Category: COVID-19

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Swiss urged to ‘hit the slopes’ to save ski season. The situation for skiing in December in the rest of Europe.

ADELBODEN - Copyright by Adelboden Tourismus By-line: swiss-image.ch/Anja Zurbruegg. Swiss urged to 'hit the slopes' to save ski season. The situation for skiing in December in the rest of Europe.

Swiss urged to ‘hit the slopes’ to save ski season. The situation for skiing in December in the rest of Europe.

The Swiss should ‘hit the slopes’ to save this coming ski season. What is the situation of skiing in December in the rest of Europe?

It is near December and the major Alpine countries have their lifts closed. What is the situation for skiing in December in Europe? France, Italy and Austria had to close their lifts, after some resorts opened for a short while. This was due to a second wave of the Covid pandemic.
French and Italian ski resorts will now close until January. Same with Germany. Austria is saying they will open their resorts by 18th December, defying the rest of the EU. Spain has sent hints of opening by December 18th, while Andorra is seeing what they will do. The Swiss are urged to “hit the slopes” to save the ski season. 
Crans-Montana in winter. Photo: CMTC Luciano Miglionico. Swiss urged to 'hit the slopes' to save ski season. The situation for skiing in December in the rest of Europe.
Crans-Montana in winter. Photo: CMTC Luciano Miglionico. Swiss urged to ‘hit the slopes’ to save ski season. The situation for skiing in December in the rest of Europe.

The situation in Switzerland. Swiss urged to ‘hit the slopes’ to save ski season. The situation for skiing in December in the rest of Europe.

In the meantime, Switzerland is open. Pretty everyone can now go to Switzerland without needing to quarantine at arrival.
Although, check before travelling, as there are some exceptions to this rule!
So while other Alpine nations are seeing their resorts closed, the Swiss have been skiing for weeks!
Wearing face masks now is mandatory everywhere except while on the slopes. Cable car windows stay open during all the rides up the mountain. You need to use your face mask also on the open chairlifts. Police patrol check out the departure areas to be sure skiers and boarders comply.
Swiss are expecting their own people will flock to the mountains for the open air. They know that the Americans and Asians will not come this season. So with some local guests and perhaps later some regional visitors, they can save the season.
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Demaclenko is launching a new way to clean cablecars on the go.

A cablecar in Stubai is cleaned by the Demaclenko disinfectant fan machine. Photo: Demaclenko. Demaclenko is launching a new way to clean cablecars on the go.

Demaclenko is launching a new way to clean cablecars on the go.

Demaclenko is coming with a breakthrough idea and launching a new way to clean cablecars on the go.

 
When I wrote the post on how the resorts were going to clean their gondolas, I thought it was going to be difficult. I was imagining some lift operators rushing with a cleaning product and rag. They would have like 10 seconds to clean all well. This was the time between skiers and boarders gets off the gondola. And then the new ones load on when they are trying to descend. It seemed bonkers!
Demaclenko's disinfection machine in action. Photo: Demaclenko. Demaclenko is launching a new way to clean cablecars on the go.
Demaclenko’s disinfection machine in action. Photo: Demaclenko. Demaclenko is launching a new way to clean cablecars on the go.
 
But then, always a clever person or company comes around with a great idea! Demaclenko, the snow-making giant from Vipiteno (South Tyrol, Italy) had this great idea. Transforming their snow-fan machines into disinfection ones.
 
Closed gondola lifts are critical points where is difficult to follow hygiene regulations. Demaclenko has built an automatic and comprehensive solution. It allows a complete and efficient disinfection of every model of cablecar. Thus, it is very flexible.

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How Italian Ski Resorts are preparing for the ski season.

Skiers walking with the Monte Cervino in the backdrop. Photo Enrico Romanzi - Breuil Cervinia. How Italian Ski Resorts are preparing for the ski season.

How Italian Ski Resorts are preparing for the ski season.

The case of Pontedilegno-Tonale, the Piemontese resorts of Vialattea and Cervinia

 

Information taken from the post of Max Cassani of La Stampa on 02 October 2020.

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The case of Pontedilegno-Tonale. How Italian Ski Resorts are preparing for the ski season.

The resort offered a daily online card that if paid before 2nd October, was only 22 euros. This is 45% of its full price. This ticket is valid to use by Christmas, excluding the feast of the Virgin. (8th December, Immaculate Conception).

Ponte di Legno. Adamello Ski. How Italian Ski Resorts are preparing for the ski season.
Ponte di Legno. Adamello Ski. How Italian Ski Resorts are preparing for the ski season.

