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Travelski is cancelling all guests from the UK from 17th December to 7th January

Photo: Travelski. Travelski is cancelling all guests from the UK from 17th December to 7th January

Travelski is cancelling all guests from the UK from 17th December to 7th January

 

Following this morning’s announcement from the French Government, effectively stopping all non-essential travel from the UK into France, Travelski are having to cancel all guests arriving from the UK (covering the period 17th December to 7thJanuary). This also includes the first two rotations of the Travelski Express on 26th December and 1st January. All clients booked are being contacted by e-mail and offered a full refund, or a chance to rebook their ski holiday for later in the season.

 

As there is currently no end date for these restrictions later holidays may also be affected. In that event we would then take similar proactive steps for guests booked on these, contacting them directly, closer to their departure.

 

Guests can rest assured that the situation is being closely monitored and we will be operating our full range of ski holidays, including the Travelski Express, as soon as restrictions allow us to do so in a safe manner.

 

Any guests departing during the period 17th December to 7th January who have not received an e-mail can contact us using the e-mail address support.clients@travelski.com

 

Start planning your next trip!

 

You can search for your own accommodation in the snow for your next ski holiday through our Accommodation Search tab. Or if looking to stay in the heart of the Mont Blanc Valley in the Aosta Valley, check Il Coure della Valdigne review here. This is our own family home in the mountains, that I am renting out when not using, you can always write me a private message if interested to info@the-ski-guru.com

 

Il Cuore della Valdigne. Stay at the Heart of the Valdigne to ski in Courmayeur, La Thuile and Pila/Aosta.
Il Cuore della Valdigne. Stay at the Heart of the Valdigne to ski in Courmayeur, La Thuile and Pila/Aosta.

You can book directly through Airbnb  through this link

Or check Booking.com on this link.

 

If you have some questions, contact us at info@the-ski-guru.com for more information.

If you want to take your family skiing and you don’t know where to start, read here. And search for your ski transfers from all airports to the Mountains here. And for those that are like me, that are lazy to cook, you can get your food, even gourmet mountain food delivered to your home with Huski.

If renting equipment (skis or snowboards)  check our agreement with Skiset– you can get up to 50% off ski or snowboard rental rates. I have been using them for years every year when I go to America  and Europe and they are great!

Shop for the Alpine Look with The-Ski-Guru HOME 

Already selling some alpine design items for your house. #bringthemountainshome with The-Ski-Guru HOME and put a smile in your face. These are hand-paintings done by me, applied to cushion covers, coasters and mugs.

Cushions, paintings and homewares from The-Ski-Guru HOME. To see the shop go here.
Cushions, paintings and homewares from The-Ski-Guru HOME. To see the shop go here.Featured Image: Ozzy at home after a long trip from London to Morgex in the Italian Alps. Getting an European Passport for your Pet to travel to Europe? Not for everyone!

Featured Image: Photo: Travelski. Travelski is cancelling all guests from the UK from 17th December to 7th January

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Travelling to the Alps this winter? Read the last rules for UK travellers

Travelling to the Alps this winter? Read the last rules for UK travellers

Updated 05/10/2023:  UK tour operator confirms all countries will be fully open with no entry restrictions.  Top UK ski specialist SNO holidays has confirmed today that none of the major alpine skiing nations will require proof of vaccination, nor proof of recovery, from Covid this winter.  “Older or vulnerable skiers might still want to take advantage of the free booster jab for the over 65’s as ski resorts will remain global meeting points and airports and aeroplanes may improve Covid transmission rates, but higher transmission rates will not translate into travel restrictions going forward,” said CEO Richard Sinclair.

Are you thinking in travelling to the Alps this winter? You need to read the last rules for UK travellers.
 
Please note that things change daily, so check on the Gov.UK website to be sure you are acting well!
Driving to the mountains- Photo Jeffrey Wegrzyn- Unsplash. Travelling to the Alps this winter? Read the last rules for UK travellers
Driving to the mountains- Photo Jeffrey Wegrzyn- Unsplash. Travelling to the Alps this winter? Read the last rules for UK travellers
 
There were major changes last week for UK travellers going to the Alps.
 
