What to expect from the French Alps this Winter Hucksters Lodge

At the time of writing this*, it’s expected that ski resorts across France will open mid-December as usual. We have got all our fingers and toes crossed for next month! While we’re all currently in the throes of a second lockdown, why not imagine your next budget ski holiday to the French Alps. With our revised booking policy meaning you can pay for your holiday just before you set off (£100 deposit per person on booking and full balance payable 4 weeks prior to arrival), and a full refund or option to re-book should your holiday be affected by the pandemic, your ski holiday can happen this 2021/22 season.

While the views will still be the same and the slopes awaiting you, there will of course be a few changes to ensure your holiday is as safe as possible. We will of course have protocols in place social distancing wise and cleaning, but the official ski resort provider, France Montagnes, has published guidelines on skiing safely in the French Alps.

Much is along the same lines as in the UK, but we would definitely recommend planning as much as possible in advance this season. Here’s what you need to know.

UK travel to France

Since July 2021, any UK residents who are fully vaccinated will not need to present a test on arrival,self-isolate or bring a certificate of travel. You will however need proof of a Full Vaccination Certificate. If you are not fully vaccinated, you must present a negative PCR or antigen test less than 24 hours old in order to enter France from the UK. You will also need to present a sworn declaration testifying that you have no Covid symptoms and have not being in contact with anyone with Covid symptoms within the past 14 days. Children aged 12 years and older will need to present a negative test, however they won't need to self-isolate or present a certificate of travel. Children aged under 12 years will not need to test or self-isolate.

Social distancing and face coverings:

Face coverings must be worn in all public places (e.g. ski schools, transport, lifts, shops, cafes, bars and restaurants) as well as indoors in communal places of your accommodation. Under 11 year old children are not required to wear face coverings. Anyone not in a ‘bubble’ or same household must socially distance by at least one metre.

In bars and restaurants, it is table service only. Guests must wear a face covering when walking around the premises. Hand sanitisers will of course be readily available throughout all facilities in resort, but we would recommend bringing your own too.

Ski lifts:

During peak times, traffic will be reduced on lifts. The number of ski passes available during these busy dates and times will be restricted so we would recommend buying your passes in advance. People must travel together in their ‘bubble’ where possible.

Ski schools:

Skiers will need to wear a face covering while gathering at the start and end of their lesson (under 11 yrs exempt). All hire equipment will be thoroughly cleaned before and after each use.

Travelling in resort:

Face coverings will of course be required on all public transport such as coaches/buses, trains and planes. Our own Hucksters coach will be running this season with strict cleaning procedures in place. Hand sanitiser will be available on board and we will have regular stops to ensure a comfortable journey. Only ‘bubbles’ may sit together and only one person may be in the aisle at one time. Toilets will be available.

Passenger Locator Form (PSL)

**REQUIRED ON ALL TRAVEL BACK INTO THE UK**

All travellers coming into the UK must now complete a Passenger Locator Form. This can be completed on GOV.UK’s website here. This is a legal requirement with fines in place if you don’t submit your form 48 hours before you arrive in the UK. The information you give will be used to contact you if someone you travelled with develops coronavirus symptoms. Each adult must complete their own form. Children can be included on an adult’s form.

Track and Trace:

The French version of track and trace will be in place (currently downloadable as “StopCovid” or “AlerteCovid”). Please also check current UK and French quarantine measures in place prior to travelling.

We hope you will feel confident enough to book your holiday with us this Winter. We have missed seeing all of our guests and we can’t wait to welcome to you back to us in Serre Chevalier, Peisey Vallandry, Tignes or Bovec. If you have any questions at all, please don’t hesitate to contact Chris on 07740 062796 or email here.

Stay safe and thank you all for your support this year. We wouldn’t be here without you!

*Information correct at time of blog publishment, 03.09.21