The cable car that goes up to the Presena glacier in Pontedilegno-Tonale

The case of Valle d’Aosta and Cervinia’s opening. How Italian Ski Resorts are preparing for the ski season.

The Valle d’Aosta region has approved a new health protocol valid for ski resorts. The first station to open will be Cervinia on the 24th October. Among the measures imposed the following will take place:

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Switzerland Tourism is asking to offer tests to tourists to avoid quarantine.

Crans-Montana in winter. Photo: CMTC Luciano Miglionico. Swiss urged to 'hit the slopes' to save ski season. The situation for skiing in December in the rest of Europe.

Switzerland Tourism is asking to offer tests to tourists to avoid quarantine.

Switzerland Tourism is asking to offer tests to tourists to avoid quarantine. Covid-19 high risk countries visitors should be able to travel in Switzerland. With negative corona tests they could avoid quarantine, say tourism officials.
 

From Swissinfo.ch – NZZ am Sonntag/sb

 
Now people arriving in Switzerland from high risk coronavirus countries need to quarantine. The Federal Office of Public Health updates this list in frequent basis. People not complying with the quarantine risk a fine. Quarantine in Switzerland is for 10 days.
 
With winter season starting in less than three months, it can be very detrimental for tourism.
 
“If French guests are absent in the autumn and winter season, we will be hit hard,” Martin Nydegger, director of Switzerland Tourism, told the NZZ am Sonntag newspaper on September 13.
Saas-Fee is one of the prettiest ski towns in the Valais region. Switzerland Tourism is asking to offer tests to tourists to avoid quarantine.
Saas-Fee is one of the prettiest ski towns in the Valais region. Switzerland Tourism is asking to offer tests to tourists to avoid quarantine.

Valais is concerned for the upcoming ski season

 
The resorts of the Valais region are nervous with the panorama this winter. Resorts such as Verbier, Zermatt and Crans-Montana depend a lot on international visitors.
 
“There is a lot at stake for us,” said Christophe Darbellay, head of the Valais Department of Economic Affairs.
 
Winter tourism brings in around CHF2 billion ($2.2 billion) a year. Half of the winter tourists come from abroad, from Europe, according to NZZ .

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The Drive to Our Summer Holiday on Covid-19 Times

Travelling with masks- this is Covid-19 times. The Drive to Our Summer Holiday on Covid-19 Times. Photo: The-Ski-Guru

The Drive to Our Summer Holiday on Covid-19 Times

The drive to our summer holiday on Covid-19 times. Finally the day has come, we put the alarm at 2.30 AM and started to get ready the car refrigerator to get going. Prepared the flasks, went to wake up the boys, like three times, and finally, we were all ready to go.
 

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My husband did the packing of the car, and as usual, we were full. And still full after I took things from the bags three times during the preceding week!
 
Anyways, we finished all in the car with the dog and off we went towards Folkestone.
Trying to get Ozzy to pose on the Eurotunnel photo-frame was trickier than it looks! The Drive to Our Summer Holiday on Covid-19 Times.
Trying to get Ozzy to pose on the Eurotunnel photo-frame was trickier than it looks! The Drive to Our Summer Holiday on Covid-19 Times.

Getting on the Eurotunnel. The Drive to Our Summer Holiday on Covid-19 Times

 
The terminal of Eurotunnel was open, which I was not expecting. The food stalls, as Starbucks and Leon, were publishing that they were taking food to your cars. We did not need that, as we had lots of food in the car.
 
We did go to the bathroom there, all with masks, in and out, and then clean well our hands…. I was trying to avoid this, but at least it was early on and we did not meet many people on the way.
 
We got in our car and we loaded on the Eurotunnel. The loudspeakers said that you could not get down your car during the crossing, so it was quieter than usual. This was great to have a little cat nap and have time to change the miles/h to km/h and adjust the clock one hour forward.
At the Ibis Styles in Chaumont. Ozzy seemed very comfy on the bed. The Drive to Our Summer Holiday on Covid-19 Times.
At the Ibis Styles in Chaumont. Ozzy seemed very comfy on the bed. The Drive to Our Summer Holiday on Covid-19 Times.

On French soil. The Drive to Our Summer Holiday on Covid-19 Times

When we arrived in Calais, it was smooth and easy to get out of the train. We went straight to the A16 and A26 in our road to Chaumont.
We had a good drive, stopped at an open ‘aire’ for a bit. Tried the bathroom and it was awful! That was our last going to the bathroom. Or I find some trees, or use my little Travel Janes that were on my gloves compartment.
All the boys in my family in Chaumont. The Drive to Our Summer Holiday on Covid-19 Times.
All the boys in my family in Chaumont. The Drive to Our Summer Holiday on Covid-19 Times.