1) Now all travellers coming back to the UK will need a pre-departure test (before boarding to come back to the UK) that can be either an antigen or a PCR test up to 48 hours prior to departure. Without those tests, you cannot board.
2) Disregarding your vaccination status, all passengers coming to the UK, need to put on their Personal Locator Form, a code for the wrongly called Day 2 test. You can only use the UK providers for this test- check the Which website that gives you lots of codes for finding cheaper rates. It is wrongly called Day 2, as you can do the test, as soon as you arrive in the UK. You have to do quarantine until you get the result of the test. This is a bit chaotic, as many companies, were already delayed with their tests – now it will be worst – more if travelling for Christmas!
3) If going to France, now all people 12 and up- disregarding vaccination status- need a test- either a lateral flow or PCR test. This is for people 12 and over. Kids up to 11 years old do not need to do the test. For those vaccinated, tests can be taken up to 48 hours prior to departure. For the unvaccinated, up to 24 hours prior to leaving. So, if you are a family of 2 adults and at least one kid 12 to 15 that is not doubly vaccinated, do the test in the 24 hours prior to leaving! These kids that are not fully vaccinated can still go out without doing a quarantine, if the adults they are travelling with are fully vaccinated.

Continue reading “Travelling to the Alps this winter? Read the last rules for UK travellers”

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Quarantine Rules Removed in Switzerland as of 4 December

Quarantine Rules Removed in Switzerland as of 4 December

Great news! The quarantine rules will be removed in Switzerland starting 4th December.
 
It was rather unfortunate timing the arrival of the new Covid variant Omicron. This when the first snow fall in Switzerland and resorts were starting to open!
 
Switzerland Tourism just shared the news that the Swiss Federal Council has announced today that these measures have been lifted.
 
All countries will be removed from the quarantine list. This means, per Saturday 4th December, entry into Switzerland will be possible without quarantine.
 
There will be a stricter regime in place.
 
Vaccinated and recovered travellers will have to present a negative PCR test before entry. They will have to carry a second test (PCR or antigen) between day 4 and 7. The test results will be reported to the Cantonal authorities.
 
More details can be found here. 

Continue reading “Quarantine Rules Removed in Switzerland as of 4 December”

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Italy gets new ropeways ahead of the coming ski season

Leitner Sodlisia Chairlift in Colfosco, Alta Badia, Sudtirol. Photo: Leitner. Italy gets new ropeways ahead of the coming ski season

Italy gets new ropeways ahead of the coming ski season

Modern LEITNER systems for the ultimate in comfort and safety

 

Italy’s ski resorts are gearing up fast for the coming winter season. And proven partner LEITNER is constructing numerous new ropeways that will help to increase quality, modernize the resorts and ensure safe transport.

Ladurns cablecar by Leitner. Photo: Leitner. Italy gets new ropeways ahead of the coming ski season
Ladurns cablecar by Leitner. Photo: Leitner. Italy gets new ropeways ahead of the coming ski season

Starting this coming season, a 10-passenger gondola lift will connect the pistes of the Tofane in Cortina, one of the most famous and distinctive mountain groups of the Dolomites in the province of Belluno, with the slopes of the Cinque Torri ski area. The new gondola lift, “Torri I and II”, will have 52 cabins and will span 4.5 kilometres over two sections, with a middle station in Cianzopè. The project is an essential element in developing tourism around the Cortina d’Ampezzo region. The gondola lift will also take a lot of traffic away from the busy road between Cortina and the Falzarego Pass. The new connection also has an important, strategic significance in view of the 2026 Olympic Games.

In Cortina, LEITNER has realized another project this year: In the Ra Valles area, at the foot of the Tofane, a 4-seater chairlift with bubbles from another ski area was repositioned. The installation replaces two old chairlifts and was modernised in the course of the repositioning.

Continue reading “Italy gets new ropeways ahead of the coming ski season”

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Val d’Isère starting the ski season with clear protocols.

Val d'Isère starting the ski season with clear protocols.Photo: Val d'Isère TO.

Val d’Isère starting the ski season with clear protocols.

 
I receive many emails from the different ski resorts and how things will take shape this season. I liked particularly the one I’ve received this morning of Val d’Isère that is starting its ski season with clear protocols.
 
