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Original poster

Is anyone feeling nervous about their 21/22 ski trip?

665 replies

StolenAwayOn55thand3rd · 12/10/2021 12:02

I realise that I'm probably being silly. I fully recognise that covid has made me a bit irrationally anxious about crowds, busy places, etc. So on that note... We have a large and normally busy resort in France booked (booked pre covid and shifted from last year to this). We're going to a catered chalet with DH's family which includes his child free siblings who will want to go out partying.
I'm a bit worried about ski resorts being covid hotbeds this winter (remembering Whistler last year) and what will happen if we end up with it - we won't be able to travel home presumably so where will we stay? Not to mention the possibility of actually getting ill, though DH and I are both vaccinated so I know that's unlikely.
Anyway, just wondering if anyone else is having similar thoughts or if I'm being really foolish.

OP posts:
balzamico · 09/12/2021 23:30

France's case numbers are rising really rapidly. I'm not at all hopeful for my trip at the end of January

NinnyNewName · 09/12/2021 23:43

We feel as others have described. We love our Christmas skiing and it's something we've done for several years. As the 'kids' get older it's just such a lovely activity to do together and we all reconnect during our week away. But this year it just feels like there's so much hassle and uncertainty.

mnp321 · 10/12/2021 06:57

We've decided to be brave and leave for Switzerland a week today. I'm praying all our tests are negative. It's our last chance to go abroad before my son's A levels so that was the tipping point (he has mocks after Feb half term so sadly that's not an option).

silverbubbles · 10/12/2021 08:46

@mnp321

We've decided to be brave and leave for Switzerland a week today. I'm praying all our tests are negative. It's our last chance to go abroad before my son's A levels so that was the tipping point (he has mocks after Feb half term so sadly that's not an option).
In Switzerland does the (4-7 day) mid week PCR test have to be done in a local pharmacy. Can it be an antigen / done at home test?.

Also wondering about your thoughts on it being a 4-7 day test.... If you are going home on the 7th day and are doing a 'return' test as well can you avoid this PCR?

Have a great trip - you will be sooo pleased you went.

We have just had to cancel an Austria trip as 14yr child not double jabbed and hotel won't allow them in. We are wondering about switzerland as some resorts driveable from airport.

mnp321 · 10/12/2021 09:13

Silverbubbles good question. I'm still not sure whether we need to do the day 4-7 test as we leave on a Saturday and return on a Friday. It says it can be a PCR or antigen which seems to be the same as a lateral flow (though not 100% sure). You have to notify the canton within 2 days in which case we'd be back in the U.K. anyway.

We've ordered lateral flows from c19 which we just do when we're there and upload the results to generate the necessary certificate for our pre arrival back in the U.K. testing (up to 2 days before return flight). So I'm presuming that would cover the Swiss 4-7 day test if necessary.

bontopia · 10/12/2021 09:20

In Switzerland Day 4-7 test can be antigen taken in a pharmacy or test centre. There will be new restrictions announced this afternoon, possibly 2G for restaurants so you have to be vaccinated/recovered. The ski lifts have voluntarily introduced a 30% capacity cut. On the positive side, it's snowing!

mnp321 · 10/12/2021 10:00

bontopia

Do you happen to know if under 16s are exempt or would need to be double vaccinated to go in Swiss restaurants?

bontopia · 10/12/2021 10:17

Currently under 16's are exempt from needing a covid certificate, so no checks on their vaccination/testing status, but they'd need to carry their passport to prove their age.

mnp321 · 10/12/2021 11:46

Thanks so much

Fairylights25 · 10/12/2021 12:33

France have just recorded their highest ever cases, 70,000, today.

Aroundtheworldin80moves · 10/12/2021 12:38

@Fairylights25

France have just recorded their highest ever cases, 70,000, today.
Have you got a source for that? (Just different to the symtats I've seen...)

I'm feeling its like a stand off with none of the Countries wanting to blink first. Andorra rates are at over 2000 per 100,000 according to Reuters. But the ski resorts need to be open economically.

notimagain · 10/12/2021 12:44

Last daily figures reported at close of play last night, Thursday, were

56 854.