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Cerro Catedral has opened its lifts: skiing for locals with masks and record snow levels.

Catedral Alta Patagonia, the resort of Bariloche, has opened yesterday. Photo: Diario La Nación. Cerro Catedral has opened: skiing for locals with masks and record snow levels.

Cerro Catedral has opened its lifts: skiing for locals with masks and record snow levels.

Cerro Catedral has opened this ski season 2020. Only residents with season pass can ski. This is a pilot scheme for ten days. Catedral is the first resort opening in the region amidst the Covid-19 pandemic. This is the first resort in South America opening!
Ski map Catedral Alta Patagonia. Cerro Catedral has opened: skiing for locals with masks and record snow levels.
Ski map Catedral Alta Patagonia. Cerro Catedral has opened: skiing for locals with masks and record snow levels.
Cerro Catedral, in San Carlos de Bariloche has opened its ski season 2020 only for locals with a season pass. The first day in the mountain in the year (Thursday 23 July) was fresh and sunny, with a depth of 2 m of snow in the summit.
Depending on this trial, the resort will do a bigger opening of its terrain in August and September.
skiing in Cerro Catedral. Archive photo. Cerro Catedral has opened: skiing for locals with masks and record snow levels.
skiing in Cerro Catedral. Archive photo. Cerro Catedral has opened: skiing for locals with masks and record snow levels.
Gustavo Gennuso, major of Bariloche told Télam:
“On one hand, the resort has an important role for Bariloche on jobs. But there are also vital needs as the relationship of mountaineers with the mountain. Those are the ones pushing on opening the mountain to help this activity”.
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How to have a no-contact drive to your summer holiday

My husband driving over a viaduct near Nantua. Driving back for the first time from Morgex to London

How to have a no-contact drive to your summer holiday

Summer is coming up now. It seems that finally the Foreign Office will allow British citizens travel. They were going to announce it yesterday. We are still waiting. If that is the case, then lots of people will take it to the road and cross to the Continent. People are a bit reticent to travel by plane yet. Some of them will go ahead and do it as are more daredevil. I am not in that category. I am like those others that will tempt going outside in their own cars. Two days ago it was the busiest day for Eurotunnel sales year on year. So how to have a no-contact drive to your summer holiday?

This article may contain affiliate/compensated links. For full information, please see our disclaimer here.

Splugenpass in Switzerland. Driving to the Mountains. How to have a no-contact drive to your summer holiday. Photo: Daniele Levis Pelusi. Unsplash.
Splugenpass in Switzerland. Driving to the Mountains. How to have a no-contact drive to your summer holiday. Photo: Daniele Levis Pelusi. Unsplash.

 

Where to Start Planning No Contact-Drive Summer Holiday

Starting with going to Eurotunnel. You don’t need to get off your car for the crossing that takes 35′. The terminals have not opened. If you need to go to the toilets, the only toilets opened are by the lay area before embarking. But what if you want to avoid them? And also if you want to avoid going to the Aires (resting places or petrol stations/restaurants) on route? How you should equip for this trip if you want to avoid people? This goes also for people in North America or anywhere in the world.
Here are some things that might help you. At least, this is what I am doing to protect my family while travelling in mainland Europe this summer.
A road to the mountains. Photoo: Anurag Gaggar. Unsplash. How to have a no-contact drive to your summer holiday.
A road to the mountains. Photoo: Anurag Gaggar. Unsplash. How to have a no-contact drive to your summer holiday.

How to avoid going to public toilets: No-Contact Drive Summer Holiday

There have been lots of stories in the media of how going to a public toilet can expose you to lots of germs. There are those small droplets ejected by the flushing of the toilet. These posts suggest you to wear a mask to come to the toilet. In this way you avoid contact with these floating droplets that can stay suspended. Then you clean well the hands and avoid the dryers that can disperse droplets all over. I find all this a bit too much to relax. There has to be something better.
Road trip to the mountains. Atlas Mountains. Photo: Dil. Unsplash. How to have a no-contact drive to your summer holiday.
Road trip to the mountains. Atlas Mountains. Photo: Dil. Unsplash. How to have a no-contact drive to your summer holiday.
The boys can wee al fresco. How about women? If there are trees where to hide, I would do the same. But if there are not? The stops in France don’t tend to have a thick tree-base. I have seen this solution ages ago and never considered it. Now I’ve got some for the gloves compartment in the car.
What is it? A resealable disposable urinal. You can keep on using it until full. It keeps 800 ml of liquid. You can reseal the bag and you don’t mess anything up. The pouch has some crystals that solidify your wee as it gets in! Marvellous idea! The Travel Jane is pink and for women.
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Preparing your summer holidays in Covid-19 times

Driving on the Autoroute du Mont Blanc. Les Houches- Photo: The-Ski-Guru. Preparing your summer holidays in Covid-19 times.