Only a few days to go till the opening, Val d’Isère is striving to offer optimum health and travel conditions for its visitors. Val d’Isère is offering its guests to get an equivalence to the EU covid certificate for non EU nationals. It will also place a dedicated covid testing centre.
France Montagnes Protocols for Skiing. Val d'Isère starting the ski season with clear protocols.
France Montagnes Protocols for Skiing. Val d’Isère starting the ski season with clear protocols.
 
Starting from November 27th, an online scheduling platform will go live. Both French and foreign nationals will be able to create an account. Then they will be able to book an appointment with healthcare professionals go get tested. This service will be in both French and English. This centre will be open for asymptomatic people only. If you have symptoms, guests have to contact one of Val d’Isère’s medical centres. Val d’Isère pharmacy can deliver EU Covid certificates of equivalence.

 

Continue reading “Val d’Isère starting the ski season with clear protocols.”

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Getting a European Passport for your Pet to travel to Europe? Not for everyone!

Ozzy at home after a long trip from London to Morgex in the Italian Alps. Getting an European Passport for your Pet to travel to Europe? Not for everyone!

Getting a European Passport for your Pet to travel to Europe? Not for everyone!

Would you get a European Passport for your pet to travel to Europe? I would. I know this is not for everyone, but after forking out £180 per trip in my last trips to the Alps, I’ve heard that there was a third way. Being Argentine, I like third ways…. So listen on…
 
For all of you having a second home in the continent, or having family there, you can register your dog in that address in Europe with the police. Then, you can get a passport. I am not sure in each country, but in Poland, it can be done directly by a veterinary. The same case is in France. For us, in Italy, we had to make an appointment with the USL.
Ozzy posing for Gemma, of A Girl and her dog in Courmayeur blog! Getting an European Passport for your Pet to travel to Europe? Not for everyone!
Ozzy posing for Gemma, of A Girl and her dog in Courmayeur blog! Getting an European Passport for your Pet to travel to Europe? Not for everyone!
Once there, it was simple as chips. With the paperwork done, and the rabies vaccine given in Europe you can get a European Passport. It costs EUR 20, and as far as I can see, there is no expiration date!
So, this is a no brainer! Brexit has made it much more difficult going into Europe with things we used to be accustomed to before. But I like always when there is a third way!

Continue reading “Getting a European Passport for your Pet to travel to Europe? Not for everyone!”

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New flight from London Gatwick to Bolzano airport with Sky Alps

SkyAlps airways. Photo by Armin Pixner- Alta Badia Brand. New flight from London Gatwick to Bolzano airport with Sky Alps

New flight from London Gatwick to Bolzano airport with Sky Alps

A new flight is launching on 15 December 2021 from London Gatwick to Bolzano airport with Sky Alps. This flight will operate weekly on Wednesday in December. It will then operate twice weekly on Wednesday and Sundays from Jan 5-16 March, 2022.
Prices start at £116 each way. Bolzano is only 90 minutes from renown resort Alta Badia. This is as well as all the different resorts from Sudtirol and Trentino.
Usually people going to Sudtirol or Trentino tend to go to Verona or Innsbruck or Bergamo. This new route opens a much easier connection to the heart of the Dolomites. People going to Trentino or Belluno (home of Cortina d’Ampezzo), use Venice or Milano (MXP or LIN).
Santa Croce in Alta Badia. Photo by Paola Finali- Alta Badia Brand. New flight from London Gatwick to Bolzano airport with Sky Alps
Santa Croce in Alta Badia. Photo by Paola Finali- Alta Badia Brand. New flight from London Gatwick to Bolzano airport with Sky Alps

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$75 Airfare Offering into Aspen; Book by Friday, Oct. 8

$75 Airfare Offering into Aspen; Book by Friday, Oct. 8 Photo Aspen Snowmass.