Not seen today’s (figures yet (certainly were not reported on lunchtime news).

Hophop26 · 10/12/2021 14:06

Ugh I’m feeling like it’s all closing in a bit… France the rules right now are fine for us and we are still hoping to go but with a week and a bit before we leave it’s feel less likely by the day

bontopia · 10/12/2021 15:12

The Swiss government is suggesting
a shutdown of all bars and restaurants might be necessary. To be decided by Tuesday.

OhCobblers · 10/12/2021 15:17

Does anyone know if the FFP2/KN95 masks are ok for use in resorts/gondolas etc?
I read somewhere about which masks are acceptable but want to get this right before I place an order?!
Thanks

jpbee · 10/12/2021 15:44

@Doubleraspberry @Thunderpunt Another one booked for Austria in Feb (early Feb for me). We are flying out though. How are you both feeling about things now? For me right now it's about 30% confident we will still be going.

Havanananana · 10/12/2021 16:27

@OhCobblers

FFP2/KN95 masks (without valves) are the standard I think across Europe. Certainly they are the required standard in Austria rather than the flimsy blue masks common in the UK. They are widely available - e.g. supermarkets, lift ticket offices - for 59 cents each or in packs of 5 or 10.

OhCobblers · 10/12/2021 16:28

[quote Havanananana]@OhCobblers

FFP2/KN95 masks (without valves) are the standard I think across Europe. Certainly they are the required standard in Austria rather than the flimsy blue masks common in the UK. They are widely available - e.g. supermarkets, lift ticket offices - for 59 cents each or in packs of 5 or 10.[/quote]
@Havanananana thank you so these are fine to take? Would rather have everything in advance of trip than buying in resort!

Havanananana · 10/12/2021 19:17

It seems that the blue surgical masks are accepted in France - but you won't go wrong with the FFP2 masks, which are a medical grade better (and a better fit and more comfortable). Since the purpose is to protect you and those around you from airborne particles, then for 59 cents a FFP2 mask that gives better protection would seem to be an obvious choice.

drspouse · 10/12/2021 19:27

We aren't going, and may not go again Sad but I think we're putting off all overseas travel till we have practiced a short UK flight (DS has SEN and wasn't a keen flyer pre COVID but of course has had 2 years break now as well)

ILOVEALLCAKES · 10/12/2021 21:48

@mnp321

Silverbubbles good question. I'm still not sure whether we need to do the day 4-7 test as we leave on a Saturday and return on a Friday. It says it can be a PCR or antigen which seems to be the same as a lateral flow (though not 100% sure). You have to notify the canton within 2 days in which case we'd be back in the U.K. anyway.

We've ordered lateral flows from c19 which we just do when we're there and upload the results to generate the necessary certificate for our pre arrival back in the U.K. testing (up to 2 days before return flight). So I'm presuming that would cover the Swiss 4-7 day test if necessary.

@mnp321 - are you flying in & out of Geneva? If so, they require a PCR result 2 days pre-departure.

www.morzinesourcemagazine.com/covid-19-and-travel-to-morzine-les-gets-or-avoriaz-this-winter/

mnp321 · 10/12/2021 21:56

Yes, we're flying to/from Geneva. I've booked PCRs pre departure from the U.K. but I don't think we need pre departure PCRs for the return leg? Just lateral flows 2 days before the return flight then the day 0-2 PCRs when back in the U.K.

Now I've written all that, I think we must be mad attempting it...

Fairylights25 · 11/12/2021 08:44

MNP That is not correct. You need to book a PCR for everyone regardless of age or vaccination status to fly back to the UK.
You will not be able to board a flight with a lateral flow test.
Additionally you need to test again on Day 2 and isolate until you have the result.
That is the case for every arrival regardless of where you are coming from unless it is a red list country and you will be escorted to the quarantine hotel immediately.

Fairylights25 · 11/12/2021 08:45

People aged 12 years and over must take a COVID-19 test before they travel to England from abroad. From 4am, Tuesday 7 December all people aged 12 years and over must take a PCR test before they travel to England from abroad.