Preparing your summer holidays in Covid-19 times

Looking to go away from home now that restrictions are starting to relax? I have been pretty ok and cannot complain as it was not hard for us as a family. I cannot imagine what this was like for those living alone, and for those loosing loved ones. What if you fancy going away for a summer holiday in these times? Well, you need to start preparing your summer holidays in Covid-19 times. Part of it is to get ready for life in the outdoors.

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Walking towards the base of the Dolonne lift in Courmayeur Mont Blanc. Photo: The-Ski-Guru. All the trouble to go on holidays is worth it if you have this at the end of the tunnel! Preparing your summer holidays in Covid-19 times.
Walking towards the base of the Dolonne lift in Courmayeur Mont Blanc. Photo: The-Ski-Guru. All the trouble to go on holidays is worth it if you have this at the end of the tunnel! Preparing your summer holidays in Covid-19 times.

 

I am looking forward to return to my home in the Italian Alps, near the Monte Bianco. Right now my home has guests until before we arrive. We have booked our crossing on the Eurotunnel, which is perfect as you don’t need to come out of the car for the crossing. I would try to go to the toilet before going on the train, as toilets there usually are horrible.
 
I heard on the radio a lady taxi driver saying that she got used to drive with a bucket now that toilets are closed. It is something I will have to consider for our trip. Toilets in open aires in France are not the nicest. Motorway stops have not opened yet its toilets. I guess this might change in July, but a good bucket and wipes can help! Plus bags to dispose any used wipes or any number twos… It is as if we are all dogs now. We always carry bags as we have a pooch travelling with us! We had one trip that we’ve forgot to bring bags. I only have a pair on the lead, but I was desperate going to shops for dogs poo bags…
Going in our ride from GVA to Courmayeur. Photo: The-Ski-Guru. Preparing your summer holidays in Covid-19 times.
Going in our ride from GVA to Courmayeur. Photo: The-Ski-Guru. Preparing your summer holidays in Covid-19 times.
 
We have to take advantage that we can still travel with our pooch without having to do lots of bureaucracy. After December 31st, coming Brexit a reality, all will be more complicated. That is something I will have to start getting worried in September. But who knows? We could be all back in lockdown, so no need to plan so much ahead…I hope this is not the case!
 
We always stop in our way in France (in our favourite Ibis Styles in Chaumont Centre Gare) to break the trip in two. We will have to see if quarantine is still imposed in France. I have read that if driving through France to go to Italy or Switzerland, then you don’t have to quarantine. I have also read that France will not impose the quarantine so much as Britain. But I don’t have clear if we drive through France and stay overnight, if that changes the equation. If not, we’ll have to turn off in Metz towards Karlsrühe in Germany and sleep there for the night… I will wait and see on that one!
Blossoms - next to the Sennhütte above St. Anton am Arlberg tourists in the summer months marvel at the largest edelweiss in the Alps Photo credit: TVB St. Anton am Arlberg Preparing your summer holidays in Covid-19 times.
Blossoms – next to the Sennhütte above St. Anton am Arlberg tourists in the summer months marvel at the largest edelweiss in the Alps Photo credit: TVB St. Anton am Arlberg Preparing your summer holidays in Covid-19 times.Photo credit: TVB St. Anton am Arlberg
 
If this is the case, then we would go through Switzerland. Remember that you need the vignette to drive through Switzerland motorways. If stopped without one police could fine you. You can buy it online before your trip here.

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Cortina Dolomiti Ultra Trekking

Passeggiata ex- convento. Credits Cortina Marketing. Cortina Dolomiti Ultra Trekking.

Cortina Dolomiti Ultra Trekking

If you like trekking in the mountains, you would love to do this ultra-trekking. The Cortina Dolomiti Ultra Trekking. What does it entail?
All in all, 132 km and more than 6,700 vertical drop. The Cortina Dolomiti Ultra Trekking is a trek of 7 days/6 nights. You stay in mountain lodges and traditional malga mountain huts. This is a great way to see the Dolomites and taste their amazing local produce.
Lago Misurina. Credits: Pietro Albarelli. Cortina Dolomiti Ultra Trekking.
Lago Misurina. Credits: Pietro Albarelli. Cortina Dolomiti Ultra Trekking.

