is to get the new positive COVID tests below 5000 per day and the number of COVID hospital patients to around 2500 - 3000.
Emanuel Macron outlined a three phase plan which is conditional to the progress in the reduction of positive cases and hospitalised patients.
Phase 1 begins this Saturday 28th Nov. with a gentle easing of the strict lockdown with the reopening of shops and home services (7am - 9pm).
Phase 2 will begin on 15th December, "if" the number of daily positive cases is below 5000 per day and hospitalised COVID patients around 2500 - 3000.
If this objective is met, this date will mark the end of the national lockdown, but the curfew will remain in place from 9pm - 7am. Non-essential journeys are to be kept to a minimum. Theatres, cinemas and museums will reopen following strict sanitary protocol (FSSP).
Bars, restaurants, gyms and nightclubs will remain closed.
Freedom of movement will be permitted throughout all French territories on 24th and 31st December. Although public gatherings will not be tolerated on these dates and throughout this period.
Coming on to what we're all really interested in, Emanuel Macron said that an official decision HAS STILL NOT BEEN MADE regarding the opening of the ski resorts, with discussions currently taking place between the resorts, lift companies, professional bodies and the government. He did however express his personal opinion that it seemed unlikely for resorts to open for the Christmas holidays and that it may be better to open under better conditions in mid-January. He also stipulated that the final decision would be made in conjunction with the other European countries in the next 10 days or so, this is probably referring especially to the alpine countries which are also ski destinations.
The third phase of the plans set out by Macron is due to commence around 20th January. By this date, if the rate of positive cases is still below 5000 per day and 2500 COVID hospital patients; restaurants, bars and gyms will be allowed to open.
So basically, we now have to wait and see what they announce in 10 days time.
At First Tracks, we really hope that the ski resorts will be allowed to open whilst applying the sanitary measures and protocol which have been carefully planned over the last 9 months.
Our instructors, coaches and mountain guides are ready and more motivated than ever, to ensure that our clients enjoy a fabulous holiday, enjoying the freedom and beauty of the mountains and the 3 Valleys.
We are ready and look forward to seeing you on the slopes!
