Are you still skiiing in France before Christmas?

[ncski]

More specifically, as a family with double vaccinated adults and at least one single-vaccinated teen that's going to need to test every day, are you still going for it?

We're due to depart at the weekend. Whole family recently recovered, not that we can evidence that for the teen in Europe. I think I've got my head around all the testing, but it's the (tiny?) prospect of one of us testing positive whilst we're over there, having to quarantine, vast extra expense, missing Christmas back home etc, that's giving me the vapours.

Please tell me you're gung ho, it'll all be fine, and you'll have a great time....

No because I'm not a silly sod.

Having tested positive last week then spent 4 days really ill in bed, plus one day in hospital. There's no way I'd risk it. Can you imagine, z French hospital? Have you medical insurance? I'm 50. Triple jabbed. Super healthy. Think carefully

@GonePenguin No, only people who are not fully vaccinated need to be tested daily. French and other European teenagers are entitled to both vaccines and the magic QR code, so it is mainly unvaccinated French and UK teenagers who will need the daily testing.

Easyjet get fined 10k I believe for letting on a passenger without the correct paperwork and they regularly err on the side of caution. That site that Sonex shared does says their antigens are not valid in all countries - unfortunately it seems France is one of them.

www.schengenvisainfo.com/news/france-to-impose-testing-obligation-for-all-third-country-nationals/
“The only antigenic tests which can be carried out are those allowing the detection of the N protein of SARS-CoV-2,” the decree emphasised.

@650above
The below info is from the Site where we were going for antigen tests. Is the viral protein the one you mention further down?

Checks for viral protein can be used for entry into some countries (please check prior to booking this test).

Although I'm not sure my nerves can stand getting to the airport and being turned away so think we will get PCR to be safe?!

I have no idea I'm afraid OhCobblers. I think if you are travelling from the UK to France you are much better off getting a PCR test. And if you are flying into Geneva, you will need a PCR to get in there anyway.

There is such a variation of antigen/LFTs in the UK that it is probably easy to get tripped up. Over here there is not really any self testing that is valid for a passe sanitaire or travel - you go to the pharmacy or one of the many labs and get someone to do it for you.

Rapid antigen tests like this one:

www.c19testing.co.uk/rapidtravel

result in a certificate like this one:

www.c19testing.co.uk/static/C19%20Testing%20-%20Rapid%20Antigen%20Test%20Certificate%20-%20Example-4192cb348368f4909543c6e2645d9702.pdf

"Rapid immunochromatographic assay for the detection of the SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid protein antigen by nasal swab."

Does that not meet the criteria?

My DH has just announced considering a quick dash to the slopes next week (Tuesday night) driving with our 2 teens the moment they break up from school.

I think this is ill-advised and over optimisatix. It is making my head hurt. Us both double vaccinated, both teens non- vaccinated as has to wait post COVID recovery, was joined to take them for jab next week!

My typing is terrible !

Easyjet get fined 10k I believe for letting on a passenger without the correct paperwork and they regularly err on the side of caution.

All airlines are in the same boat on this, but they need to err on the side of accuracy, rather than denying boarding “just in case”…..…because that’s the start of a slippery slope…

Some airline ground staff on Sunday and Monday definitely appeared to be working to an incorrect interpretation on the French rules.

@650above

I have no idea I'm afraid OhCobblers. I think if you are travelling from the UK to France you are much better off getting a PCR test. And if you are flying into Geneva, you will need a PCR to get in there anyway.

There is such a variation of antigen/LFTs in the UK that it is probably easy to get tripped up. Over here there is not really any self testing that is valid for a passe sanitaire or travel - you go to the pharmacy or one of the many labs and get someone to do it for you.

Oh I didn't know that about Geneva as arrivals into Switzerland, according to UK Gov, says antigen or PCR?!

But for the sake of being sure I agree PCR is the better option!

@ncski

Rapid antigen tests like this one:

www.c19testing.co.uk/rapidtravel

result in a certificate like this one:

www.c19testing.co.uk/static/C19%20Testing%20-%20Rapid%20Antigen%20Test%20Certificate%20-%20Example-4192cb348368f4909543c6e2645d9702.pdf

"Rapid immunochromatographic assay for the detection of the SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid protein antigen by nasal swab."

Does that not meet the criteria?

And they also specifically mention the N protein and France .... helpcentre.c19testing.co.uk/hc/en-gb/articles/4412978911121-Can-I-use-your-tests-for-the-purpose-of-entry-into-France-

Definitely go to the country you are flying to for info, not the UK gov site.