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Cortina Marketing and the Guide Alpine Cortina have put this trekking together. The Tourism Board of Cortina d’Ampezzo also participated. This project enjoys the patronage of the UNESCO Dolomites Foundation.
The idea of this trek is to find some hidden locations around Cortina. You will experience the Dolomites, going from hut to hut, amongst forests, rivers and lakes. You will be able to see malga mountain huts, and traditional Ladin villages. And the peaks! Peaks here are amazing! The Enrosadira is an effect that make you see the mountains with pink hues in the alpenglow. This is due to the large quantities of calcium and magnesium carbonates in the Dolomites.
Rifugio Città di Carpi. Credits: Pietro Albarelli. Cortina Dolomiti Ultra Trekking.
Rifugio Città di Carpi. Credits: Pietro Albarelli. Cortina Dolomiti Ultra Trekking.
You can see the details of this ultra trekking with a 3d map at the official website of Cortina d’Ampezzo.

Stage 1 – From Cortina d’Ampezzo to Rifugio Son Forca

Starting point: Piazza Angelo Dibona, at the foot of the Cortina bell tower. Follow Via del Castello (which starts at the end of the pedestrian road). Go on till you reach the intersection with the road leading to the hamlet Cadin on the left of the state road. After crossing the state road, go uphill towards Cadin. Pass the Village’s church and reach the end of the village of Cadin di Sopra. There take the CAI track number 410, which leads to Lago Ghedina.
You need to have refreshments/water with you, as there will be nowhere to get anything for about 3 or 4 hours.
Lago Ghedina. Credits: PIetro Albarelli. Cortina Marketing. Cortina Dolomiti Ultra Trekking.
Lago Ghedina. Credits: PIetro Albarelli. Cortina Marketing. Cortina Dolomiti Ultra Trekking.
Take track number 409 till you reach Posporcora Pass. Then go downhill on track number 408. Keep on until you reach the intersection with track number 417 to Pian da Ra Spines. You have to go on until San’t Uberto car park. From there you take the path leading to the cycle path that brings you to Rifugio Ospitale. This was a welcoming venue that once hosted the pilgrims on the way to Santiago di Compostela.
Then continue for about 7 km, with a total ascent of 700 m, on track n° 203, along the Padeon valley. Spend the night at the mountain lodge Rifugio Son Forca, on mount Cristallo.

Stage 2 – From Rifugio Son Forca to Rifugio Città di Carpi

The second day starts at the mountain lodge Rifugio Son Forca: follow track  203 to the Tre Croci Pass. Cross the state road on the pass and follow track 215. Keep on going until you reach the beautiful Lake Sorapis and the Rifugio Vandelli. Here there is an exposed road on places, so be careful. Once there you can either spend the night at Rifugio Vandelli or carry on. You can go towards Federavecchia on track 217, through the enchanting Somadida forest. Once in Federavechia, cross the road and take track 120. This will bring you to the Rifugio Città di Capri, where you can stay overnight.

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Aspen Snowmass is opening for the Summer Season.

A family enjoying the outdoors in Aspen Mountain. Copyright: Aspen Skiing Company. Aspen Snowmass is opening for the Summer Season.

Aspen Snowmass is opening for the Summer Season.

Great news as Aspen and Snowmass are opening for the Summer Season. Aspen Mountain will open on June 12, while Snowmass will do so on June 21. Camp Snowmass will open on June 15.
 
A family hiking under the Silver Queen Gondola in Aspen. Photo: Aspen Skiing Company. Aspen Snowmass is opening for the Summer Season.
A family hiking under the Silver Queen Gondola in Aspen. Photo: Aspen Skiing Company. Aspen Snowmass is opening for the Summer Season.
Aspen is in my heart as I was lucky enough to live there for a while. Beautiful town, lovely people and amazing views. There is lots going on to keep you busy! This summer new policies and operating guidelines will be in place to protect guests. And also protect employees.

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What will open in Aspen Snowmass for the summer

There will be opportunities of sightseeing, riding gondolas, hiking and mountain biking. Or you can ride the mountain coaster. You can choose to be as active or lazy as you want. By seating and staring at the mountains, you can forget about daily chores!
The Lost Forest mountain coaster. Aspen Snowmass is opening for the Summer Season.
The Lost Forest mountain coaster. Aspen Snowmass is opening for the Summer Season.
On June 12, the Silver Queen gondola will start running from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. to go up Aspen Mountain. There you will have a chance to do some sightseeing, play disc golf or hike. You can take a nature program offered by the Aspen Center for Environmental Studies. Or ride up the cablecar to take your kids to play at the children’s play area. Going up and down the gondola is a great day out, at least for my kids!
Some food and beverage services will be available, all with strict social distancing. The operations on Aspen Mountain will run daily till September 7 and then on weekends till October 4.