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

[StolenAwayOn55thand3rd]

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.

Fairy lights that's not correct - the PCR s mandated for up to Day 2 after arrival back in UK, but the pre departure test is either LFT/antigen or PCR

I thought the guidance said LFT/antigen for the pre arrival back test.

This is the guidance on the government website

"The test must meet performance standards of ≥97% specificity, ≥80% sensitivity at viral loads above 100,000 copies/ml.
This could include tests such as:
• a nucleic acid test, including a PCR test
• a LAMP test
• an antigen test, such as an LFD (lateral flow device) test"

Also just to add that you don't necessarily have to isolate until Day 2. You are free to take that test on Day 0-2. We've booked our test on arrival back at Heathrow, the results take 5 hours (supposedly) so we could be out of isolation by the end of the day we arrive back.
Assuming no one tests positive which is a big if at the moment...

DS is on his way to Val Thorens today with 800 other students from his university. There are also two other British unis in the resort this week. I dread to think how many of them will come back with covid.
When he gets home on the 18th I will give him a wide berth and lock him in his room until he tests negative.

We have not booked our ski trip yet and will play it by ear as they say.

It seems there is a shortage of tests. With ten days until we fly we're feeling very nervous.

www.standard.co.uk/news/world/ski-alps-covid-test-uk-france-b971303.html

Thank you for clarifying, that is helpful to know. LFT and antigen clearly cheaper than PCR overseas.

Can anyone confirm whether they need to be clinic based antigen/LFT or can we take our own to fly back?

Is anyone actually overseas in Europe at the moment, what the trip been like?

Before departure: All travellers to the UK aged 12 and over have to show proof of a negative test, even if they are fully vaccinated.

This can be a PCR or a lateral flow test, and must be taken in the two days before departure for the UK.

You'll need to find a private test provider for this - free NHS lateral flow kits are not allowed.

The test can be taken either in the country where you start your journey, or in another country en route to the UK (for instance if you're travelling overland).

If you test positive, you should follow local rules in place in the country you're in, and do not travel to the UK.

After arriving in the UK, you have two days to take another test - which must be a PCR.

This must be booked before you travel, and bought privately from a government-approved list of providers.

While you are waiting for a result, you must self-isolate - whether or not you have been vaccinated. You can stop self-isolating if your test is negative.

Everyone aged five and over (11 and over in Scotland) must take these tests.

I found this helpful, and posted it here for others.

Can anyone confirm whether they need to be clinic based antigen/LFT or can we take our own to fly back?

We've ordered our lateral flow tests from c19 (ordered at 7pm, arrived at 8am the next morning). We take them when we're in Switzerland and upload them to get our certificate. They were £22 each. They say they're approved for entry back into the U.K.

I feel much more confident travelling using the app, and not having to take PCR tests in random clinics. So yes we are going!!! Thanks for the update. We are going to take our chances I think!

Have fun in Switzerland! Mnp

I think we'd have bowed out if the middle test needed to be PCRs.

And thank you. Three sets of tests, my (4 week old) hip replacement, travel rules seemingly changing daily, what could possibly go wrong...?!

And good luck to everyone else for their trips too

You have a new hip! And you are skiing? Seriously? Wow you are very very brave.

Please tell me you have taken our specialist travel insurance? It is available just in case. You might also want to book airport assistance, especially in a big airport such as Heathrow and preserve your energy/hip.

You are doing well mnp to be travelling so far after major surgery! Covid will literally be the least of your worries!

I'm definitely not skiing! I just need not to fall over though.

Yes pretty scary with the snow and ice, I would stick to the inside and enjoy the snow from the view. You can have a facial if you are going somewhere with a spa.
I flew at six weeks somewhere warm, and felt still unsteady and very very tired. Take some painkillers in the hand luggage and lots of water, walk around on the flight more often than you would normally (you have to be careful of clotting)
Be aware normal travel insurance will not cover you, I am sure you know that already, but I found out by accident. It is only another 15gbp or so to add more cover for a new hip if you need help whilst there.

Hope you are going somewhere that looks after you well

Thanks. Yes, I have the necessary travel insurance in place. I think I'll be steering clear of all chair lifts!

It is a short flight, a place with great hospitals and care, so you will be fine. I have had 2 x THP and so I get your worry. I still worry abit in the rain strangely.

[quote NinnyNewName]It seems there is a shortage of tests. With ten days until we fly we're feeling very nervous.

www.standard.co.uk/news/world/ski-alps-covid-test-uk-france-b971303.html[/quote]
I don't know if this is just speculation reporting but I've ordered our pre return tests so we take them with us, I was going to use the pharmacies in resort. I've also some NHS tests to make sure we're fully armed just in case we can't get in resort tests for our 12 year old - not sure it will help.

Unfortunately while you can use those tests as your U.K. pre departure to go home they don’t produce a QR code for the French passe sanitaire so they won’t help

Sorry, nor can you use NHS tests that should say

@mnp321

Also just to add that you don't necessarily have to isolate until Day 2. You are free to take that test on Day 0-2. We've booked our test on arrival back at Heathrow, the results take 5 hours (supposedly) so we could be out of isolation by the end of the day we arrive back. Assuming no one tests positive which is a big if at the moment...

Hi mnp321. Interested in your comment about pcr test 0-2 days - would you be able to point me in the direction of the legislation supporting this ? Thanks

Taken from the government website

"Everyone entering England from abroad must take one or more PCR tests for coronavirus (COVID-19).
Travellers will be required to take a PCR test either:
• on or before day 2 only"

We are collecting our pre departure antigen tests to take with us on holiday - downloaded app ready to download hopefully 'negative' tests once we are there, ready to come home at the end of the holiday.

We are holding off booking the day 0-2 PCR test needed to come back - as I read yesterday in the Times that there is a conversation about scrapping the testing altogether, as it is largely pointless as Omicron has already taken hold here. So maybe wait before booking....at 48gbp each they are not cheap. I am also packing a few small Christmas gifts for the dc in hand luggage, some games and a small Christmas tree and fairy lights, just in case very worst case scenario and we are all trapped somewhere for xmas! I think I could live with most outcomes if the dc had something to open on Christmas morning.

So feeling ready now, packing for England for all eventualities. I don't think we will make it for Feb half term, so we are going now whilst we still can.

chrissyhyde

www.gov.uk/guidance/travel-to-england-from-another-country-during-coronavirus-covid-19

Thank you - that's great - I thought it was a case of having to wait 2 days before pcr test on return to the country .