You can check the requirements for Geneva here: travelcheck.admin.ch/check gives me an answer of 72 hour PCR even for transit of a UK fully pfizered up passenger. You'll also need to have a Swiss PLF form filled in as well as being in line with French rules (so 48hr test, not 72).

I'm trying to get three different sets of families into France via GVA from the EU at the moment and it is a total headwreck!

Was definitely a certified private provider antigen certificate and they were refusing everyone with one, from multiple different providers, not just Express Test.

I'm beginning to think that you guys are right and EasyJet messed up on Sunday. Apparently he'd had an email from them asking if he had an email from them saying they are aware of an incident on Sunday and asking whether he had travel insurance. He's too traumatized to read it properly still so I've asked him to forward it to me

Anyway if we go next week we are flying into Geneva so sounds like that is everyone doing a pre departure PCR anyway. Then what find a pharmacy to do antigen tests every evening for the 13y old? And then all join in on the last one for the way back?

Day 2 UK are PCR still right?

So if/once you navigate the testing minefield it's wtf do you do if someone tests positive while out there? Where do they take you?

I'm not sure they take you anywhere - I certainly haven't heard of any quarantine hotels being set up for skiers!

If you are not allowed fly I think you'll have to find somewhere to stay until you can test negative. So make sure your holiday insurance will cover that.

On the plus side, many ski stations are opening early for the weekend as there is lots of lovely snow, which is not always the case at Christmas for the lower resorts!

@IsThisNameTaken good spot, thanks. Sounds pretty good to me but I might see if I can get Ryanair to confirm or deny whether they’re requiring PCR only to board.

We’re out skiing in France now, incredible conditions and worth the effort. Restrictions have changed a lot while we’ve been here but it’s great in resort itself. We’re back at new year and going to jump through all the hoops and testing to fly into Geneva and transit to France. It’s well worth it when you get here!

@Tiggysnow that's so good to hear! Do you mind saying whereabouts you are? Have a good time!!

We’re in Tignes, very chill here and you wouldn’t know anything had changed when you got here! Most people just using a buff/neck warmer as a mask on lifts and buses however an email was sent out that masks should be proper surgical ones so I would recommend bringing some in case they start to enforce it.

There is testing available easily in resort, can just book online. However testing slots for over Christmas and new year seem to be booking up so if needed I would look into that sooner rather than later.

Everything completely normal in resort, (with the addition of masks and pass sanitizer) Apres going ahead and tonnes of snow.

Really helpful thank you.

Have you heard anything about what UK teens who are 12-15 and have only had one jab have to do? Are they testing every day? Where can you do that? As I understand it it only has to be antigen/lat flow so can they just rock up (and queue) at a pharmacy each evening on way down from slopes? Any feeling of how practical (or not) that will be next week/week after?

We’re fully jabbed and have a toddler with us so no experience of it, sorry!

We’re going for antigen tests tomorrow before we come home, at the testing centre . Can book online easily, only a limited amount of slots though and can choice antigen or PCR. I would be tempted to pre book a slot each day (obviously depending on resort and their set up).

Pass Sanitaire is being checked religiously for eating/drinking out or using swimming pools. I haven’t been asked for one on a telecabine or lift.

Good luck and bonne ski if you get out here! The stress of it has melted away once you’re here and it feels like you’re in a bubble. However we did drive out which seemed simpler. We will be flying back via Geneva in a couple of weeks so I’m sure that will be more stressful!

Thank you!

How do you get the pass sanitaire? Is it an app?

@Sonex
Download TousAntiCovid from the App Store

@650above
Taken from Travelcheck which seems to relate to those arriving in Switzerland and staying. Ie, not in transit

Pandemic-related measures
• You need to present a negative PCR test (not older than 72 hours). A second test is required four to seven days after entry. This may be a PCR test or a rapid nasopharyngeal antigen test. The test result must be reported to the

Great to have found this thread as we are in the same position, we have one under 16 single vaccinated and evidence of a Covid infection but sadly no "official" evidence. We r going to suck it up and test daily but I was overjoyed to find out today that the tests in our resort are only €22. But we shouldn't be going abroad if we can't swallow this extra charge. As for getting stuck I'm taking my chances (and taking my laptop) we have insurance that covers Covid but doesn't cover governments shutting countries down. I don't believe Boris will have the gall to shut down travel prior to the new year after his Christmas party antics.

@abricotine I love that run, hopeful to be back on it come half term, at Christmas we always explore a different part of the alps.