Here are the travel restrictions for Europe's top winter sports destinations
With another season under COVID-19 restrictions, it can be difficult to plan a trip to the slopes around changing rules and regulations.
So we've rounded up everything you need to know for some of Europe's favorite ski spots.
Austria
Austria's travel restrictions were previously summarized by the tourism minister as "strict rules, safe winter" but things have tightened in recent weeks with the deployment of the Omicron variant.
Skiers wishing to travel to the country must provide evidence that they have been fully vaccinated or recovered from the virus, as well as have evidence of a booster injection or a negative PCR test. Different rules apply to countries on the Austrian virus variant list which includes the UK, Netherlands, Denmark and Norway.
A full list and further details of restrictions can be found here.
Once you arrive, Austria's '2G' rules apply to all use of the cable car and other facilities. It stands for vaccinate or recover which means you must provide proof of full vaccination for recovery from COVID-19. Negative tests will not be accepted unless you have official proof of exemption from vaccination.
Children under the age of 12 are exempt from the 2G requirement and teenagers over the age of 12 can provide proof of vaccination or register for a 'Holiday Ninja Pass'. This scheme allows them to enter the premises using a negative test instead.
Since late December, the après-ski venues have also been closed and the restaurant has a 10pm curfew. Masks are also required inside cable cars and other confined spaces in the country.
It's a good idea to check individual restrictions for the states you plan to travel to as they can have more stringent requirements than the rest of Austria. In Vienna, for example, examinations are mandatory for children from the age of six.
France
Currently, unvaccinated travelers from countries on France's red and orange list can only travel to the country for a limited number of essential reasons. People from the UK, vaccinated or not, cannot travel to France as tourists but there are indications from the government that these rules could be relaxed soon.
If you can reach ski resorts in the country, a health card is also required to access amenities such as ski lifts, bars, cafes and restaurants. This requires you to provide evidence that you have been fully vaccinated, have recently recovered from COVID-19, or had a negative PCR or antigen test taken within the last 24 hours.
This applies to everyone over the age of 12 and will soon change to a vaccine clearance meaning negative tests will no longer be accepted.
Masks are required for queuing for ski lifts and on covered cable cars - but not if you are using the open chair lift or are actively skiing down the slopes. There are no medical exemptions and if you don't wear a mask, you could face a €135 fine.
But check the resorts you plan to visit as some local authorities have implemented stricter rules including the use of masks outdoors.
German
Travel restrictions to enter Germany are relatively strict due to the prevalence of the Omicron variant. All arrivals over the age of 12 must show proof of vaccination, convalescence, or a negative PCR test.
Travel is possible from EU countries and Schengen related countries. For people coming from outside these areas, the rules may vary depending on whether your country is on the 'safe' list.
Some ski resorts in Germany are open but there are strict rules in many locations.
Similar to Austria, vaccinated or reinstated 2G rules apply to many indoor spaces including restaurants, bars and recreational facilities. Comments from the German government suggest that this is likely to be tightened from January 15 to bring 2G+ meaning you will also have to give a negative COVID test.
Requirements may vary by state, however, 2G+ rules already apply in Bavaria and ski resorts are closed in some areas. So it is best to check what is happening at the resort you are planning to visit before making any decision.
Italy
To enter Italy, skiers must show proof of vaccination or recovery in addition to a negative PCR test taken within 48 hours of arrival or an antigen test within 24 hours.
New rules were recently introduced by the Italian government specifically for ski resorts after cases spiked at the end of last year. Previously, a green pass, which you could get with a negative COVID test, would give you access to slopes in white or yellow risk areas.
However starting January 10, a super green permit is required to access ski slopes across the country. This applies to anyone over the age of 12 and means you must be fully vaccinated or have evidence of recovery from the virus.
When your ski ticket is checked, this super green ticket will also be verified. FFP2 or medical masks are also mandatory on ski slopes and anywhere where it is not possible to maintain an appropriate distance including in outdoor queues.
A super green ticket will also be required to enter the bar or restaurant as well as to eat in the outdoor seating area. After a recent rule change, unvaccinated people will no longer be able to use a negative COVID test to enter these places.
Switzerland
To enter Switzerland, persons over the age of 16 will need a negative PCR test performed within 72 hours of arrival or a rapid antigen test performed within 24 hours. A second test is required between four to seven days after you enter the country.
Visitors who have been vaccinated or have fully recovered are allowed to enter for any reason if they have a negative result and do not need to take additional tests.
The rules for ski resorts in Switzerland were released back in October 2021 as the government agreed that no certification was required to access the slopes in that country.
However, a COVID certificate, which shows if you have been vaccinated, recovered or tested negative, will be required to enter indoor bars, restaurants or other facilities.
You won't need it if you only plan to eat in the outdoor seating area.
Masks are required on chairlifts or cable cars and some resorts are limiting capacity to help stop the spread of the virus. Individual resorts may also place further restrictions on travelers as they deem necessary.
So check before you depart for your ski break - especially if your final destination is on a border with another country where stricter restrictions may apply.
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