$75 Airfare Offering into Aspen; Book by Friday, Oct. 8

In Celebration of Aspen Snowmass’ 75th Anniversary Ski Season, $75 Airfares to/from Southern California to Aspen/Pitkin County Airport

 Special this Winter, Also Book $75 Lift Tickets

This winter, Aspen Snowmass celebrates 75 years of skiing in Aspen. In conjunction with this occasion, airlines are offering special $75 airfares to/from Southern California to Aspen/Pitkin County Airport. This unique deal features direct service from Los Angeles and Orange County into Aspen and is available now through Friday, Oct. 8.

Aspen Mountain with the Town of Aspen. Photo Dan Bayer- Aspen Snowmass. $75 Airfare Offering into Aspen; Book by Friday, Oct. 8.
Aspen Mountain with the Town of Aspen. Photo Dan Bayer- Aspen Snowmass. $75 Airfare Offering into Aspen; Book by Friday, Oct. 8.

“Our 75th anniversary is a historic milestone and we are thrilled that our airline partners have joined the celebration by matching $75 one-way airfare offerings,” says Kristi Kavanaugh Bradley, vice president of sales, at Aspen Snowmass. “With up to seven flights daily between Los Angeles and Aspen, during the winter season, it’s a great time for guests to take advantage of these specials.”

 

The 75th anniversary airfare offers round-trip flights into Aspen/Pitkin County Airport from carriers American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, and United Airlines, with $75 one-way, or $150 roundtrip basic economy fares. Bookings are valid 21 days starting now through Feb. 28. Minimum stay requirements apply and vary based upon departure date. Inventory is limited to certain fare classes and will not be available on every flight. Restrictions may apply. This offer expires Friday, Oct. 8.

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Ski holidays by train return for 2021/22, from London direct to the heart of the Alps with European tour operator Travelski.

Photo: Travelski. Travelski is cancelling all guests from the UK from 17th December to 7th January

Ski holidays by train return for 2021/22, from London direct to the heart of the Alps with European tour operator Travelski.

European tour operator Travelski (www.uk.Travelski.com, 0800 260 5082) has listened to UK skiers and is exclusively launching rail inclusive packages from St Pancras station direct to six major ski resorts in France.
– The Travelski Express train will leave St Pancras on Friday evenings arriving into Moutiers and then Bourg St Maurice the following morning.
– Transfers will then be waiting at the stations to take guests direct to their accommodation in Tignes, Les Arcs, La Plagne, Meribel, Les Menuires or Val d’Isere.
– There is a broad range of accommodation options selected to appeal to the British customer.
– 7-day lift passes are included in the package to enable skiers to ski on arrival day and maximize their ski experience
With a dedicated check in at St Pancras, the service (operated by Eurostar) will be exclusively for guests of Travelski and is not available to book separately, or through other tour operators.
Aimed primarily at families, couples or individuals wanting easy and comfortable travel to their ski holiday, the Travelski Express is a stress-free experience. The emphasis will be on a safe and relaxed environment,
Lead in prices will be from £640pp for a family of 4 staying in an apartment in the Résidence CGH & SPA Kalinda 4* in Tignes, including return rail travel from London, ski passes and transfers to/from the accommodation.
Travelski Express packages will be bookable online and via their call-centre later in September and the packages will be fully ABTA bonded for the peace of mind of our customers.
Eurostar ski train. Ski holidays by train return for 2021/22, from London direct to the heart of the Alps with European tour operator Travelski.
Eurostar ski train. Ski holidays by train return for 2021/22, from London direct to the heart of the Alps with European tour operator Travelski.
CEO of Travelski, Guillaume de Marcillac comments “We know that a high proportion of British skiers would like to take the train for their ski holidays. As well as being environmentally advantageous, it is also easy, comfortable and delivers you to the heart of the resorts that are constantly popular with British skiers. Through our exclusive tie up with Eurostar we are now able to offer a rail inclusive package that will appeal to many skiers, especially families. Our packages allow you to check in at our dedicated desk at St Pancras, safe in the knowledge that transport to your accommodation will all then taken care of. We feel that this is a very interesting and valuable addition to our existing portfolio of ski holidays throughout the French resorts”

The only tour operator offering rail inclusive ski holidays direct from London St Pancras, Travelski (https://www.uk.travelski.com/travelski-express ; 0800 260 5082) has opened sales for packages in six popular French ski resorts.

 

Covered by ABTA bonding (number Y6751) for complete security and peace of mind, these packages all include exclusive transfers from the stations of Moutiers or Bourg St Maurice direct to guest’s accommodation in Tignes, Les Arcs, La Plagne, Meribel, Les Menuires or Val d’Isere. Seven-day lift passes are also included in the package to enable skiers to get on the slopes on arrival day.

 

The train service will leave London St Pancras at 19.45* on Friday evenings and travel through the night, arriving at Moutiers and Bourg early the following morning.  With a dedicated check in at St Pancras, the service (operated by Eurostar) will be exclusively for guests of Travelski and is not available to book separately, or through other tour operators. Aimed primarily at families, couples or individuals, the emphasis will be on a safe, relaxed and stress free experience.

Example prices on two dates are as below and are shown per person, for a family of four.  The price includes return direct Eurostar from London St Pancras, accommodation, transfers direct to/from accommodation and seven day lift passes.

w/c 15/01/2022   w/c 12/02/2022

Pierre & Vacances Premium residence Arc 1950 Le Village                                 £723             £1,717

Résidence CGH & SPA Kalinda 4* – Tignes 1800                                                £680             £1,710

Résidence Belambra Le Hameau des Airelles – Les Menuires                             £569            £1335

Résidence Prestige Odalys Front de neige 4* – Plagne Villages                            £661             £1,473

Apartments Bec Rouge – Tignes 2100 Le Lac                                                     £620             £1307

Apartments Les Hauts De Rogoney – Val D’Isere centre                                      £726             £1415

Pierre & Vacances Premium residence L’Hévana – Meribel Centre 1600               £741             £1813

 

CEO of Travelski, Guillaume de Marcillac comments “We are very pleased to be opening bookings today as this will allow skiers to fully assess what is included in the Travelski Express holiday package. Our packages allow you to check in at St Pancras, safe in the knowledge that transport to your accommodation will all then be completely taken care of. We believe Travelski Express offers excellent value for money for skiers wanting a safe and relaxing ski holiday. As well as being environmentally advantageous, the direct train is easy, comfortable and delivers you to the heart of the mountains with minimal fuss. The holiday begins as soon as you get on the train in London and when you arrive in Bourg or Moutiers you are already surrounded by the mountains.”

 

Travelski.com is part of the Travelfactory group which is an online holiday specialist that has been providing excellent holiday options to the Alps for over 15 years. Owned by Compagnie des Alpes, Travelski is expanding its reach by offering premium access to the top end ski resorts in France to the UK ski market.

Continue reading “Ski holidays by train return for 2021/22, from London direct to the heart of the Alps with European tour operator Travelski.”

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Vail Resorts announces indoor safety protocols for 2021-22 season

Kids Ski School at Vail, CO. Photo: Daniel Milchev. Vail Resorts. Vail Resorts announces indoor safety protocols for the 2021-22 season.

Vail Resorts announces indoor safety protocols for 2021-22 season

Vail Resorts today announced its Winter Operating Plan for the 2021-22 ski and ride season across its 34 North American resorts, centered on its commitment to safety and the guest experience. The protocols were shared in a letter to guests Monday, and focus on the spaces most prone to transmission – those located indoors. 

 

Straight from the Newsroom of VailResorts.com 

Photo: Craig Orsini. Vail Resorts. Vail Resorts announces indoor safety protocols for the 2021-22 season.
Young and Independents walk through the village to ski in Vail, CO. Photo: Craig Orsini. Vail Resorts. Vail Resorts announces indoor safety protocols for the 2021-22 season.

“We are fortunate that the core of our experience takes place outdoors in vast mountain settings,” said Rob Katz, chairman and chief executive officer of Vail Resorts. “However, as we welcome guests from around the world to the indoor experience at our resorts, we feel it’s important to do our part to combat the spread of COVID-19. We all need the opportunity to enjoy and experience the great outdoors, and we could not be more excited to welcome guests back to our resorts for the 2021-22 ski and ride season.” 

 

All safety protocols outlined in Vail Resorts 2021-22 Winter Operating Plan are subject to change based on the evolving nature of the pandemic as well as federal, state and local public health guidelines. Key details include:  
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